[1][3] Production-level manufacturing was started in March 1984 and the first customer deliveries were made in October 1984[4] Early versions were hand-laid, while later ones were produced using a closed-mold process.

[4] The company specifically planned that the Laser 28 would be the sole keelboat offered and did not intend to produce a graduated line of boats, unlike other manufacturers at that time.

Originally fitted with a large genoa foresail the second prototype used a 108% "lapper" jib, that proved superior in winds over 5 kn (9 km/h) and was easier to handle by short-handed crews, as well as cheaper to produce.

[5] The prototypes were tested in severe conditions, including broaching and intentional knockdowns with the spinnaker flying, in 35 to 40 kn (65 to 74 km/h) winds that left the cockpit dry and with no equipment failures.

[5] With $1,000,000 invested, to get the design from testing to production, a new firm was created by financial consultant Piers Phipps, Precis Ninety Nine Limited.

They sailed in 30 kn (56 km/h) north winds in the Gulf Stream and encountered 10 to 15 ft (3.0 to 4.6 m) waves en route, but completed the voyage without incident, although the rigging required tightening at destination.

[4] Judy and Frank Button from Vancouver, British Columbia won the IYC winter series in their Laser 28, for the fourth time in a row.