LM24 - where to sleep :-)

[seasharp]

Does anyone happen to have a dimensioned sketch of the LM24 interior? We are looking for a boat as small as possible and are considering whether an LM24 would also be enough for us ... otherwise probably only the LM27 comes into question ...

We would be interested in the length of the benches in the cockpit (can you sleep there with 1.8 meters size?) and the berths in the bow. In the bow, the Bb side seems to be shorter ...

We need space for 2 adults (1.8 meters, 1.7 meters and 2 kids) ...

[Sula]

Hi seasharp (good name, by the way!),

I've moved you post to the more appropriate 'Advice Sought' section of the Forum.

I think there's a non-dimensioned drawing of the LM24 on the Forum somewhere, but I can't find it just now. (Nor post a duplicate because of the current, hopefully temporary problem with uploading images into the forum.)   You can get fairly accurate measurements of berths from such drawing by scaling against the overall length of the boat.

You can also see, if you haven't already found them, brochures which include pictures of the LM24 & LM27 interiors via the following link, but obviously present them in the most favourable light. (How tall are the 'happy family' models?) 
lmowners.proboards.com/thread/144/lm-24-27-brochure-1

More useful, I imagine, would be advice from someone who has an LM24. Hopefully one will be along soon.



I can tell you that the berths (and cockpit benches) on a LM27 are big enough for a 1.8m tall adult (I'm just over that height). The forecabin V berths are usable but a bit tight for one person of that height (I have to have my head to the longer outside edge if I want to stretch out full length there. A friend about 1.65m tall found it fine. Note, however, that there's not enough room for two adults to be comfortable in the forecabin, as there isn't much room for two pairs of adult feet in the bow (assuming lying feet forward).

I suspect that an LM24 would these days be considered too small for 4 people by most families, though a few decades ago they would have been considered rather generously proportioned.

I don't know much about kids, but I have noticed they get much taller very fast! I imagine their willingness to good temperedly tolerate a bit of discomfort and 'making do' varies greatly from one family to another.

[dingusdingo]

I have lived on my LM for a year now and often have friends on a trip. That would be three adults usually and I’m glad we have 27 foot of boat. Under 25 may save some money docking here and there, but I wouldn’t go any smaller than what I have now. I am 6 foot and sleep perpendicular in the bow. Another (or a couple)sleeps on the one side with backrest laid out and you could do the same on the opposite side, but the previous owner cut my backrest in half to install a reflex oven. It’s not so much when we are all laying there, but having to move around each other that becomes a factor for me in these smaller boats. The width difference in general is very noticeable when downsizing...

[thompsontwins]

Just noticed this thread. Apologies for the delay in replying. If it is of use to you, I have owned an LM24 for 4 years. I have always believed the design intentions were for the average family of 2 adults and 2 kids. It's a safe boat for kids.

The cabin berths are good for 2 adults. I am 185cm and my brother 187cm. We found the berths comfortable and no encroachment of feet etc. The starboard berth is slightly longer than the port berth to allow room for the head.

You don't say how old the kids are, small kids could sleep without pulling the forepeak extension. In fact my sister in law slept in it without extending the bunk!

A minor issue I found, when the bunk is extended, I sometimes knocked my knees on it when turning over in the night, but then I'm a fidget. You would have to be very friendly to sleep 4 adults in the cabin.

It would be possible to sleep 2 adults on the cockpit seats. Mine are thin 5cm? sponge covered in PVC. I haven't measured them, but a friend slept on a long day passage on one. He is 193cm tall, and fully stretched out. He was surprised how long they are. He also was impressed by the size of the cockpit which is bigger than his 11m Oyster!

I have a cockpit awning, which is standard I believe. Obviously it is a bit colder sleeping in the cockpit than the cabin. I have slept many times on the cockpit sole, winter and summer, to avoid snoring arguments, using a 10cm inflatable camping mattress, and a suitable sleeping bag and found it comfortable.

Applying hindsight, I sometimes wonder if the LM27 would have been more suitable, but at the time of purchase they were outside my budget. You can buy a 24 for a lot less £ than a 27 and as you say, less marina costs.

I have had many hours of pleasure with my LM24, I would say it is ideal for 2 adults, and 2 kids. If you plan on single handed sailing, it's even better to manage than the 27. I have had my granddaughter stay aboard, 3 adults sleep aboard, and day sailed with 4 and 5 adults on my LM24 with no problem due to the large cockpit.

I have got my boat the way I want it, and I wouldn't want to swap it for an LM27.
Hope this post helps.
Paul

[seasharp]

Thank you all for your explanations and impressions- we just ownd an LM24 now. i love the design of the boat. Before we can pur it back to see I need to repair a lot of things… But when it s finished it will be a very cool motorsailor - i m sure. :-)

[dingusdingo]

Congrats! Post a couple of photos as you go if you can Theres an LM24 in my local boatyard, but I have never seen the owner and never seen it in the water... Unfortunately no-one wants them here in norway so they go for low prices or end up being neglected...