LM Mermaid 290 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just over 29 feet (29.36 ft) and a displacement of nearly 8,600 pounds, the Mermaid 290 embodies the straightforward, durable construction for which LM Glasfiber became known. She represents a practical choice for those seeking a dependable vessel with a focus on interior volume and ease of maintenance.

History and Design

The LM Mermaid 290 was produced by LM Glasfiber A/S from 1985 to 1988, marking a period when the Danish yard was a prolific builder of fiberglass yachts in the European market. LM Glasfiber, originally founded as a furniture factory in 1940, pivoted to fiberglass production in the 1950s, quickly establishing a reputation for robust and practical boats. The company's design philosophy during this era emphasized durability, ease of maintenance, and seaworthiness, aiming to create accessible and reliable boats for the general public, often with an emphasis on comfortable accommodations and interior volume.

The Mermaid 290's design, penned by Bent Juul Andersen, features a "slightly more spacy hull design", indicative of the builder's focus on maximizing interior living space. While no specific variations like MkI or MkII are widely documented, the model consistently offered a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel, characteristic of the era's popular cruising yachts. LM Glasfiber's expertise in composite materials ensured that the hull was constructed from solid fiberglass, contributing to the boat's reputation for strength and longevity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The LM Mermaid 290 is designed as a moderate-weight cruiser, offering a balanced approach to sailing performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.31, she is moderately powered. This suggests that while she might not be a high-performance light-wind flyer, she provides respectable speeds in a breeze and a comfortable motion in various conditions. One assessment notes that the LM Mermaid 290 is "slightly under powered," yet remains "very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized".

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/Disp) of 0.423 is relatively high for a cruiser of its size, exceeding the 0.40 mark, which indicates excellent stiffness and stability. This design choice allows the Mermaid 290 to stand up to stronger winds and provides a reassuringly stable platform for crew and passengers, enhancing comfort during passages. Her displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 258 places her in the medium-heavy cruiser category, reinforcing her solid, seaworthy characteristics without being overly sluggish. The spade rudder contributes to responsive steering, further enhancing control while under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

True to LM Glasfiber's emphasis on comfortable living, the Mermaid 290 offers a practical and inviting interior layout, designed to accommodate families and small crews. The boat typically features two cabins, providing sleeping space for up to five people, along with a functional galley and a dedicated marine head.

While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the "spacy hull design" suggests a conscious effort to create a feeling of openness below deck. The interior likely features traditional marine joinery, reflecting the robust and practical aesthetic of LM Glasfiber. Owners benefit from a sensible arrangement that maximizes the use of the boat's beam of 9.51 feet, providing adequate storage for extended cruising. The boat is equipped with a 29-gallon water tank and an 18-gallon diesel fuel tank, supporting self-sufficiency during coastal voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the LM Mermaid 290 generally appreciate its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. It is often regarded as an "ideal boat for both experienced sailors and beginners," owing to its stable nature and practical layout. The durable fiberglass hull and robust build quality, hallmarks of LM Glasfiber, contribute to the boat's longevity and continued appeal on the used market. Forum discussions and online listings suggest a community of owners who value the boat for its reliability and suitability as a family cruiser. While specific recurring issues are not frequently highlighted in broad public discussions, owners often engage in modifications and improvements to personalize their vessels, a common practice within the sailing community.