Laser / ILCA Sailboat Specs: Hull, Rig and Sail Dimensions
The Laser (now officially the ILCA Dinghy) is a 13 ft 10.5 in (4.23 m) single-handed sailboat with a hull weight of about 125–130 lb (57–59 kg). One hull takes three interchangeable rigs: the ILCA 7 / Standard with 76 sq ft (7.06 m²) of sail, the ILCA 6 / Radial with 62 sq ft (5.76 m²), and the ILCA 4 / 4.7 with 50.6 sq ft (4.7 m²).
Below you’ll find every key measurement in one place, what each rig is for, and what the numbers mean when you’re moving, storing, or buying a boat.
Summary of Key Laser Dinghy Specifications
Every Laser / ILCA hull is built to the same one-design rules, so these figures apply whether your boat was built in 1979 or last year.
Hull Specs:
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 13 ft 10.5 in | 4.23 m |
| Length at waterline (LWL) | 12 ft 6 in | 3.81 m |
| Beam (width) | 4 ft 7 in | 1.39 m |
| Hull weight (fitted hull) | 125 lb | 57 kg |
| Draft (centerboard down) | approx. 2 ft 7 in | approx. 0.79 m |
| Crew | 1 (single-handed) |
Hull weight is the fitted hull, before the mast, boom, sail, and foils go on. You’ll often see 130 lb (59 kg) quoted, especially for older boats; builders today list 57 kg.
Laser Sail Area Specs:
| ILCA 7 / Standard | ILCA 6 / Radial | ILCA 4 / 4.7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sail area | 76 sq ft (7.06 m²) | 62 sq ft (5.76 m²) | 50.6 sq ft (4.70 m²) |
| Mast height (assembled) | 21 ft 2 in (6.46 m) | 19 ft 3 in (5.86 m) | 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m) |
| Luff | 16 ft 10 in (5.13 m) | 14 ft 11.5 in (4.56 m) | 13 ft 5 in (4.09 m) |
| Leech | 18 ft 3 in (5.57 m) | 16 ft 5 in (5.01 m) | 14 ft 10.5 in (4.54 m) |
| Foot | 9 ft (2.74 m) | 9 ft (2.74 m) | 8 ft 1.5 in (2.48 m) |
| Lower mast | Longest, straight (approx. 9 ft 4.5 in / 2.86 m) | Shorter, more flexible (approx. 7 ft 5 in / 2.26 m) | Shortest, with a built-in bend |
| Suggested sailor weight | 165 lb+ (75 kg+) | 120–165 lb (55–75 kg) | 77–120 lb (35–55 kg) |
The hull, top mast section, and boom are the same on all three rigs. Only the sail and the lower mast change.
Laser Dinghy Background
The Laser was designed by Bruce Kirby and launched at the 1971 New York Boat Show. The idea was a boat that was simple to build, simple to sail, and affordable to buy, and it worked: more than 200,000 have been built, and they’re sailed in over 140 countries.
That simplicity made it a favorite with sailing schools and clubs, and its strict one-design rules made it a serious racing boat. Because every boat is the same, races are decided by the sailor, not the equipment. It became the Olympic single-handed dinghy in 1996 and is still raced at the Games today.
In 2019, the class was renamed ILCA after a dispute over the “Laser” trademark. It’s the same boat with a new name, and most sailors still call older boats Lasers. Here’s the full story behind the name change.
The Laser Dinghy – 3 Sailboats In 1
Every Laser / ILCA uses the same hull. Swap the sail and the lower mast section and you have a different boat for a different sailor, which is how one design can take someone from their early teens all the way to masters racing. The three rigs are:
- ILCA 4 / Laser 4.7
- ILCA 6 / Laser Radial
- ILCA 7 / Laser Standard
Rigging is simple: the sail has a sleeve that slides over an unstayed, two-piece mast, so one person can rig, launch, and sail the boat alone. Fewer parts also means less to break.
Not sure which rig suits you? Our Laser vs ILCA guide compares all three side by side and walks you through choosing.
The Laser 4.7 / ILCA 4…
The 4.7 is the smallest rig. Its 50.6 sq ft (4.7 m²) sail is about 33% smaller than the Standard, set on a shorter lower mast with a built-in bend. It suits sailors around 77–120 lb (35–55 kg), which usually means younger sailors moving up from an Optimist or similar junior boat.
The Laser Radial / ILCA 6…
The Radial uses a 62 sq ft (5.76 m²) sail, about 18% smaller than the Standard, on a shorter, more flexible lower mast. It suits sailors around 120–165 lb (55–75 kg), the widest range of the three, so it’s the rig you’ll see most often at many clubs, sailed by youth, women and masters alike. It’s also the rig used for the women’s Olympic event. You can spot a Radial sail by its panels, which fan out from the clew (the back bottom corner).
The Laser Standard / ILCA 7…
The Standard is the full-size rig: a 76 sq ft (7.06 m²) sail on a full-length, stiff lower mast. It suits sailors around 165 lb (75 kg) and up, and it rewards weight and fitness once the breeze builds. It’s the rig used for the men’s Olympic event.
The International Laser Class Association
The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) runs the class worldwide through regional and national associations. It writes and enforces the class rules that keep every boat identical, and it organizes the major championships. Membership is open to anyone who owns or sails one, and it’s generally required if you want to race in class-sanctioned events.
What the Specs Mean in Practice
Moving the hull
At around 125–130 lb, the hull is light for a boat. But for one person on a beach, it’s awkward. Two adults can lift a hull onto a roof rack, but on your own you’ll want a launching dolly to get it from the car to the water and back. Our guide to Laser dollies and trailers covers the options.
Matching the rig to your weight
Weight matters more than height. If you’re in the overlap between two rigs, let your experience and your local conditions decide: if your club gets a strong afternoon sea breeze, size down. The Laser vs ILCA guide goes through this step by step.
Buying a used boat
Because every hull is built to the same measurements, the specs won’t tell you much about a used boat’s condition. What matters is how stiff the hull is, the state of the mast step, and which rig actually comes with it. Our used Laser inspection guide covers what to check, and its sail number table shows roughly what year a boat was built.
Laser / ILCA Specs FAQ
How long is a Laser sailboat?
A Laser / ILCA is 13 ft 10.5 in (4.23 m) long overall and 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) at the waterline. Every boat in the class is built to the same length.
How much does a Laser weigh?
The fitted hull weighs about 125 lb (57 kg); you’ll also see 130 lb (59 kg) quoted. That’s light enough for two people to lift onto a roof rack, or for one person to move on a launching dolly.
How tall is a Laser mast?
An assembled ILCA 7 / Standard mast is about 21 ft 2 in (6.46 m). The ILCA 6 / Radial mast is about 19 ft 3 in (5.86 m) and the ILCA 4 / 4.7 is about 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m). The top section is the same on all three; only the lower section changes.
What sail sizes does a Laser use?
Three: the ILCA 7 / Standard at 76 sq ft (7.06 m²), the ILCA 6 / Radial at 62 sq ft (5.76 m²) and the ILCA 4 / 4.7 at 50.6 sq ft (4.7 m²). All three fit the same hull.
What weight do you need to be to sail a Laser?
As a guide: 77–120 lb (35–55 kg) for the 4.7, 120–165 lb (55–75 kg) for the Radial and 165 lb (75 kg) and up for the Standard. Fitness, experience and local wind strength all shift those numbers.
Can two people sail a Laser?
It’s designed for one. You can take a light passenger out for fun on a gentle day, but it’s cramped and slow with two aboard. If you want to sail with someone regularly, a double-handed dinghy is a better choice.
New to the Laser? Learn how to rig it, step by step, then read what to expect on your first sail.
Getting kitted out? Our sailing gear guides cover gloves, watches, footwear and more, with honest pros and cons.
Hi,
I am switching my boat from sailing 470 to sailing a laser now. I intend to sail laser primarily to qualify for the Olympics.
My question is if my height is good enough to sail laser standard. My height is 167 cm (5 ft, 6 inches) and weight is 68kgs.
Thanks,
Vincent
Hi Vincent. Thanks for your question.
I would say that at 167 cm and 68kgs, you would be at the lighter/shorter end of the scale for sailing a full rig laser. You may be able to put on some bulk before the next Olympics to handle it a bit easier.
I think everyone has different opinions on what is the ideal weight for a laser. A lot depends on the conditions and your skill.
Just for your info, I did some research on stats for Australia’s gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics Tom Slingsby. He was reported to be 83kg & 186cm at the time.
Good luck with it, and all the best.
Brendan
My Grand daughter would like to switch froom sail Terra to Laser. What is the minimum height for the class
Hi Norman
Thanks for your question.
I’m not sure that there is a minimum height. It’s more about the weight. For a Laser 4.7, the ideal weight is around 110-130 lbs (50-58 kg). Any lighter and she may have trouble keeping it flat in a breeze.
cheers
Brendan
Hi,
I am looking to buy a laser and am 5ft 10 (178cm) and around 68kg, I sail in a harbour so short chop is the worst condition, do you think I’m big enough for a standard?
Hi Giles
I don’t think it’s as much about the height as it is the weight. At 68kg, you might be a little on the light side for a full rig. But it depends on how windy it tends to get also. If it’s generally pretty windy, you might struggle, but if it’s often fairly light, you may be ok.
This thread has a good discussion on the ideal weight for laser standard sailor.
Hope that helps.
Brendan
Hi
My sea scout troop has taken possession of a Laser 2. It lacks a suit of sails and a rudder. talking to others, no one is sure if the rudders are identical to Laser 1’s. Can you advise?
Hi Pete
Thanks for your question.
I am not very familiar with the Laser 2, so did some research. However, it was very hard to come up with information on the Laser 2 specs.
From what I could tell, the rudders are different between the Laser & Laser 2, however, I was not able to find the actual specs on the Laser 2 rudder.
For a measurement diagram for the Laser rudder, click here.
For an image of the Laser II rudder, check this out.
As you can see, it looks slightly different to that of the standard Laser rudder.
Sorry I can’t be of more help than that. Maybe some other readers can provide some more info.
cheers
Brendan
Hello,
I am 6 feet tall and weigh 53 pounds, what laser whould be good for me?
Hi Alessandro
Thanks for your question. I hope you mean 153lb, and not 53lb!!
Opinions vary, and it depends on your fitness and ability. If you are just starting out, you may be best suited to a Radial Laser, but you are in the overlap zone between the Radial and Full rigs. So it depends a lot on your experience and fitness.
It can also depend on where you live. If it tends to be quite windy on a regular basis, then you may opt for a smaller rig. Conversely, if it’s often quieter on the water, then a bigger rig may help.
I’m a few lb/kg heavier than you, and I have a full-size / standard Laser rig. I find it’s great for the lighter days, but can be a bit overpowered on the heavier days. I don’t mind though, as it just makes it more exciting when you go around the top mark.
cheers
Brendan
Hi I’ve just brought a laser with a radial sail but a Standard mast. I was gonna make a Radial mast out of the right alloy tube but I need the measurements. Would anyone know what is The length of a radial mast?
Thanks
Kaleb
Hi Kaleb
Here are the measurements for the different Laser masts for each of the top and bottom sections.
cheers
How tall is the mast on the “std” Laser? I had one once and it was fun getting it into the hole on the hull!
Cliff
Hi Cliff
Yes, it can take a bit of getting used to, when putting the mast into the mast step.
Builder figures put the assembled ILCA 7 / Standard mast at about 6.46 m (21 ft 2 in). The full specs are now in the table above.
Hope that helps!
Hi,
I am 155 cm tall and weigh 49 kg. Am I suitable for sailing a laser 4.7 or should I sail a 420?
Hi D
I’m not an expert with the 420. For a laser 4.7, I think you would be a bit on the light side, but it also depends on how fit, strong, and experienced in sailing you are. It may also depend, to some extent, on where you live (some places are windier than others)… if you have a strong sea breeze every afternoon, then this may be too much.
Hi,
I’m a fairly experienced optimist sailor and I need to change my class due to my age. I am 157 cm tall and I weigh 46 kg. Would I be able sail a laser 4.7? The place I live can get very windy at times.
Thank you
Hi Defne
I think a 4.7 should be ok, but it would depend on your experience and level of fitness. Since you say that you are a fairly experienced optimist sailor, then that will definitely help. You might struggle a bit on the windy days though.
If you can, ask around your local club and try to take a 4.7 out for a spin. Let us know how you go!
All the best.
Hi I sail optimists and are looking into a laser as the next boat. I weigh 122 pounds and was wondering if I should get a radial or a 4.7 rig
Hi Noah
Your situation is similar to the previous comment in June, so not sure if you saw that.
It depends on a few things… including how experienced you are, how fit and strong you are, and what the typical conditions are like where you sail.
At your current weight, you’re probably at the lower end of the ideal weight range for a radial. But if you are young and still growing, you might want to get the radial and grow into it over the next year or so. But you might struggle a bit at 1st on the windy days.
See if you can take one of each out for a spin and give it a test for yourself.
Best of luck with it!
Hello I have a Laser Radial sail with a “33” number above the boat sumber.
the boat number is 177137 so its not an abbreviation of that …
do you know what the 33 means? Thanks!
Hi Russ
I’m not sure what the “33” about the boat number would refer to. Maybe some other readers may be able to help?
Sorry I can’t help more than that. All the best with it.
Hi.
I am currently building an El Toro dinghy. I do not want to have to handle the full 14 foot one-piece mast. I read somewhere that you can retrofit a laser 4.7 mast and sail onto an El Toro hull. A Sabot boom is marginally cheaper than a laser 4.7 one, and I was wondering if a laser 4.7 mainsail would fit a sabot boom.
Thanks!
Hi Alexander
I am not an expert on sabots, but from my research…
The Laser 4.7 sail has a foot of 2.48m / 8.1ft.
The sabot sail has a foot of 7ft and a boom of 7′ 3″.
So the sabot boom looks too short for a Laser 4.7 sail.
Can anyone please tell me in what year Laser #66750 would have been made?
Hello Steve
According to research that I had done previously, it looks like sail number 66750 would have been made in 1979. See this link for more info.
cheers
Brendan
Hi,
I have sailed Sunfish sailboats, and years ago I crewed for a friend on his J24 in PHRF races. I love the idea of excitement when I sail, but I would also like to be able I sail with a passenger. Can a Laser be sailed with a passenger for entertainment? I did not see anything about the maximum capacity of the hull.
Doug
Hello Doug
A Laser sailing dinghy is designed as a single-handed boat, meaning it is typically meant to be sailed by one person. However, it is possible to sail a Laser dinghy with two people, although it may not be the most efficient or optimal way to use the boat.
It is only a small dinghy, so the extra weight will affect the performance. There is not much room in the cockpit for 1 person, so for 2 people, it will be even more cramped.
If you just want to go out and have some fun (and you and your passenger aren’t too big), then you can probably do that. But there are many other dinghies available that are specifically designed for two-person sailing that would be a better option.
Hello,
I am looking for the width of the bottom part of the mast, to design a fitting for a wind indicator. Although I have looked through many sites (including the ones linked in the comments), I can’t find the specific measurements.
James
Hello James
The Laser mast diameter is approx. 2.5″ or 64mm.
I holiday in Finland and have just been given a laser to use but I need a hand trolley to get it over the stones on the shore. When I had a laser before many years ago, I had a light hand trolley made with plastic tubing. Do you or anyone else have a model on how to make one? I have wheels
Hello Brian
I do not have any plans or instructions, but there are a few forums that discuss how to make a homemade dolly. Check out some examples here and here.
Otherwise, there are new dollies for sale. Have a look at this page for more info.
cheers
Hello,
I’m from Brazil, and wind conditions here in Florianopolis where I live exceeds 15 knots easily.
I sailed laser for several years, stopped some time ago and want to return. I am currently 59 years old, weigh 183 lb (83 kg) and I am 5’8 (1.74m) tall, being in good physical shape and codition. The question is: which laser rig would be suitable for competing, ILCA 7 or 6?
Thanks!
Hello Estevao
Thanks for your question. Since you have sailed a Laser dinghy before, you know how hard on the body they can be… especially on the thighs, abdominals, arms and back. If you are fit and strong, particularly in those areas, then in my opinion, you may be fine with an ILCA 7. But an ILCA 6 might be more manageable for you.