Ian Bruce, of Laser International, headed up a team who was responsible for the introduction of a one-design racing dinghy–the 16 foot Laser. This sophisticated yet simple design was affordable, fast and promoted by a strong class organization. It essentially gave all racers an equal chance on the starting line. The boats were to be raced as purchased (out of the box) and class rules were enforced by measurements at one-design regattas. The 16 foot Laser set the stage for a brand new way of racing, and for the introduction of its big "sister."

The Laser 28 sailboat was designed with the aging Laser sailors in mind. It would offer more comfort and more room for their growing families. It is typically called a racer/cruiser and was designed by Bruce Farr for Laser International In 1985 the Laser 28 was introduced to the sailing market and attracted sailors who liked the idea of class racing but who wanted a bigger boat with the benefits of cruising capabilities tacked on.

The laser 28 is supported by a strong international Class Association. The boat is not designed to any rating rule but rather as a one-design racing boat, and the members of the class association work together to ensure that rules and regulations are enforced. Since production of the 28's stopped in 1990, the Class Association has continued to grow. The exchange of used boats has often been successful through simple advertisements in the Class newsletter, the Twinglines. With increasing activity on the Internet, deals may be made with a simple touch of your computer switch.

HOW

The Laser 28 was designed and built to be used for racing and cruising. Its superb performance in all wind and sea conditions does not compromise its cruising comfort. An important thing to consider is that, while optimum crew for racing is 5 or 6 people with a total weight of 1,000 pounds, it can be handled by 2 people in most conditions.

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Construction:

Load from the rig is transferred to the keel through a rib network which is bonded to, and becomes an integral part of, the hull. This results in a very strong and lightweight construction. The fin keel is almost 5 feet deep and weighs 1500 pounds of the total 4,000 pounds displacement of the boat.

The rig is very flexible which gives a lot of control over the large powerful mainsail. The headsails are fractional for ease of handling and lower costs. The boat performs well in all weather conditions–excels in light winds with quick acceleration, and in heavier conditions downwind planing is easy, well controlled and a real "blast."

The Laser 28 has 5'10-1/2" standing headroom, sleeps 4 (or a family of 5) in comfort. There is a large double V berth, converted dinette and quarter berth. There is a full galley, 2 coolers, an enclosed head aft with marine toilet and a walk-in wet locker. There is massive storage in the form of "soft lockers" which are located along both sides of the boat. These lockers are light, tough and washable.

SUMMARY

The Laser 28 is a great dual-purpose family racer/cruiser. It is aimed for those people who like to cruise as well as to race with family or friends. It competes well with 1,000 pounds of crew weight (the limit in class races). A typical boat will have three couples. In addition to providing great one-design racing, the boat has a successful record in MORC and PHRF racing throughout North America.

STANDARD FEATURES

The following outlines the standard features of the Laser 28 when sold by Laser International. Interested purchasers of used Laser 28's should consult the Class Association if there are any questions.

Construction:

1. Hull & deck sandwich construction using Termanto cross-linked PVC foam.
2. Keel loads transferred into floor structure and not hull skins.

Spars and Rigging

1. White baked paint finish.
2. 1 x 19 s/s rigging throughout, Navtec chain plates.
3. Mast deck-stepped on custom tabernacle for self lowering.
4. Mast and boom extrusions custom designed by Farr.

Deck Hardware

1. Schaeffer and Harken throughout.
2. Maxwell 22 S/T, two speed, primary winches; Maxwell 14, single speed, halyard winches.
3. All halyards and winch-operated control lines "stoppered".

Cockpit

1. One large cockpit bin under hinged seat top on starboard side (optional port side).
2. Engine panel sheltered in starboard locker.
3. Tiller swivels vertically to clear cockpit area completely.
4. Swim ladder integral with stern sail.

Safety

1. Stanchions fitted with double life lines.
2. 1-1/2" drains (2) in cockpit.
3. No water access through cockpit lockers to interior.
4. Danforth 13S anchor mounted in custom designed well.
5. Molded-in non-skid for maximum traction.

Engine

1. Bukh DV 10SME, 10 H.P. Diesel with sail drive and fixed prop.
2. Water sensing switch fitted between double membranes for 100% security.
3. No internal corrosion of sail drive leg as cooling water is obtained through separate inlet with seacock.
4. Flexible supports with hydraulic damping.
5. Electric start, 18 amp. alternator.
6. Decompression lever and facility for pull start.

Electrical

1. Navigation bow light, steaming light, and anchor light.
2. 4 reading lamps in V berth and main cabin. Dome light in quarter berth. fluorescent light over galley and in head.
3. Single battery connected through switch with provision for second battery.
4. All switches on safety breakers.

Accommodation

1. Double V berth; dinette converts to double; large quarter berth sufficient for 2 children or 1 adult.
2. Incredible amount of storage space in individual "soft lockers" throughout boat. Removable in spring and fall. 3 soft lockers per side plus night storage pouches for glasses, pocket books, medications, etc.
3. Standing head room–5'10-1/2".

Galley

1. 2 Burner alcohol ( ) gimbaled stove.
2. Chopping board tops on 1-1/2" insulated ice box and dry locker.
3. Removable chopping board stored under stove fills out counter top.
4. Large under-counter storage.
5. Dish and cup storage behind sliding doors.

Head

1. Fully enclosed with marine toilet and through-hull.
2. Access to large wet locker aft is through head.
3. Shower can be added as option.
4. Soft lockers provide private storage for all crew members.
5. Basin provides seated access for shaving, make-up, etc.

Navigation

1. Extra large dinette table provides chart table capability with storage box under.
2. Instruments stored in soft locker liner.
3. Chart/reading light provided.

Conveniences

1. Tool locker under top step.
2. Removable laundry bin (forepeak) and garment bag (aft of galley).
3. Separate cooler supplied for home packing.
4. Companionway hatch slides back 4" beyond washboards for rain proof overhang.
5. Panels from V berth convert main cabin into round-the table lounge; when removed provide access to spinnaker storage and forward hatch.
6. All locker lids integral with cushions, including berths.
7. All sea cocks handy to main cabin.
8. Easy access to bilge.
9. V berth removable for handicap racing. (Not allowed in Class racing.)
10. Custom designed, low-profile hatch provides minimum interference to foredeck work.
11. Engine access from companionway, quarter berth and wet locker.
12. Tinted windows to cut down heat buildup.
13. Drain hose on ice box connects to sink drain throughull.
14. Immediate battery access under settee cushion.

Plumbing

1. Portable polyethylene fresh water tanks attached to hand pumps in head and galley. Capacity limited only to number of tanks carried.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

The following outlines the standard equipment of the Laser 28 when sold by Laser International. Interested purchasers of used Laser 28's should consult the Class Association if there are any questions.

(included with boat from factory)

1. Mainsail w/2 reefs
2. 153% Mylar Genoa, 106% No. 2, Working Jib.
3. All around reacher/runner spinnaker.
4. Headfoil.
5. 2nd Genoa halyard, Spinnaker halyard, Spinnaker downhaul and topping lift, 1st and 2nd reef outhauls, Vang and Cunningham.
6. Spinnaker pole and stowage hoops (on boom).
7. Split-backstay controls.
8. Full cockpit-width traveller.
9. 8:1 fine-tune control on mainsheet.
10. 2 blade, Gori, folding prop.
11. Barber haulers and Spinnaker twings.
12. Lifeline webbing.