When did they stop making Laser 2

Understanding the Laser 2 timeline

The Laser 2, that two-person sailing dinghy a lot of folks loved, was built by Performance Sailcraft—later LaserPerformance—from the late 1970s until they pulled the plug in 2019. This thing was designed as the hot-rod version of the original Laser, complete with a trapeze and spinnaker for those who wanted to get a bit more serious. Production stopped mainly because sales tanked and the company decided to put their energy into newer stuff like the Laser 2000 and Laser 3000. Last official year was 2019, though you might've found leftover stock trickling into 2020.

Why did LaserPerformance stop making the Laser 2?

Honestly, it wasn't one thing—it was a bunch. The sailing market just moved on, you know? People wanted newer, more versatile designs that appealed to a wider crowd. The Laser 2 had its die-hard fans, sure, but that niche wasn't enough to keep the factory humming. LaserPerformance wanted to simplify their lineup, focusing on the original Laser, the Laser Pico, and the Laser Vago—boats that actually sold well. Plus, keeping those molds and production lines running for a low-volume boat? That gets expensive fast. And let's be real, newer two-person dinghies like the RS200 and 29er came along with better tech and performance. The Laser 2 just couldn't keep up.

What years was the Laser 2 produced?

How does the Laser 2 compare to the original Laser?

They're totally different beasts. The original Laser is a single-handed boat—just you and the wind. The Laser 2? You need a crew and a helm. It's got a trapeze for the crew, a spinnaker for when you're going downwind, and way more sail area. It's heavier too, more stable at speed, which makes it for advanced sailors. Meanwhile, the original Laser is simpler, lighter, easier to sail alone—that's why it's everywhere and still in production. The Laser 2's complexity and needing a buddy to sail with? That limited its appeal. Big time.

Are Laser 2 parts still available?

Yeah, you can still get a lot of parts from specialist shops or the secondhand market. Stuff like the mast, boom, sails, and rigging are still made by companies like Selden and Hyde Sails. Hull parts—centerboards, rudders, that kind of thing—you can find from LaserPerformance dealers or online forums. But some oddball parts, like the original spinnaker pole or certain fittings, might get harder to find as time goes on. If you're a Laser 2 owner, join some owner groups on social media or hit up forums for swaps and tips. For anything safety-critical, don't mess around—use certified replacements.

Is the Laser 2 still competitive in racing?

Not a mainstream racing class anymore, no. But it's got a loyal following in some places. Lots of clubs do mixed or handicap racing where the Laser 2 can go up against similar two-person boats. But it's not Olympic or international, so big regattas are pretty rare. The boat's age means it probably won't match the speed of modern stuff like the 29er or RS200. Still, it's a fun, challenging boat for club racing. If you're into vintage boat racing, there's a small but active community that throws events in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe.

What should I check when buying a used Laser 2?

• Hull condition: Look for cracks, delamination, or soft spots—especially around the centerboard trunk and transom.
• Rigging: Check the mast, boom, and standing rigging for rust or wear. Swap out any damaged wires.
• Sails: Watch for tears, UV damage, or stretched fabric. Old sails won't be as good as new ones.
• Trapeze and spinnaker gear: Make sure the trapeze wires and spinnaker pole are solid and work.
• Trailer: Check the trailer's roadworthy—lights work, tires are decent.

Frequently asked questions about the Laser 2