Ian Proctor produced many variations on the National 12, culminating in his Mark 14 design of 1966, and also many Merlin Rockets. He was also one of the first to start experimenting with metal masts to replace wooden spars in 1952.
One of his National 12 designs was used for an experimental boat with fewer planks; a wide bottom and top plank, with three narrower ones on the turn of the bilges, and this led to the Osprey design. The Osprey was submitted for Olympic trials, along with the 505, but the Flying Dutchman was selected.

His 1957 design for the Wayfarer is still going strong, as are the smaller variations, the Wanderer and the Gull. In 1968 Proctor re-designed the National 18 as a GRP hull.

Ian Proctor designed the Topper in 1976. Intended for GRP construction, the Topper was eventually made from injection moulded polypropylene, and has become one of the most popular and durable dinghies.
He designed over 100 different boats and was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Royal Designer for Industry.