LM 27,28,30 - help and advice appreciated!

[gibraltarsean]

Hi all, 

Sean here from the rock of Gibraltar. I'm very interested in aquiring a LM from 27 to 30 foot. I would hugely appreciate any info or comments from owners on their boats in that 8 - 9 meter range... What are the 'real world' differences between the models in that range. Also what would your top 3 modifications be? When buying what are the 'hotspots' to check over? I'm eagerly trawling this great site and learning lots of good stuff but anything else may prove really helpful before that big (for me...) first boat purchase 
oh, I nearly forgot! In my general research I've hit a few pieces stating that in some cases an older boat (if looked after) can be quite a savvy purchase due simply to one school of thought that believe things (generally) are not made to as exacting a standard or quality in today's competitive corner cutting, cost saving world compared to a more traditional craftsmen age of doing business... Thoughts on this theory appreciated. Lastly, is there a given year or period for the LM vessel that is most favorable to acquire??? 

best regards all
Sean. 

[Deleted]

27 And 24 footers are long keel shape hulls, where 28,30,and 32 footers are with semi fin keel.

[oceandancer]

Hi Sean,

As Jutter says the older and shorter models are traditional long keelers. They are very stable, the helm can be left for a few seconds and they will carry on a straight course unless there is a gust. The shoal draft (1m) allows you to go to more places than with a deeper keel.

The later models, LM28 on,  have more efficient sailing hulls and a deeper draught (about 1.5m unless a bilge keeler). The Lm27 will point well but on the wind you're not going where you are pointing as there will be a lot of leeway due to the shoal draught - but that's what the engine is for!

The Lm27 can generally be bought for less than the LM30 but they are still popular and hold their prices. Forward visibilty is much better in the LM30 than in the LM27.

One other thing about long keels - manoeuvreability is poor. Turning in the marina , particularly into the wind can be tricky as is going astern. Generally you don't! The LM28/30/32 are much better.

For all that I am not going to swap. I love the compact LM27 as offers the best single handed sailing option, easily managed, well mannered, the galley and the heads are very near to the cockpit, perfect for me.

Regards

Mick Legg