LM 30 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The LM 30 is frequently described by owners and reviewers as a "sailing cruiser with a wheelhouse" rather than a traditional heavy motorsailer. This distinction is supported by its design ratios and hull form. With a Displacement/Length ratio of approximately 272, the boat sits in the "moderate-to-heavy" cruiser category, providing a stable and predictable motion in a seaway. However, its Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 11.7 indicates that it requires a moderate breeze to perform effectively under sail alone; in light winds, most owners find it necessary to engage the engine or "motor-sail" to maintain speed.

Handling is defined by the boat’s dual-steering configuration. In fair weather, a cockpit tiller provides a direct, responsive feel typical of a standard cruising yacht. In inclement conditions, the helmsman can move into the sheltered wheelhouse, which uses a traditional wheel system. The underwater profile usually features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, which allows for better tracking and windward performance than the long-keeled LM 27. A bilge-keel variant was also produced for tidal regions, though owner anecdotes from the LM Owners Association suggest the fin-keel version offers a tighter turning circle and less leeway when beating to windward. In a 1986 review, Practical Boat Owner magazine described the boat’s sailing characteristics as "faultless" for its class, noting its obedience under power and minimal wind-drift during docking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the LM 30 is a testament to the builder's furniture-making heritage, characterized by rich mahogany joinery and a layout designed for year-round utility. The most distinctive feature is the "galley-up" arrangement, where the kitchen and primary helm are located within the enclosed wheelhouse. This placement keeps the chef integrated with the social activity in the cockpit and provides excellent ventilation and visibility while cooking.

Stepping down into the main salon, the boat offers a traditional and cozy living space. The "L" shaped settee to starboard often converts into a double berth, while a straight settee to port provides an additional single. A folding central table with integrated bottle storage serves as the focal point. Forward of the salon, a separate head compartment features a marine toilet and a slide-out washbasin, located opposite a large hanging locker. The forecabin contains a classic V-berth with an infill cushion. Variations of the model mainly focus on the keel type and the later UK-built versions by Scanyachts, which maintained the original Danish moulds but occasionally updated the interior soft goods and instrumentation. The LM 32 is a closely related sibling, often cited as virtually identical to the LM 30 but with slightly increased interior volume and a longer waterline.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the LM 30 does not have a single "celebrity" owner, it has gained a cult following in Northern Europe and the UK for its extreme durability. It is frequently featured in regional cruising media, such as Yachting Monthly, as a top recommendation for "silver sailors" or families seeking a safe, all-weather platform. The model’s reputation for seaworthiness is bolstered by accounts of owners completing circumnavigations of the British Isles and extended North Sea crossings, often documented in specialized cruising journals as a reliable "go-anywhere" coastal vessel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas unique to the LM 30’s age and construction:

• Saildrive Diaphragm: Most LM 30s were fitted with Bukh or Volvo Penta diesel engines utilizing a saildrive. The rubber hull seal (diaphragm) generally has a recommended replacement interval of 7 years; buyers should verify when this was last changed to avoid catastrophic hull leakage.
• Wheelhouse Window Seals: The large glass panes in the pilothouse are prone to seal failure over time. Inspect for water staining on the mahogany woodwork around the helm and galley, as leaks here can lead to expensive cosmetic damage.
• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the deck is balsa-cored GRP. Areas around high-load fittings (cleats, stanchions, and the mast base) should be checked with a moisture meter for signs of core rot or delamination.
• Engine Parts Availability: If the boat is fitted with the original Danish Bukh engine, parts are highly reliable but can be expensive and difficult to source in North America compared to Europe.
• Rudder Bushings: Check for play in the skeg-hung rudder. Wear in the bushings can lead to vibration under power and a "loose" feel at the helm.

Community & Resources

The most prominent resource for technical support and historical data is the LM Owners Association, which hosts an extensive archive of original brochures, wiring diagrams, and manuals for the 30 and its siblings. This community is particularly active in the UK and Denmark and is the primary repository for information regarding the Scanyachts transition.

The Verdict

The LM 30 remains a premium choice for sailors who prioritize protection from the elements and high-quality construction over raw speed. It is a "grown-up" cruiser that manages to maintain an attractive aesthetic while offering the practicality of a motorboat.

Pros:

• Superior all-weather protection via the enclosed wheelhouse.
• High-grade Scandinavian mahogany interior finish.
• Balanced sailing performance that exceeds expectations for a motorsailer.
• Dual helm positions (tiller and wheel) offer versatility.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (SA/Disp 11.7).
• Potential for high maintenance costs on older saildrive units.
• The "galley-up" layout reduces space for a dedicated internal navigation station.