Laser 28 vs Pearson 28
How do the Laser 28 and Pearson 28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Laser 28 
Pearson 28 | Laser 28 | Pearson 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.4 ft8.66 m | 28.5 ft8.67 m |
| Waterline length | 23.6 ft7.19 m | 24.5 ft7.46 m |
| Beam | 9.5 ft2.89 m | 9.8 ft3.00 m |
| Draft | 5.0 ft1.52 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 3,950 lb1,792 kg | 7,000 lb3,175 kg |
| Ballast | 1,500 lb680 kg | 3,530 lb1,601 kg |
| Sail area | 365 ft²33.9 m² | 392 ft²36.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 23.37 | 17.14 |
| Displacement / Length | 134 | 213 |
| Comfort ratio | 12.2 | 20.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.40 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.6 |
Laser 28 vs Pearson 28: the short version
- The Laser 28 and Pearson 28 are close in length (28.4 ft8.66 m vs 28.5 ft8.67 m ).
- The Pearson 28 is heavier, displacing about 77% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Laser 28 carries the more powerful rig (23.4 vs 17.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Pearson 28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Pearson 28 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.40).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.