Laser (1974) Construction Photos

Jason Rucker

Active Member
I’m starting this thread as a database of photographs showing the details of how Lasers are put together. I’ve had the opportunity recently to do some extensive repairs on my older hull and also to take apart several Vanguard hulls. I think the value of having a collection of pictures like this would be:
1. To provide insight on why failures occur.
2. And therefore how best to make repairs.
3. Document possible differences in construction methods over the years.

Hopefully this will go far beyond the usual mast step repair pictures and eventually include details of all the hull and deck areas.
 

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I’m starting this thread as a database of photographs showing the details of how Lasers are put together. I’ve had the opportunity recently to do some extensive repairs on my older hull and also to take apart several Vanguard hulls. I think the value of having a collection of pictures like this would be:
1. To provide insight on why failures occur.
2. And therefore how best to make repairs.
3. Document possible differences in construction methods over the years.

Hopefully this will go far beyond the usual mast step repair pictures and eventually include details of all the hull and deck areas.


Cool. Are these both from your 74 boat? One with the light inside and the other with the light outside?
 
Yes both from the ‘74 hull. They show the side walls of the cockpit with hull turned upside down. I’ll give a more detailed explanation later....
 
This is something very, very good, thanks. It would help, though, if you could (re)orientate the pictures so that the deck is always up.

_
 
This is something very, very good, thanks. It would help, though, if you could (re)orientate the pictures so that the deck is always up.

_
Thanks. The photos were taken in that orientation, because the boat was flipped over for repairs. I used an iPhone through an inspection port.I’ll have plenty to post later taken from other perspectives.
 
Here is the hull number for the ‘74 boat. Assuming I’m reading it correctly, I believe the boat is a Don Trask (sp?) hull made in California. Here is a phot of the hull/deck joint along the rail. Notice those voids. Especially the one on the outside where the rail is curving. I’ll compare that detail to the Vanguard hull later.
 

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Here is the comparison of the ‘74 rail to the Vanguard. The Vanguard photos show the port and starboard rails looking towards the bow.
 

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These are shots of the cockpit area starboard side. One is looking towards the bow. Others are looking at the rear starboard corner of the cockpit. The Debri is broken cubitainers. All from ‘74 hull.
 

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In case I didn’t make myself clear, this was supposed to be a thread where people could post their own photos of Laser construction details. It was not intended to be a monologue about a 1974 hull and some Vanguards. I’m not sure why the title of the thread was altered to say (1974). So post away! I can’t be the only one with pictures like this....
 
Just saw this thread for the first time, nice job on the photos!!! Those first two remind me of a mine tour I once took in Europe, LOL. But you are right, folks should have some good shots of the construction involved with these boats, I really like the cross-section shots of the rail, even though I've seen the same view myself, LOL. But thanks for posting... some good close-up shots of the mast step and surrounding compound curves would be invaluable to those considering working on the mast step of their own craft. Keep up the good work!!! :cool:
 
Thanks for the Laser construction photos. I picked up a 1980 boat (84885) against my better judgement, mainly for the boom and rudder assembly.
Was going to send the hull to the landfill when I noticed that someone had separated the deck/hull joint almost completely. Being the curious sort, I finished the job just to see the wonders within. Photos attached of the pieces after some butchering was done.

Here is my question: Note the bottom of the mast tube (there is none). There was a lot of pieces of bog in the hull, but no remnants of a mast step. Shouldn't the tube have a closed end? Also, this one had a plywood stringer under the cockpit floor whereas the 1974 hull (above) looks to have some foam. All of the plywood backing plates were rotten and the cockpit floor and starboard deck had delaminated areas.

Now, the problem is that I kinda/sorta want to put it back together as a challenge.
 

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That is one trashed hull. Mast tube was worn all the way through and looks like someone still sailed it a few times after...Lots of delam throughout as well. that was one wet boat.
 
Trashed, yes. Did not show the puncture wound under one of the aft foam stringers.

Thought I saw some foam in one of the photos, but needed to look closer.
 

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