Laser 28 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Laser 28 dates back to 1978, when Performance Sailcraft, already celebrated for the wildly successful International Laser dinghy, embarked on a project to develop a larger performance cruiser. The goal was to provide an upgrade path for the thousands of Laser owners seeking a bigger boat that maintained a similar ethos of performance and one-design principles. Ian Bruce, the visionary founder of Performance Sailcraft, collaborated with New Zealand designer Bruce Farr, with the Laser 28 being Farr's 91st design. Production commenced in 1983 and continued until 1990.

The design philosophy emphasized creating a boat that was absolutely "One-Design," much like its smaller dinghy sibling, ensuring that competition would primarily be a test of sailing skills rather than equipment differences. Constructed with a fiberglass PVC foam core for both its hull and deck, and featuring lead ballast, the Laser 28 was built using two-part molds for consistency and strength. [7, The boat's fundamental layout, rig, and structure remained consistent throughout its production run, underscoring its one-design commitment.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Laser 28 is a genuinely performance-oriented vessel, designed to deliver an exciting experience on the water. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.26, she exhibits excellent performance in lighter winds, allowing her to accelerate and maintain speed even in marginal conditions. The ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.38 indicates a respectable level of stiffness for a performance cruiser, enabling the boat to stand up to a good breeze. Her displacement to length ratio, a remarkably low 133.96, confirms her light-displacement nature, contributing to her agility and speed.

Owners frequently praise the Laser 28 for its ease of handling and responsive nature, often describing it as fast and possessing the performance characteristics typically associated with much larger boats. The deck plan is noted for its exceptional ergonomics, making sail handling and maneuvering straightforward. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig, a fin keel, and a spade rudder, the boat offers precise control and a nimble feel. While generally well-behaved, some owners note that the Laser 28 can be a bit tender for shorthanded sailing, particularly in stronger winds, suggesting that sailing with just the main or a main and a small blade jib can provide a more comfortable experience in such conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance focus, the Laser 28 offers surprisingly well-thought-out accommodations for its size, making it suitable for weekend cruising and club racing. The interior boasts an impressive 5 feet 10.5 inches of standing headroom, a notable feature for a vessel of this length. The layout is often described as ingenious, maximizing the available space.

The typical arrangement includes a comfortable double V-berth forward, providing sleeping quarters for two. The main salon often features a "transformer dinette" which likely converts to offer additional sleeping capacity, allowing the boat to comfortably sleep four, or even a family of five. While specific details on galley and head arrangements vary, the overall sentiment is that the accommodations are good for its class, blending the needs of a performance racer with the desire for basic cruising comfort. The general finish quality typically features fiberglass construction, consistent with the builder's production methods, and provides a durable and functional living space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Laser 28 consistently highlight several key strengths of the vessel. Its solid construction and the enjoyable sailing experience are frequently praised, with many appreciating its balance as a capable club racer and a comfortable weekend cruiser. The boat's ease of handling is another recurring positive, making it accessible to a range of sailors.

While largely positive, some owners note that to extract maximum performance in a racing scenario, the boat needs to be kept as light as possible. The tendency for the boat to be somewhat tender when sailed shorthanded in heavier air is also a consideration for some, though this can often be managed with appropriate sail choices. Overall, the Laser 28 maintains a strong reputation for its blend of speed, responsiveness, and practical interior space within a well-built package.