420 vs Laser
How do the 420 and Laser compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
420 
Laser | 420 | Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 13.8 ft4.20 m | 13.8 ft4.20 m |
| Waterline length | —— | 12.5 ft3.81 m |
| Beam | 5.3 ft1.63 m | 4.7 ft1.42 m |
| Draft | 3.2 ft0.97 m | 2.6 ft0.79 m |
| Displacement | 176 lb80 kg | 130 lb59 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 110 ft²10.2 m² | —— |
| SA / Displacement | 56.04 | — |
| Displacement / Length | — | 30 |
| Comfort ratio | — | 2.0 |
| Capsize screening | 3.82 | 3.68 |
| Hull speed (kn) | — | 4.7 |
420 vs Laser: the short version
- The 420 and Laser are close in length (13.8 ft4.20 m vs 13.8 ft4.20 m ).
- The 420 is heavier, displacing about 35% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- By the capsize screening formula the Laser rates better for offshore work (3.68 vs 3.82).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.