Laser Pico Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The handling characteristics of the Laser Pico are defined by its stability and forgiving nature. Unlike the standard Laser (now the ILCA), which features a narrow, sensitive hull, the Pico utilizes a wider, flatter bottom and a significant "chine" that provides high initial stability. This makes it an ideal platform for teaching the fundamentals of weight distribution without the immediate penalty of a capsize. The boat is typically rigged with a 5.1 square meter mainsail and an optional 1.09 square meter jib, providing enough power for two children or one adult, according to technical insights from LaserPerformance.

In terms of responsiveness, the Pico tracks well due to its daggerboard design, though it lacks the high-pointing capabilities of more technical racing dinghies. One of its most praised handling features is the high boom, which provides ample clearance during tacks and gybes, significantly reducing the risk of "boom-to-head" contact for novices. The cockpit is self-draining, a critical safety feature that ensures the boat does not become swamped after a capsize. When the wind picks up, the Pico displays a surprisingly playful side; it is light enough to plane on a reach, though its blunt bow and polyethylene texture mean it will never match the raw speed of a dedicated performance skiff.

There is a specific "Pico Race" variant that upgrades the standard Dacron sail to a fully battened Mylar version and adds a 4:1 kicking strap (vang). This version provides a more tactile experience, allowing developing sailors to experiment with sail shape and tension, effectively bridging the gap between a pure trainer and a club racer.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Laser Pico’s cultural footprint is most visible in the global "sailing holiday" industry. It has been the flagship training vessel for major operators like Sunsail and Mark Warner for decades. Because of its nearly indestructible hull, it is often featured in Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training manuals and videos as the gold standard for Level 1 and Level 2 "Start Sailing" courses. While it rarely features in high-stakes cinematic productions, its presence in nearly every coastal dinghy park in Europe and North America has made it a recognizable icon of recreational maritime culture.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Pico is renowned for its durability, several age-related and usage-specific issues should be inspected by prospective buyers. Because the hull is made of polyethylene, it cannot be repaired using standard fiberglass resins; specialized plastic welding is required for deep gouges or cracks.

• Mast Step and Gate: The mast gate—the metal fitting that secures the mast at deck level—can become bent or the bolts can work loose over time. More importantly, the mast step at the bottom of the hull should be checked for "rounding" or excessive wear, which can occur if the boat is sailed with a loose mast.
• Hull Rigidity (Oil-Canning): Older Picos, or those stored incorrectly under heavy weight, can suffer from "oil-cannining," where the bottom of the hull loses its stiffness and flexes inward. This significantly hampers performance.
• Rudder Casting and Kick-up Mechanism: The Pico uses a kick-up rudder for easy beaching. The plastic or metal clips that hold the rudder in the "down" position often fatigue or break. Ensure the rudder stays locked down under pressure.
• Bung and Hatch Seals: Inspect the rear drain bung and the circular storage hatch. If these seals fail, the hollow hull can take on water, making the boat heavy, sluggish, and potentially dangerous if left to sit low in the water.

Community & Resources

The Laser Pico is supported by a broad network of regional sailing associations and club-level fleets. While it does not have the intense international racing circuit of its sibling, the Laser/ILCA, it is a core class within the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) ecosystem. Technical support and replacement parts are widely available through the global LaserPerformance dealer network, ensuring that even decades-old hulls can be maintained with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sails, spars, and foils.

The Verdict

The Laser Pico is the definitive "first boat" for the modern era. It sacrifices the high-performance edge of fiberglass racers for a nearly bulletproof construction that encourages confidence in beginners.

Pros:

• Extreme Durability: The rotomolded hull handles beaching and collisions with minimal damage.
• Safety-First Design: High boom clearance and a self-draining cockpit minimize common novice accidents.
• Versatility: Can be sailed solo, or by an adult and child together, with a simple reefing system for high winds.
• Resale Value: Due to their popularity in schools, there is a constant secondary market for used Picos.

Cons:

• Repair Difficulty: Polyethylene requires specialized tools and skills to repair compared to fiberglass.
• Weight: At approximately 70kg (154lbs) for the hull, it is heavier than comparable fiberglass dinghies, making it a challenge for one person to roof-rack.
• Performance Ceiling: The hull shape and material drag mean it is not a competitive choice for serious club racing beyond its own one-design fleet.