Design and Construction
The LM 28 has a solid, hand-laid fiberglass hull and long keel of the same material. Buyers could choose between two keel alternatives, one iron and one lead. The deck is a fiberglass sandwich, a construction LM Glasfiber used across its range to add stiffness and reduce interior condensation.
Displacement is 3,629 kg, with 1,134 kg of ballast. Sources differ on the ballast-to-displacement ratio: SailWiki records 31.25 percent, while yachtdatabase gives 36 percent, depending on the keel fitted.
With a length-to-beam ratio of 3.02 and a displacement-to-length ratio of about 241 according to SailWiki, or 277 according to yachtdatabase, the LM 28 is beamy and moderately heavy for her length. A comfort ratio of 24.03 and a motion comfort figure of 27.4 from the two reviews place her among the steadier small cruisers rather than the lively racers.
Draft ranges from 1.35 to 1.45 meters.
Rig and Sailing Performance
The LM 28 has a masthead sloop rig carrying 32.98 square meters of sail. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 14.24 with the standard sail and 13.5 with a 135 percent genoa, according to yachtdatabase, or 11.4 against the ISO reference sail. Wetted surface is about 24 square meters. These modest ratios suggest that light-air performance isn’t her strong suit.
The sources also differ on the capsize screening figure. SailWiki records 1.91, while yachtdatabase gives 1.81. Either figure is reassuring for offshore-minded owners. Her immersion rate is about 145 kg per centimeter, or roughly 816 to 835 lbs per inch, so she settles predictably as weight comes aboard.
Engine and Tankage
A 28-horsepower Volvo Penta 2003 diesel turns a saildrive and drives the LM 28 to 7.0 knots under power. That is just above her theoretical displacement hull speed of 6.6 knots; SailWiki cites a maximum of 6.64 knots.
Fuel capacity is 140 liters, with the fuel carried in a stainless-steel tank according to yachtdatabase. Fresh-water capacity is also 140 liters. This tankage supports extended coastal cruising without constant replenishment.
Accommodation
The motorsailer layout is arranged around a sheltered pilot position rather than a conventional saloon. Below, there are two cabins, five berths, a galley, and a toilet facility. The interior is finished in teak, like many Scandinavian boats of the period.
Her 2.9-meter beam gives the accommodation a roomy feel for a 28-footer, while the sandwich deck helps limit interior condensation.
The Verdict
The LM 28 is a sensible, well-found Danish motorsailer. Her long-keel hull, solid fiberglass construction, and sandwich deck provide the steady character and condensation-free interior associated with the marque.
She’s no light-air flyer, but her ballast ratio and comfort figures mark her as a stable platform for a couple or small family. The Volvo diesel and saildrive also provide a useful 7-knot motoring reserve. With 325 boats built before production ended in 1991, the LM 28 remains a tidy example of Andersen’s work for LM Glasfiber.
Pros
- Solid fiberglass, long-keel hull with iron or lead keel options
- Sandwich deck construction for stiffness and reduced condensation
- 28 hp Volvo Penta 2003 diesel and saildrive, achieving 7.0 knots under power
- Two cabins, five berths, and a teak interior
- Generous 140 L capacities for both fuel and water
- Comfort and capsize ratios indicating a stable, seaworthy small cruiser
Cons
- Modest sail-area-to-displacement ratios limit light-air performance
- Saildrive transmission brings the usual diaphragm-service considerations
- The shallow-ish 1.35–1.45 m draft can still result in grounding in the thinnest estuaries
