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Sailboat Specifications

Laser 2

Fractional Sloop · Dbrd. Dinghy

Designed by F. Bethwaite/I. Bruce · Built by Vanguard Sailboats · First built 1978

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LOA 14.42 ft  ·  Beam 4.67 ft  ·  Displacement 170.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 124.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Dbrd. Dinghy
About the Laser 2 Sailboat

Building on the success of the original Laser dinghy, the Laser 2 represents a natural evolution into two-person sailing while maintaining the simplicity and accessibility that made its predecessor so popular. This double-handed dinghy emerged as an ideal stepping stone for sailors transitioning from single-handed boats or seeking a more social sailing experience. Designed with the same philosophy of straightforward rigging and user-friendly handling, the Laser 2 excels in recreational sailing, sailing instruction, and club racing environments. The boat's forgiving characteristics make it particularly well-suited for coastal waters and protected bays, where its responsive nature can be fully appreciated without the complexity of larger keelboats. The design maintains the Laser family's reputation for durability and low maintenance, featuring robust construction that can withstand regular use in sailing programs and rental fleets. Its balanced helm and predictable handling characteristics provide an excellent platform for developing sailing skills, while still offering enough performance to keep experienced sailors engaged. The boat's popularity in sailing schools worldwide speaks to its effectiveness as both a training tool and recreational vessel, making it a versatile choice for sailors seeking reliable performance without excessive complexity.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$1,000 – $2,500
typical asking price
Median $2,500  ·  5 listings used
All listings
$1,000 – $2,500 5
About this estimate ▾
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 14.42 ft / 4.40 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.83 ft / 4.22 m
Beam 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Min Draft 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
Displacement 170.00 lb / 77 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 124.00 ft² / 11.52 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer F. Bethwaite/I. Bruce
Builder Vanguard Sailboats
First Built 1978
Last Built 1987
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Laser 2's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Laser 2 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 64.69. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Laser 2's comfort ratio?

The Laser 2 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.4. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Laser 2 safe for offshore sailing?

The Laser 2 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.37. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Laser 2?

The theoretical hull speed of the Laser 2 is 4.98 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Laser 2 weigh?

The Laser 2 has a displacement of 170.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 14.42 ft.

How much does a used Laser 2 cost?

Based on 5 recent market listings, used Laser 2 sailboats typically sell for between $1,000 and $2,500, with a median asking price of $2,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Laser 2?

The Laser 2 was designed by F. Bethwaite/I. Bruce, first built in 1978.