Performance Laser 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Laser 28 is frequently described by its owners as a "dinghy on steroids," a testament to its responsiveness and Bruce Farr’s design pedigree. With a displacement of approximately 3,950 pounds and a generous sail area, the boat features a high Sail Area/Displacement ratio that allows it to excel in light air where heavier cruisers falter. Its fractional rig and tapered mast provide significant control over sail shape, making it a favorite for technical sailors who enjoy "twiddling the strings."

According to technical data from the Laser 28 Class Association, the boat is designed to plane under spinnaker in moderate to heavy breeze, a rarity for a boat with a full interior from this era. Tracking is generally reliable thanks to its deep fin keel and high-aspect spade rudder, though the boat requires active mainsheet trimming to stay upright when the breeze freshens above 15 knots. Its sea-kindliness is respectable for a light-displacement boat, though it can be lively in a chop.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many 28-foot racing boats that offer "stripped-out" interiors, the Laser 28 features a clever, albeit minimalist, living space. The interior utilizes a modular construction method where the furniture components contribute to the hull’s structural integrity. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a central salon with two settees that double as berths, and a compact galley and navigation station. A unique feature for a boat of this size and vintage is the aft quarter berth and the enclosed head located just aft of the companionway.

While the Laser 28 was built as a strict one-design boat, small variations exist between the Canadian-built models from Performance Sailcraft and those built under license in the United Kingdom and Europe. These variations are primarily cosmetic or related to local hardware preferences rather than structural changes. Because the class rules were so stringent, there are no "shoal draft" or "tall rig" siblings; every Laser 28 was intended to be identical to maintain the integrity of the racing fleet.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Laser 28 gained notoriety in the 1980s as the "big brother" to the Olympic-class Laser dinghy. It was marketed heavily as the logical next step for the generation of sailors who had grown up racing dinghies but now had families. The boat’s launch was accompanied by a high-profile marketing campaign by Performance Sailcraft, positioning it as a "World Boat" that could be raced anywhere under a unified set of rules.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique composite construction of the hull and deck.

• Deck Delamination: Because the boat utilizes a foam core, moisture ingress around improperly bedded deck hardware can lead to soft spots. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the deck is essential.
• The "Farr Smile": Like many boats with a deep fin keel, the Laser 28 can develop a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it should be checked for structural movement.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect rudder places significant load on the bearings. Play in the helm often indicates the need for bushing replacement.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were equipped with the Bukh DV8 or small Yanmar diesels. Given the age of these vessels, the raw-water cooling systems and saildrive seals (if equipped) require close scrutiny.

Community & Resources

The boat is supported by the Laser 28 Class Association, which serves as the primary repository for tuning guides, technical manuals, and a registry of surviving hulls. This community is particularly active in North America, specifically in the Great Lakes and Eastern Canada, where one-design fleets continue to compete.

The Verdict

The Laser 28 remains one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the world of high-performance keelboat racing without sacrificing the ability to spend a night at anchor.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and planing potential.
• High-quality construction using advanced composite materials.
• Strict one-design rules ensure a level playing field for racers.
• Functional, four-berth interior suitable for weekend cruising.

Cons:

• Light displacement makes it "busy" and physically demanding in heavy weather.
• Foam core requires diligent maintenance to prevent moisture issues.
• Minimalist interior may lack the "woodiness" preferred by traditional cruisers.