How did you notice the plates weren't there?I had a 1978 Laser with absolutely no backing plates under the deck. All of my cleats held just fine, just something to be aware of. That boat was considerably lighter to pick up than my 1994 Vanguard. I think a select few builders in the 70's took some liberties with hull construction in terms of quality control/practices.
How did you notice the plates weren't there?
Did you actually weigh the two boats?
Did Vanguard really build Lasers before 1997? (Answer: no.)
Which builders were the ones who "took liberties"?
Just curious
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Nope. It seems to be a common view that Vanguard built Lasers earlier than they actually did. From Peter Johnstone himself: "I was the builder of Laser from 1991-1997 and supplied the Lasers to the 1996 Olympic Games. I sold Sunfish-Laser to Vanguard in 1997."I thought vanguard made the '96 Olympic boats?
Good to know. Several of the Johnstone's are living in Charleston now. Bob retired here and sails RC boats. I think Peter is here now and Nick, (Peter's son?) is here. I sailed w/him on a J24 in June. Have to learn to to leverage my internal resources better!Nope. It seems to be a common view that Vanguard built Lasers earlier than they actually did. From Peter Johnstone himself: "I was the builder of Laser from 1991-1997 and supplied the Lasers to the 1996 Olympic Games. I sold Sunfish-Laser to Vanguard in 1997."
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Nope. It seems to be a common view that Vanguard built Lasers earlier than they actually did. From Peter Johnstone himself: "I was the builder of Laser from 1991-1997 and supplied the Lasers to the 1996 Olympic Games. I sold Sunfish-Laser to Vanguard in 1997."
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Ok, I was going to ask about any such observations. That raises the question if this was standard at the time or an anomaly. If it's the former, that might explain how easily the cleat came off of Walrus's boat. (You should still attach that cleat in the same area even if there's no backing.)when I opened up the holes to attach updated/new traveller and cunningham/outhaul cleats to my boat, foam core bits came out on the screw threads-- not wood.
Ok, it's this one. The number indicates that it's a late 1993 build, but the transom code will tell that more accurately. Read it.My boat is Glacier blue. Sail no is 151722 if that helps anyone decode the mystery.
That's a great looking boat. I don't remember Vanguard making that color. Also, I think the dagger board trunk clear inspection port was a standard thing on the boats when Johnstone owned them. Pretty sure Vanguard didn't do these either. My 93 boat was one of the faster Lasers I've owned, but I was also much younger so the sailor might haver helped too....You may just have a random vanguard manual.Ok, I was going to ask about any such observations. That raises the question if this was standard at the time or an anomaly. If it's the former, that might explain how easily the cleat came off of Walrus's boat. (You should still attach that cleat in the same area even if there's no backing.)
Ok, it's this one. The number indicates that it's a late 1993 build, but the transom code will tell that more accurately. Read it.
Interesting that there is no builder's sticker/plaque in the cockpit.
Extremely cool colour by the way
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Bclark, the only piece of "detective work" you need to do is to read the embossed code on the starboard side of the transom.
Laser Serial Hull Number Identification
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