History and Design
The Ra-Arguna entered production in 1978 and was built by Plasto GmbH & Co. until 1984. Plasto GmbH & Co., established in 1970, built its identity around the use of plastic materials, aligning with the era's shift towards fiberglass and composite construction, which emphasized durability and cost-effectiveness Builder Article. The design of the Ra-Arguna is credited to Hubert Weber, a known yacht designer. A significant design feature of the Ra-Arguna is its innovative swing keel, which allows for a variable draft, enabling the boat to access both coastal and inland waters. This feature, differentiating it from a fixed wing keel as initially suggested by some data, was a key aspect of Weber's design, aiming for broad usability and shallow water capabilities.
Sailing Performance and Handling
With a length overall of 22.97 feet and a waterline length of 18.0 feet, the Ra-Arguna is a light displacement boat, weighing in at 2,756 pounds. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with 258 square feet of reported sail area, suggests a lively performance for its size. The Ra-Arguna is characterized as a "moderate weight sailboat which is a high performer". Owners and reviewers often describe it as stable and stiff, capable of standing up to a decent breeze.
The swing keel design, allowing the draft to vary between 2.3 feet and 3.94 feet, greatly enhances the boat's versatility, making it ideal for exploring shallow bays, rivers, and even trailer-sailing opportunities. Despite its stability, some accounts note its "low righting capability if capsized," a characteristic not uncommon in lighter, smaller keelboats. Overall, the Ra-Arguna is best suited as a coastal cruiser and can be comfortably sailed by a single person, offering a balanced and enjoyable sailing experience.
Accommodations and Layout
While detailed interior specifications for the Ra-Arguna are not extensively documented, its dimensions suggest a practical and efficient layout typical of a sub-23-foot cruiser. Given its length and beam of 8.17 feet, the interior likely features a basic cabin arrangement designed to maximize usable space. This would typically include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and potentially two settees in a main salon, with limited standing headroom. Storage would be compact, often beneath bunks and within small lockers. The emphasis would be on functionality for weekend trips and short coastal excursions, rather than extended living aboard.