Speedball 14 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Speedball 14 commenced in 1980, under the stewardship of Laguna Yachts. Laguna Yachts, founded by Bill Downing in 1973, established a reputation for manufacturing fiberglass sailboats that prioritized ease of use and family-friendly cruising, a philosophy that extended to their smaller daysailer offerings. While Laguna Yachts' primary focus often leaned towards comfortable family cruisers and daysailers, the Speedball 14 embodies the "sailing dinghy" role within their portfolio.

The design itself hails from W. Shad Turner, a naval architect credited with numerous popular models for Laguna and its predecessor, Windrose, including the Windrose 18, 22, and 24. Turner's designs were generally characterized by stability and straightforward handling. The Speedball 14 features a centerboard keel, allowing for versatility in varying water depths, from shallow coves to deeper sailing grounds. There is no indication of significant design variations during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light and nimble sailing dinghy, the Laguna Speedball 14, with a length overall of just over 14 feet and a displacement of 225 pounds, is designed for responsive handling and spirited performance. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a reported sail area of 128 square feet, provides ample power for its size. Owners have noted that the Speedball 14 carries a comparatively tall rig for a boat of its length, suggesting good light-air performance. Its lightweight fiberglass hull contributes to its agility and makes for a lively sailing experience, while the centerboard configuration offers flexibility for launching and retrieving, as well as adjusting performance characteristics. The boat is generally considered to be balanced and responsive, making it an enjoyable vessel for learning to sail or for experienced sailors seeking a fun, easily managed boat for a quick outing.

Accommodations and Layout

Befitting its role as a dedicated sailing dinghy, the Laguna Speedball 14 features a simple, open cockpit layout. With a beam of approximately 5.75 feet, the cockpit offers sufficient space for a small crew or family for day sailing excursions. True interior accommodations, such as cabins or berths, are not present, reflecting its design as a boat primarily intended for on-the-water activity rather than overnight stays. The focus of the layout is on functional sailing, with straightforward controls and an uncluttered deck for ease of movement.