richardabeattie
Well-Known Member
Thinking of making an offer for an bilge keel LM28. Can anybody with first hand experience give me the pros and cons and things to watch out for? Thanks.
LM 28
- Thread starter richardabeattie
- Start date
Jcorstorphine
Well-Known Member
Just keep in mind, the LM 28 has a saildrive rather than prop shaft as in the LM27.
pvb
Well-Known Member
That's not necessarily a disadvantage. No alignment issues. No stern gland issues. Generally less vibration.
LittleSister
Well-Known Member
You could try the UK LM Owners' forum: http://lmowners.proboards.com
Jcorstorphine
Well-Known Member
You are right about the above but over the last 60 years andr fitting / refitting about 8 engines, I have never had a single problem relating to stern glands and alignment. My concern is related to the issues involved if the sail drive goes wrong (not water leaks through the gasket thingy) but bottom shaft seals, water leak into gears etc. Boat has to be lifted out and ashore. Saw a Moody out the water for about 3 months while saildrive was rebuilt.
Best advice to OP is to get the engine and drive inspected by a main dealer engineer (survey will not cover engine condition other than paint)
Poignard
Well-Known Member
These LMs must be pretty tough. I saw one of these bounce off those rocks in front of Lezardrieux after hitting them at high speed. Commiserating with her owner afterwards, I said I assumed he would be having her lifted out for inspection. He said there was no need because these boats had been designed to withstand being run onto rocks in the Baltic. It was still afloat two days later when we left. 
richardabeattie
Well-Known Member
I've given up on an LM28 - can't see forwards from (and SWMBO can't lie full length in) the cockpit and I'm not really sure I want to spend most of the time indoors. So if I want a sturdy comfortable 28 - 30ft bilgekeeler with conventional shaft drive, one mast, no after cabin, and built later than say 1990, what should I be looking for? I do not race! Budget say £15 - 20k. A key requirement is that I should not have to be a contortionist to go to the heads.
Topcat47
Well-Known Member
I rather fancied a Victoria 30, but you won't stretch out in the cockpit of one of those either.
Jcorstorphine
Well-Known Member
I know you are looking for 1990 onwards but you could look at a 1978/9 Westerly Berwick with a new engine. Best is the layout with the aft galley. Toilet is great with room for a shower. Good headroom. 8 foot long cockpit. I used to have the Pentland version which was ketch with aft cabin.
