Engine size

[crewman]

I am interested in purchasing a 27 or 28 & notice that the majority of those for sale are fitted with 20hp motors. My cruising ground
being the Irish sea I wonder if these small engines have enough power in a seaway, or should I definitely go for the 36hp +?
Any advice would be appreciated. 
Cheers crewman.

[oceandancer]

Hi Crewman,
Welcome to the forum. I think 20hp should give about 5.5 knts with a clean bottom, however, all the LM series have "top hamper" due to the wheel house and speed over the ground (SOG) is affected considerably by an adverse wind. You therefore need some power in reserve, particularly where tidal gates are concerned. I have a Beta 28HP in my LM27 and sometimes this is really needed in Portsmouth Harbour entrance when the tidal stream can reach 5 knts on a spring ebb. I understand that you may experience similar if not faster streams i.e. in and around Stangford Loche so I think that 20HP may be a bit under powered and you may find yourself waiting for the tide more than necessary. Some LM27s have been fitted with a larger engine from new.

Regards

Michael Legg

[geoffhar]

Hi Crewman

Ref your question about engine size. My LM 27 has the Bukh DV 36 engine from new. I sail from Langstone Harbour, next to Portsmouth, where the tide runs at up to 5K at springs. This engine copes well in these conditions and is one of the reasons I went for it in the first place.
Sandpiper is currently on the sale section of this web site as my wife can no longer go sailing. It is also on Boatshed Solent where you can view her full specification, if interested.
Whichever model you go for LM's are certainly well found craft and will look after you in any conditions. Good luck.

Geoff Harwood