LM Mermaid 315 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The LM Mermaid 315 was produced by LM Glasfiber in Denmark between 1983 and 1989, with a total of 65 units built during its production run. The design by Bent Juul Andersen emerged in the early 1980s, featuring a slightly more "spacy hull design" that contributed to its internal volume. Notably, the Mermaid 315 shares the same hull as the earlier LM 30, but distinguishes itself by being a pure sailboat rather than a motorsailer, a departure from some of LM Glasfiber's more traditional offerings. During this era, LM Glasfiber had established itself as a prolific builder embracing fiberglass technology for its durability and ease of maintenance. Their manufacturing ethos focused on creating robust, seaworthy, and family-friendly cruisers, a philosophy clearly embodied in the solid construction and practical layout of the Mermaid 315.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The LM Mermaid 315 is characterized as a moderate weight sailboat that offers good and safe sailing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.7, she can be considered slightly underpowered in very light air but is well-suited for a variety of conditions, particularly when the wind picks up.

Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of nearly 40% contributes significantly to her stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to a breeze with confidence and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The boat's displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 261 places her firmly in the moderate displacement category, supporting her reputation as a sturdy cruiser. Owners consistently describe the Mermaid 315 as a stable and easily handled boat, making her an ideal choice for family cruising. Her fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder further enhances her directional stability and control.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 30 feet, the LM Mermaid 315 is praised for its spacious and well-disposed accommodations below deck, making effective use of its hull design. The interior is typically finished in fine teak, reflecting the quality craftsmanship synonymous with Danish boatbuilding of the era.

The layout generally features six berths, which commonly includes a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette or settees in the main salon, and often a quarter berth or two aft. A well-equipped galley is a standard feature, providing essential amenities for cruising. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the "spacy hull design" suggests a comfortable living environment for a boat of its size. The deck plan typically includes a large, deep cockpit, enhancing safety and comfort for the crew, especially in varied sea conditions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the LM Mermaid 315 consistently praise its solid construction and the overall quality of its Danish build. It is widely regarded as a well-performing, reliable, and spacious cruiser that offers excellent value. Many owners highlight the boat's stability and comfortable motion as key strengths, making it a popular choice for those seeking a dependable family vessel. While individual owners may encounter typical maintenance requirements associated with boats of its age, there are no widespread, commonly cited systemic weaknesses or recurring problems specific to the LM Mermaid 315 across owner forums and reviews. This lack of persistent common issues further underscores its reputation for robust and thoughtful construction.