THE LUGER SAILBOAT MOORING - SERVING LUGER OWNERS AND THE WEB SINCE 1999 AT HOME PORT WWW.LUGERBOATS.COM

- What if I need to replace my mast?
- Where can I replace my sails?  What dimensions do I give sailmakers?
- Can I get replacement parts for my Luger?

- Do I need to add flotation to my sailboat?
- Do I have enough ballast in my 21' Luger?

- What is my Luger sailboat worth?

- What's the difference between a Southwind, Westwind, and Windward?
- What's the difference between a planing and displacement hull?

- What does it mean, "...qualifies for M.O.R.C. racing"?
- "World's Largest Manufacturer of Kit Boats" - what IS a kit boat?

1)  Parts:



2)  Flotation:
3)  Ballast:

4)  Value:

5)  Differences:


6)  Meaning:

1a)  What if I need to replace my mast?
          The Luger Sailboat Mooring is still researching the answer to this question, but several sources have suggested the Dwyer Aluminum Mast Company could be a viable source.  Visit their website for information on their product line and assistance with measuring your mast (or boom or riggings).  This suggestion was made by a Leeward owner:

          "I just received a mast base from Dwyer Aluminum Mast Co. A new neighbor moved in a few doors away who sails a Star and is refurbishing an O'day.  He used to be a sailmaker and took one look at the mast and identified it as a Dwyer (just like on his O'day). I can't say that Luger used Dwyer as a source for all of their products or even for years other than mine, but it is a good place to start. The part cost only $9 - shipping was more."

1b)  I need to replace my sails.  What dimensions do I give?
          Luger Industries used three sail manufacturers to produce the sails used on Luger Boats:  Neil Pryde Sails, Johnson Sails, and Anderson Sails.  Two of those three original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are still in business, and their comments are included below. 
          There are also several good aftermarket sailmakers.  Luger owners have recommended at least two aftermarket suppliers that are familiar with Luger's original mast/boom dimensions:  National Sail Supply (featuring Rolly Tasker Sails) and Sailrite Enterprises (DIY replacement sail kits).

1. Neil Pryde Sails:  An e-mail exchange with a company representative included these comments: "Luger was one of our Original Equipment customers back in the '70's, and we manufactured sails for all the Luger models, but we do not have the original design information or patterns on file anymore. Unfortunately after all this time (and due to 3 loft location moves), we no longer have the old files." 
      But he quickly added, "Of course apart from basic dimensions, these files would be redundant now as the materials we now use are very different from those used back in the '70's.  Design and materials have evolved a long way during this period. We still make sails for Lugers, but each order is manufactured on a custom basis."

2. Johnson Sails:  Johnson Sails in Florida is now called JSI - Sobstad Sails. JSI is part of the Sobstad group, so instead of the Johnson Sails logo they use the Sobstad logo now.   
      A Sobstad representative made comments similar to Neil Pryde's, indicating advances in machining, materials and design would make many of the old Luger sail dimensions somewhat obsolete. A new sail plan would be recommended - especially since many years have passed and the sailboat's original mast or boom could have been replaced with one of a different length.

1c)  Where can I get other replacement parts for my Luger?   
          Fortunately, most parts that need replacing and upgrading can be found at local or online marine suppliers.  Others can be purchased on the used market at marinas, boat yards, marine salvage facilities - and even eBay.  For parts that are Luger-specific, it may be more difficult as Luger Industries is no longer in business and there is no known supplier for NOS (new old stock) Luger parts. 
          Note from the website publisher:  Research is underway to assemble a list of manufacturers that offer replacement parts identical (or requiring minimal alteration) for Luger sailboats.  This will include mast systems (the mast, mast base, or both), booms, gooseneck assemblies, rudder hardware, winches, etc.  If you can offer assistance in this research, please contact FAQs@lugerboats.com.

2)  Do I need to install flotation?
          In Luger's larger sailboats (21' - 30' models), flotation may be installed by owners who feel more secure with its presence.  Because these larger boats are stable and self-righting, have self-bailing cockpits and watertight hatches, flotation is seldom used because it takes up space otherwise better used for storage.
         Foam flotation is recommended in both 16' models (Leeward and Seabreeze).  When installed, the Leeward and Seabreeze are self-rescuing and unsinkable.  Leeward flotation is located under the seats and ahead of a bulkhead near the bow.  In the Seabreeze, flotation should be placed under the forward V-berth, under cockpit seats near the transom (where it would be out of the way).
          The Luger Boats website "Flotation Installation" provides more information about this subject.

         (Note:  Flotation is not a substitute for insurance, life preservers or other safety equipment.)

3)  Documents show differing ballast amounts for my 21' Luger -  HELP!
          Luger owners must often rely on information obtained from various sources - and  those documents, at times, are copied from documents of different years.  Usually the difference is cosmetic and matters little - but a change in an important specification will be noted, and will be reason for concern. 
          For example, the increase in recommended ballast from 400 pounds in the early 21-foot Lugers to 440 lbs in later Southwinds was recently noted among owners.  The answer to a "400 vs 440" ballast question should first come from the boat's listed displacement weight.  The displacement specifications (boat weight, including ballast) for a Southwind 21 was listed as 1,850 pounds.  That displacement figure increased from a listed 1,550 pounds for a 1970's-era 21-foot Windard.  Overall, that's a 300 pound increase in displacement - close to 20% increase.  The boat's listed displacement weight explains why an extra 40 pounds of needed ballast came into play... the boat weighed more.  But why?
          The increase in displacement weight could be attributed to an "evolution" of the boat's materials and design - but also in the hardware, interior kits and/or extra "fixed" appointments.  These will alter the weight of the boat, hence, changing the required ballast (hence, changing its displacement). 
          Luger owners will also note a change in the component construction in some Luger models, so seams and assembly construction will vary.  Keel configuration and keel options also changed for several Luger models over the years.  Just be sure the specifications and recommendations you follow (for ballast, flotation, etc) refer to your particular model and model year.

4)  What is my Luger sailboat worth?
          This is THE most frequently asked question, and the one nearly impossible to answer. 
The value of a Luger sailboat can be influenced by:

- your location       
- the time of year     
- the age of the boat 

- the condition of the hull
- what accessories are included?       
- what upgrades have been made?

- has it been repaired from an accident?
- with trailer?  (is it roadworthy? licensed?)
- how is/was it stored?

When a seller places a value, he is also considering:
          How much did I pay for it, and how long ago was that?
          How much MONEY have I invested in restoration and upgrades?
          How much TIME was invested in those restorations and upgrades?

Probably the two most influential questions are:
          How quickly does the seller need to sell it?
          How much does the buyer want to take it home?         

Establishing a "blind" value on any boat is difficult, and Luger sailboats were kit boats:  Each boat could differ in value, depending upon the skill of the original builder and the options each builder chose to include during construction.  But because the original builder was also going to be the primary owner/user, Luger kit boats were usually built with extreme care and special attention was given to perceived problem areas.  Of course, there was also a slight potential for poor workmanship (but it's doubtful those boats would still be sailing after 20+ years…).

Best recourse:  Review recent marina sales in your area for boats of comparable size and condition.  The internet is a valuable resource, too.  There are a large number of websites that specialize in boat sales - and many classify their ads by manufacturer, length, and/or geographic area.  Use these tools to set your price.

5a)  Southwind, Westwind, and Windward sailboats - what are the differences?
          The above question is a good one, and cannot be easily answered.  Over their 35 years, Luger changed the names, design, assembly and even the designated lengths of several sailboats.

For example:  In 1976 Luger Industries placed a 1-page flier inside that year's catalog, stating Luger's 21' Windward model would be called the Southwind.  Windward's multi-piece hull design had been improved and could be constructed in only two sections. The name change would reflect this new hull construction - although outward appearance would be nearly the same.  (Only a few cosmetic differences - and they were mostly made to accommodate the mold and hull-making process.)

That's only part of a longer answer…  Additional information about this and other changes in Luger's 16' and 20/21' sailboats can be explored on another webpage with photos and documentation.  Please visit "Model Name Confusion" for a more in-depth explanation on this subject.

5b)  What's the difference between Planing and Displacement Hulls?
          Displacement hulls will "displace" (push away) water equal to the boat's total weight.  As the sailboat moves through the water, this is evidenced by the waves the boat creates.  Round bottom hull of a Tradewinds 26 is a good example of a displacement hull, as it cuts through the water with a minimum of propulsion (via sail or motor).  Small engines can drive the boat, and so, can go longer distances with less fuel; and because the boat is going through the water, there is a smoother ride. 
          Planing hulls actually act like displacement hulls - until the boat has achieved "planing speed" - when the boat lifts itself on top of its own bow wave.  The boat displaces much less water, allowing an increase in speed.  Sailboats with semi-planing hulls, as the Leeward 16, have some lift capability after a certain amount of forward momentum has been achieved.

Displacement Hulls  cut through the water with a minimum of propulsion/power,
                         but tend to be slower than...
Planing Hulls  ride above the water with increasing speed,
                         but require more power to do so (typically found on powerboats).

6a)  What does the catalog mean, "...qualifies for M.O.R.C. racing"?
          Luger catalogs included detailed descriptions, photographs and specifications of each sailboat model; and in several later catalogs the Voyager 30, Fairwinds 27, Tradewinds 26 and Southwind 21 included the phrase, "...qualifies for M.O.R.C. racing" in their catalog descriptions.

          M.O.R.C. is an acronym for Midget Ocean Racing Club - a group of sailors dedicated to the ideal that different types of boats can be fairly raced using a measurement rule - the MORC rule - to handicap, and that differences in boat size should be minimal to help ensure fair racing. For this reason, a maximum length limit of 34 feet LOA has been established, and is strictly adhered to.  Founded in 1954, MORC is the oldest currently active measurement rule in North America. The Club has inspired some of the fastest, safest offshore boats under 34 feet being sailed today, and boasts active fleets throughout the US and Canada.  Interested in learning more?  Visit the MORC website

6b)  "World's Largest Manufacturer of Kit Boats" - What is a "kit boat"?   
          When the Luger brothers began their company, they realized buying a factory-built boat (even a small one) involved a big outlay of money.  They decided there was a market for boating enthusiasts willing to do some of the assembly work themselves to save this initial expense.  Not only did this open the water world to more people, but builders of Luger kit boats gained pride of ownership and operation of their craft.  Luger catalogs stated owners could save up to one half the cost by doing the assembly themselves.  And was it successful?  Luger Boats manufactured kit boats for 35 years, and were considered THE largest supplier of DIY kit boats.

All the news and facts worth printing:
          As questions find answers I will continue to post additional information - or update what's already available.  The FAQs webpage content is provided solely as a helpful guide and should be verified - especially before irreversible decisions are made.  Do not cut your mast or buy non-returnable items based solely on this webpage or any page contained within the Luger Sailboat Mooring website.  Please, check its accuracy first!