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The Laser 28 is a 28.41ft fractional sloop designed by Bruce Farr and built in fiberglass by Performance Sailcraft between 1983 and 1990.

The Laser 28 is a light sailboat which is a very high performer. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

Laser 28 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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Guide to Laser Sail and Rig Sizes

Over 200,000 Laser sailboats have been built over the last 40 years, more than most other small dinghy sailboats. In this article we are going to answer one of the most common questions we get: What size rig do I have?  This will help answer what size sail and/or rig you already have and what size sail and/or rig you need to purchase to update your Laser. 

What size rig / sail do I have? Standard vs. Radial vs 4.7 Explained

The Laser sailboat has had a number of different rig sizes, with the intention of making the boat sailable by a wide range of sailors (and different sailor weights) by simply swapping out the lower mast section and sail while keeping all other components the same. There are currently three different rig sizes and they are commonly referred to as 'Standard', 'Radial' and '4.7'. Below you will find an image that shows the three rigs side by side, and in the following section we'll explain each one.

Laser Standard / MK2 / ILCA 7

This is the most common Laser rig size, and the original rig on the boat when it was designed. It features a 7.06 square meter sail (about 76 square feet). In 2018, the Laser Class approved a new 'Standard' sail, which is referred to as the 'MKII' or 'Mark 2' to distinguish it from the first version. The difference, among other things, is in the panels. The original 'Standard' sail featured horizontal cut panels. The new MkII sail has radial cut panels. There is no difference in size between these two versions, and as of 2020 all new Laser Standard sails are available in this updated cut.  

How to tell if you have a 'Standard' sail:  The first and most obvious way to tell if you have a 'Standard' sail is to look at the panels. If they are horizontal, it is most likely a standard sail. Next, you can measure the luff (the front edge of the sail along the mast sleeve). This measurement should be about 5130 mm or 200 inches  from the top of the sail to the bottom.

How to tell if you have a 'Standard' lower mast section:  The 'Standard' lower mast section should measure about 2865 mm or 113 inches . It is a fairly stout mast section compared to the two smaller mast sections. 

Laser Radial / ILCA 6

Originally called the 'M' rig when first designed, the Laser 'Radial' sail is smaller than the 'Standard' sail at 5.76 square meters (62 square feet). At the time, it was the only Laser sail to feature the radial cut panels, which allowed the sail to be de-powered more easily in bigh winds. Per the notes about the 'Standard' rig above, both the Standard and Radial sail feature the radial cut design. Another typical indicator of a Radial size sail are the blue panels at the tack and clew of the sail.

How to tell if you have a 'Radial' sail:  The first and most obvious way to tell if you have a 'Standard' sail is to look at the panels. If they are radial, as in emanating out from the center, it is most likely a radial sail. Next, you can measure the luff (the front edge of the sail along the mast sleeve). This measurement should be about 4560 mm or 180 inches  from the top of the sail to the bottom.

How to tell if you have a 'Radial' lower mast section:  The 'Radial' lower mast section should measure about  2262 mm or 89 inches . It is also a bit smaller in diameter than the standard section. 

Laser 4.7 / ILCA 5

The Laser 4.7 (or ILCA 5) is the smallest of the three Laser sails and was designed for young sailors just getting into Laser sailing. The 4.7 lower mast section is also different from the others in that is has a pre-bend near the boom fitting, allowing the sail to depower much easier. This is the least common Laser sail size, and if you have an old one around, chances are it is not a 4.7 sail.

How to tell if you have a '4.7' sail:  The 4.7 is similar to the old 'Standard' sail as it has cross cut panels. Many 4.7 sails also have an obvious 4.7 logo somewhere on the cloth. Next, you can measure the luff (the front edge of the sail along the mast sleeve). This measurement should be about  4080 mm or 160 inches  from the top of the sail to the bottom.

How to tell if you have a '4.7' lower mast section:  The '4.7 lower mast section has a pre-bend in it and should measure about 1810 mm or 71 inches . The bend is the easiest way to tell it apart from the others. 

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Are you ready to take on the world of sailing, but not sure where to look for a laser sailboat? Laser sailing provides a thrilling and versatile experience for sailors worldwide, offering agile performance, competitive racing, and a vibrant global community. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor seeking your next challenge or a beginner eager to dip your toes into the world of sailing, finding the right Laser sailboat is the first step for many.

With so many options available, the search for the perfect Laser sailboat may seem like a daunting task. But fear not! Below, we’ll help you navigate through the waters of boat hunting and discover the best places to find both new and used Laser sailboats for sale. From reliable dealers to online marketplaces and local sailing communities, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources to streamline your search.

Where To Look For A Laser Sailboat

There are several excellent places you can look at when you want to buy a second-hand Laser sailboat. As well as asking around (especially down at your local club before or after a race, or asking your friends, family, and coworkers who may know of someone selling a laser dinghy), some other common places to look for a used Lasers dinghy for sale include:

• Online marketplaces : For example, eBay and Craigslist. They don’t always have many options for dinghies, but you may want to set up an alert anyway. Sometimes they have some accessories at good prices.
• Various sailing/Laser Forums : just search ‘laser forums’ as most have online classified sections, with https://sailingforums.com/ worth visiting.
• Laser dealers/shops : Secondhand boats are often used for trade-ins on newer ones and boat shop owners will often know someone with something for sale.
• Notice boards at Sailing Clubs : Members upgrading/downsizing will often sell their older boats and post them on notice boards.
• Newspaper/sailing magazine classifieds : can be a good place to find deals near your home.
• Online boat brokers : Websites like YachtWorld or BoatTrader have listings for new and used boats, including laser dinghies.
• Various websites : There are many great websites where you can find laser dinghies for sale. See some examples in specific countries below…

Country-Specific Websites

In addition to these potential sources, there are many country-specific websites where you will be able to locate used laser sailboat listings. They include the following*:

In Australia:

• Qld Laser Association
• NBSailsports
• Double Bay Sailing Club
• Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
• Laser Direct (new gear)
• Port Melbourne Yacht Club
• AustraliaListed.com
• Boats Online
• PSA Sailing (new gear)
• Western Australian Laser Association
• Australian Radio Yachting Association (RC Lasers)
• Radio Control Sailing Australia (RC Lasers)
• Yachthub.com

In the United States:

• SailboatListings.com
• West Coast Sailing (new gear)
• Shoreline Sailboats (new gear)
• Smart Marine Guide
• Intensitysails (new gear)
• Sailsport Marine (new gear)
• Laser I Store (new gear)
• Fogh Marine
• Alberta Sailing Association
• Marine Outfitters (new gear)
• CanadianListed.com

In the United Kingdom:

• Apollo Duck
• Sailing Chandlery (new gear)
• For-sale.co.uk
• boatsandoutboards.co.uk
• sailboats.co.uk (new gear)
• Sailingfast (new gear)

In Ireland:

• ILCA Ireland

In the Netherlands:

In new zealand:.

• New Zealand Laser Association

* We are not affiliated with these sites and have not purchased through many of them. They are listed for your information only. Use with caution.

Use Patience When Buying a Dinghy

You might be tempted to simply go out and buy the first dinghy you inspect. You might inspect one and fall in love at first sight. However, dedicating time to learning what to look for when buying a Laser dinghy will arm you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. This ensures that your chosen boat aligns perfectly with your sailing aspirations, remains in good condition, and suits your specific needs and preferences.

Once you decide whether you’re shopping for a new or used Laser sailboat, finding the right one isn’t difficult. There are many different sources available at your fingertips. Yes, you might have to inspect a few before finding the perfect dinghy that meets your exact requirements, but the learning that comes from this process is invaluable. By conducting your own research and having discussions with laser dinghy owners, you can learn a great deal.

So, while the initial excitement of the first dinghy may be captivating, investing time in research and evaluation will lead to a more satisfying and rewarding sailing journey ahead.

What About Info on Selling a Laser Dinghy?

Selling your Laser sailboat is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. If and when you want to sell your laser dinghy, it’s essential to find the right buyer. In this article , we explore the best strategies for selling your Laser dinghy and navigating the market to ensure a smooth and successful selling experience. Whether you’re upgrading to a new boat or transitioning to a different type of sailing, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and advice to help you find the perfect match for your Laser sailboat and pass on the joy of sailing to its next owner.

What’s Your Tip For The Best Place To Find a Laser Sailboat For Sale?

Have you got any other tips and places to check out when looking for a used laser sailboat for sale? If you have bought one, where did you find your dinghy? What do you think is the best place to find a used Laser dinghy? Please share below…

Previous: Things To Consider When Buying A Laser Dinghy

Next: Inspecting a Laser Dinghy

I actually bought my Laser from Sailing Pro Shop. Just another option for those looking.

How much can I expect to get for my laser. It is three years old and sailed only a few times. It is not banged up at all. It was stored in our garage over the winter with a cover. We paid 15,000 for it. We are in NH, the lakes region.

Hi Marie That depends on many factors, including the age and condition of your Laser sailboat. But on top of this, it also depends on what others are selling for in your area. This is often a good starting point – checking the price of other Lasers dinghies in the area. So spend some time researching to get a good idea of what is a realistic sale price. Here is some more information that you might find useful when selling your dinghy – check it out here . Good luck with it. Cheers Brendan

$15 000.?? The gold-plated version? ?

(Brand-new, in 2021, Lasers run for a tad under $5K)

Not in Australia they don’t.

Any tips for selling a Laser? I have it posted on three sailing sites, including sailingforums.com, craigslist, and facebook. I have a 2007 Laser in excellent condition rarely sailed and never in salt water.

Hi Joseph Thanks for your message. I have put together some information to help Laser sailors sell their dinghies as quickly and easily as possible, and for the best price. Check it out here . Hope it helps, and all the best. Brendan

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• Sailboat Guide

Laser 2 is a 14 ′ 5 ″ / 4.4 m monohull sailboat designed by Bethwaite Design and Ian Bruce and built by Performance Sailcraft between 1978 and 1987.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Thanks to Ken H. for contributing drawing scanned from orginal brochure. The LASER 2 has a convoluted history. There was the LASER II FUN, and the LASER II REGATTA, a LASER FUN NEW WAVE, (which added an assym. spinnaker). All retired before 1990.

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