Raider II Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Raider II emerged in 2011 as a refined successor to the original Raider 16, building upon its successful foundation. The design of the Raider II is attributed to the naval architect bureau of John Drawe and Dave Ellis. John Drawe was also instrumental in defining the brand's identity with the original Raider 16, 6]. Johannsen Boat Works, under the guidance of Mark Johannsen, has consistently focused on small craft with robust fiberglass construction, a hallmark evident in the Raider II's solid hull and deck. The company's manufacturing ethos during this period emphasized creating boats that blend lively performance with inherent stability, appealing to those seeking an engaging yet manageable sailing experience. While the Raider 16 also came in "Sport" variations, the Raider II itself has been noted in search results to have a "Turbo" variant, suggesting a further emphasis on performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring just over 16 feet in length, the Raider II is a nimble and responsive sailing dinghy, designed for an exhilarating experience on the water. It is characterized by its "super fast, yet very easy to sail" nature, making it accessible to a wide range of sailors. The boat's design aims for a balance between agility, characteristic of a skiff, and the stability often found in daysailors, 6]. Owners have noted its impressive performance, particularly off the wind, describing it as capable of "reeling them in". Despite its speed, the Raider II is also recognized for its "nimble yet stable characteristics" and its self-righting capabilities. Its fractional sloop rig and a generous reported sail area of 161.0 square feet contribute to its lively performance, while its light displacement of 200 pounds allows for quick acceleration and responsiveness in various wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact sailing dinghy, the Johannsen Raider II is primarily designed for day sailing and does not feature extensive interior accommodations. Its focus is on providing an open and functional cockpit for active sailing. Due to its size, there is no enclosed cabin or significant headroom. The layout prioritizes a large, uncluttered cockpit, which is typical for a performance-oriented daysailer, allowing for ease of movement and efficient sail handling. The design emphasizes simplicity and robustness, consistent with Johannsen Boat Works' reputation for durable small craft.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Johannsen Raider II sailboats frequently praise the vessel for its impressive speed and ease of handling. The build quality from Johannsen Boat Works is consistently highlighted, with one owner remarking on the superior construction. The Raider II is seen as a highly engaging boat for single-handed sailing, offering spirited performance. While it is noted that the boat might require depowering in certain conditions when sailed solo, its off-wind performance is particularly celebrated by its community of enthusiasts. The informal network of owners, often found on online sailing forums, attests to the enduring appeal and appreciation for these compact, performance-oriented sailboats.