LA Cruiser Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The LA Cruiser's production tenure from 1958 to 1967 coincided with a transformative period for Botved Boats. Founded by Ole Botved in 1951, the company, while later achieving widespread acclaim for its fiberglass powerboats, initially engaged in limited sailboat production. During this time, Danish designer Knud Olsen, known for his work on popular sailing dinghies like the OK Dinghy, was associated with Botved Boats until 1961, making him a likely influence or designer behind the LA Cruiser. This period saw Botved embracing fiberglass construction, laying the groundwork for the robust and high-quality vessels that would become their hallmark. The LA Cruiser, with its fin keel and fiberglass hull with a plywood core, embodies this early adoption of modern boatbuilding materials, designed for durability and seaworthiness even as the company's focus was steadily shifting towards powerboat dominance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 30 feet (29.43 ft) and a waterline length of 25.0 feet, the LA Cruiser presents as a compact yet capable sailing vessel. Its design features a fin keel and a masthead sloop rig, indicative of a boat intended for reasonably lively performance. The calculated sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.21 suggests moderate performance in lighter winds, meaning she might require a bit more breeze to truly come alive compared to some dedicated light-air performers.

However, the LA Cruiser benefits from a healthy ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.46. This high percentage of ballast, composed of iron, points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up well to a stronger breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 177.31 positions her as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for her size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. This combination suggests that while not an out-and-out racer, the LA Cruiser would likely offer a rewarding sailing experience, characterized by stability and a respectable turn of speed in suitable conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Details regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Botved LA Cruiser are scarce, reflecting its limited production and the passage of time. As with many sailboats of its era and size, it can be inferred that the interior would prioritize functionality within the confines of its 8.01-foot beam. Typical arrangements for a vessel of this type would likely include a V-berth forward, a compact head, a small galley, and a salon area that might convert into additional berths. Given the focus on sturdy construction by Botved, the interior finish would likely have been practical and robust, potentially featuring a mix of wood trim and fiberglass surfaces. However, without specific documentation, precise descriptions of materials, storage, or ventilation remain speculative.