Dinghy development: Laser 13

Laser 13

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2059
Printed Date: 26 Jun 25 at 3:16pm
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Topic: Laser 13

Posted By: PeteW
Subject: Laser 13
Date Posted: 30 Jul 06 at 12:43pm

Does anyone have views, good bad or otherwise, on Laser 13? I'm new to dinghy sailing and am looking for first boat. Just done RYA 1 & 2. Will be sailing solo or with 1 crew. Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: Medway Maniac
Date Posted: 31 Jul 06 at 12:00am

Don't do it! The Laser 13 has to be one of the worst dinghies I've sailed. Poorly balanced, slow, and not particularly confidence-inspiring on the stability front, considering how slow and heavy it is.

How about a Miracle? Light, will easily take two but can be singlehanded, and fun to sail. Now with centre-mainshet option, I believe. Glass-fibre ones are rare but do exist.

As always, however, the advice is to go along to your local sailing club and talk to as many people as possible. See what they sail and get a go if one is offered, or crew for someone a couple of times. You'll pick up loads of info.

Posted By: redback
Date Posted: 04 Aug 06 at 7:12pm

I have to agree with the Medway Maniac. Its a class which has gone and yet there are many boats of similar performance which have survived - they are the ones you should be looking at. Enterprise, Miracle, Wanderer, Wayfarer and Laser 2000 spring to mind and then there's plastic boats by both RS and Topper which also fit this category.

On the other hand if you belong to a club where they all sail the Laser13 then you should get one.

Posted By: NickA
Date Posted: 07 Aug 06 at 2:13pm

Is there really a club where everyone sails laser 13s??? The ramblers association sailing division perhaps?

If you really want a brand new family "picnic" boat (which can take an outboard) look at the RS vision, if you can afford one. Otherwise the wanderer has the same performance as the laser 13 and is stable enough to fish from, plus it's lighter.

For something at least as cheap but faster - try a laser 2 (though it does lack row locks and an outboard plate).

Are you planning to race?

Posted By: PeteW
Date Posted: 08 Aug 06 at 9:58pm

Thanks for your replies. No, not planning to race yet (unless in the novice ranks), and definitely no plans for an outboard or a picnic. Just simple recreational sailing to improve my basic skills (!).

Posted By: Laser_sailer
Date Posted: 21 Mar 22 at 1:35pm

My advice for anyone considering a Laser 13 sailing dinghy would be to try one.

I appreciate this is an old thread but just thought I'd balance the view of the Laser 13 for anyone who has not owned or sailed one.

I've owned numerous boats - including a Laser 13. All different and suited to their particular uses. That's key with boats. The do everything go anywhere boat doesn't exist. Deciding what is important to you and your budget is key.

For the money the Laser 13 is an excellent versatile option. It's not a racer; it's a great value family fun boat that can also take a small outboard motor. And it fits in a standard domestic garage - mast and all. (Mast splits in to 2 sections for ease of transport and storage).

There are alternatives but they may be quicker and off-putting to a young family or learner, won't fit easily in the garage at home, require ongoing maintenance and / or cost more money to buy.

It's all a matter of opinion. Try one for yourself if you can. Make sure it's a good one. There are one or two around still in good condition. Find one that has been privately owned and well maintained. (The Laser 13 was used by sailing schools so many are past it now). If you buy one and decide it doesn't meet your needs then you can sell and get your money back.