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Laser 28
Designer: Bruce Farr  ·  Builder: Performance Sailcarft/Laser International  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Laser 28

Originally designed as a performance-oriented small keelboat, the Laser 28 represents an interesting chapter in the evolution of recreational sailing craft. Built during an era when manufacturers were exploring the balance between racing capability and weekend cruising comfort, this boat carved out a niche for sailors seeking spirited sailing performance without the extreme demands of pure racing machines. The design emphasizes clean lines and efficient sail handling, making it well-suited for coastal sailing and club racing scenarios. Its moderate size strikes a practical balance for small crews who want responsive handling and the ability to explore local waters with confidence. The boat's proportions suggest it would perform well in a variety of conditions, from light air sailing to more challenging coastal breezes. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Laser 28 appears to have been conceived for sailors who appreciated the brand's reputation for well-engineered, performance-minded designs. The boat would likely appeal to experienced sailors looking for a capable day sailer or weekend cruiser that could also hold its own in casual racing situations. Its legacy reflects the period's emphasis on accessible performance sailing for the growing recreational market.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$18,500 – $18,500
typical asking price
Median $18,500  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$18,500 – $18,500 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.41 ft / 8.66 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.62 ft / 7.20 m
Beam 9.48 ft / 2.89 m
Max Draft 4.98 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 3,950.00 lb / 1,792 kg
Ballast 1,500.00 lb / 680 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 365.00 ft² / 33.91 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG/Termanto PVC foam Hull & deck
Designer Bruce Farr
Builder Performance Sailcarft/Laser International
First Built 1983
Last Built 1990
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
135
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
23.44
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
12.18
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.4
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.51
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
4.53
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 800.08
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.1
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.65
P (Mainsail Luff) 33.14
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.96
SPL/TPS 11.32
SA Fore 150.06
SA Main 214.75
How It Compares

vs. Cc 29 2, Ericson 28, Santana 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Laser 28 ★
28.4 ft
Cc 29 2
28.5 ft
Ericson 28
28.5 ft
Santana 28
28.3 ft
LWL
Laser 28 ★
23.6 ft
Cc 29 2
22.3 ft
Ericson 28
24.2 ft
Santana 28
23.0 ft
Beam
Laser 28 ★
9.5 ft
Cc 29 2
9.4 ft
Ericson 28
10.5 ft
Santana 28
9.2 ft
Displacement
Laser 28 ★
3 lbs
Cc 29 2
6 lbs
Ericson 28
7 lbs
Santana 28
7 lbs
Ballast
Laser 28 ★
1 lbs
Cc 29 2
2 lbs
Ericson 28
3 lbs
Santana 28
2 lbs
Sail Area
Laser 28 ★
365 sq ft
Cc 29 2
396 sq ft
Ericson 28
422 sq ft
Santana 28
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Laser 28 ★
135 s/nm
Cc 29 2
Ericson 28
180 s/nm
Santana 28
180 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Laser 28 ★
23.4
Cc 29 2
17.9
Ericson 28
17.7
Santana 28
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Laser 28 ★
Cc 29 2
40.3 %
Ericson 28
40.0 %
Santana 28
34.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Laser 28 ★
12.2
Cc 29 2
21.6
Ericson 28
19.9
Santana 28
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Laser 28 ★
2.40
Cc 29 2
2.00
Ericson 28
2.15
Santana 28
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Laser 28 ★
Cc 29 2
268
Ericson 28
237
Santana 28
275
Hull Speed
Laser 28 ★
6.5 kts
Cc 29 2
6.3 kts
Ericson 28
6.6 kts
Santana 28
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Laser 28 ★
4.5
Cc 29 2
2.1
Ericson 28
2.3
Santana 28
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