Performance Laser II Information, Review, Specs

The Laser II hull served as a versatile platform for several variations. The most common is the Laser II Regatta, the standard racing configuration featuring a symmetric spinnaker and a single trapeze. For more casual users, the Laser II Fun offered a simplified rig with a furling jib and no spinnaker, while the short-lived Laser II Fun New Wave experimented with an asymmetric spinnaker. Most notably, the hull was later utilized for the Laser 3000 (and its successor, the Vandercraft 3000), which featured a modified deck layout and a more modern asymmetric rig.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Laser II is a quintessentially "responsive" boat, owing much to Frank Bethwaite’s design philosophy of minimizing drag and maximizing planing efficiency. Unlike more stable "sit-in" dinghies, the Laser II is a "sit-on" boat with low freeboard, requiring active weight management and constant attention to the trapeze. In light air, the boat can feel underpowered due to its relatively small jib and a hull shape that prefers to be driven hard to break the surface tension. However, as noted in historical reviews from Canadian Yachting, the boat transforms once the wind exceeds 10–12 knots.

Under spinnaker, the Laser II is capable of exhilarating three-sail reaching. Because the boat uses a traditional symmetric spinnaker, the crew must handle a pole, which adds a layer of technical difficulty compared to modern asymmetric skiffs. This makes it an exceptional teaching tool for sailors moving toward Olympic-class boats. Handling characteristics are dominated by the boat's tendency to plane early; it is nimble and quick to right after a capsize, though it is prone to "turtling" (inverting completely) if the crew is not quick to get on the daggerboard.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Laser II’s primary claim to fame was its long-standing status as a World Sailing International Class. For over two decades, it was the preferred double-handed boat for the ISAF Youth World Championships, cementing its role as the proving ground for future Olympic medalists. While it has since been superseded in many regions by the 29er and the 420, it remains a common sight in European and Canadian club racing and has a minor "cult" following among sailors who prefer the technical challenge of a symmetric kite on a lightweight hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a used Laser II, potential buyers should prioritize hull stiffness and structural integrity over cosmetic appearance.

• Soft Decks: This is the most common failure point. The sandwich-core fiberglass can delaminate over time, particularly in the areas where the crew sits or near the bow. Press firmly on the deck; any "crunching" or significant flex indicates a compromised core.
• The "Laser 2 Smile": Check the junction between the hull and deck at the bow. This area is prone to stress cracking and water ingress. If the joint is separating, it may require significant epoxy work to restore structural safety.
• Mast Step Integrity: While less prone to failure than the single-handed Laser (due to the stayed rig), the mast step and its surrounding support should be checked for cracks or "spiderwebbing" in the gelcoat, which indicates excessive stress.
• Hull/Deck Joint Leaks: The joint is typically riveted and glued. Over time, the sealant can dry out, leading to a "wet boat." A soap-and-air pressure test (blowing air through the bung) can help identify leaks along the gunwale.
• Hardware and Spars: Many original fittings were manufactured by Holt-Allen or Pro-Spars. Ensure the mast is straight and free of salt-water corrosion around the spreader brackets and trapeze terminals, as finding identical replacement spars can be difficult now that the boat is out of mass production.

Community & Resources

The International Laser II Class Association remains the primary authority for class rules and technical specifications, though local fleet activity has shifted primarily to regional Facebook groups and collegiate alumni associations in the UK and Canada. For technical rigging guides, the original Performance Sailcraft manuals are still widely circulated through technical wikis and enthusiast sites.

The Verdict

The Laser II is a high-octane classic that offers incredible speed-for-the-dollar, provided you can find a dry, stiff hull.

Pros:

• Extremely fast and rewarding in moderate to heavy air.
• Excellent technical trainer for spinnaker and trapeze work.
• Lightweight and easy to launch from a beach trolley.
• Affordable entry point into high-performance double-handed sailing.

Cons:

• Poor performance in very light winds compared to modern designs.
• Symmetric spinnaker system is technically demanding and increasingly "out of style."
• Susceptible to deck softening and structural leaks in older models.
• Limited manufacturer support for class-specific replacement parts.