[1][2] In the past the design has been built by Sound Marine Construction, the O'Day Corp. and Nevins Inc., all in the United States.
[1][2][6] The boat has a draft of 5.33 ft (1.62 m) with the centreboard extended and 7 in (18 cm) with it retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.
[1] For sailing the design has roller reefing for the mainsail, dual self-bailers and a 6:1 mechanical advantage outhaul.
[2][6] Class rule changes instituted in 1970 allowed for a one-piece aluminum centerboard, a trapeze, a full width mainsheet traveler mounted on the aft deck and hiking straps.
[2] When the Raven was first built of fiberglass, starting in 1951, the initial eight production boats were purchased by the United States Coast Guard Academy for cadet training.