Lyman-Morse Fabrication (LMF), the Maine-based division of noted boatbuilder Lyman-Morse, has expanded beyond semi-custom yachts and powerboats to produce a rugged new line of aluminum workboats: the LMF Landing Craft Series. Built for heavy-duty commercial use, these utilitarian vessels are increasingly attracting interest from the recreational market for their durability, versatility, and capacity for deep customization.
The LMF Landing Craft Series is engineered for demanding tasks and continuous commercial service. These aluminum workboats are purpose-built for applications such as marine research, rescue operations, first-responder duties, and municipal work. Because they are designed around function and reliability, their straightforward, no-frills construction makes them ideal platforms for specialized equipment and mission-specific outfitting.
LMF’s in-house team brings the same fabrication expertise used on the company’s pleasure yachts to these workboats, enabling extensive customization while maintaining structural integrity and marine-grade standards. Jon Egan, manager of Lyman-Morse Fabrication, explains that the company can integrate a wide range of systems and components—everything from advanced electronics and pumping systems to reinforced fittings and hydraulic gear—so long as the configuration fits the hull’s constraints. That capability allows clients to specify exactly what they need, whether for research, emergency response, or private use.
Each Landing Craft is tailored to the owner’s mission requirements. LMF offers a broad size range, from compact 24-foot boats up to large 120-foot work platforms, and they can be outfitted with cranes, tanks, pumps, deck fittings, and custom interiors as required. For example, hull number 1 of the LMF 33 was built for the University of New Hampshire’s aquaculture research program and equipped with a 3,300-pound crane for handling nets and traps. Another recent build, an LMF 28 commissioned by a fire department, included an integrated water tank and high-capacity pump to support fire suppression and emergency response operations.
Although these Landing Craft are fundamentally designed for professional use, the simplicity and practicality of their design are appealing to recreational buyers as well. Much like how rugged off-road vehicles have crossed over into lifestyle ownership, the LMF Landing Craft line is finding a niche among private owners who value utility, low maintenance, and capability. Recreational conversions have included more finished accommodations, faux teak decking, and comfortable pilothouse layouts—options that give owners a balance between workboat toughness and creature comforts.
One example is a client who purchased an LMF LC33 after seeing it at the dock; the owner needed a reliable way to transport equipment, including a tractor, to a privately owned island. The buyer chose the Landing Craft precisely for its load-carrying capacity and straightforward functionality. LMF sees real potential for these vessels as expedition platforms and rugged day-cruisers for owners who prioritize utility over luxury while still wanting a finished interior suitable for everyday use.
Key advantages of the LMF Landing Craft Series include aluminum construction for corrosion resistance and strength, flexible deck layouts that accept a wide variety of gear, and access to Lyman-Morse’s experienced fabrication team for one-off builds. The boats’ straightforward design also makes maintenance simpler and less costly compared with more elaborate recreational yachts, an important consideration for operators and owners who expect continuous, heavy use.
Whether deployed as research vessels, emergency response units, municipal workboats, or converted for private recreation and island service, the LMF Landing Craft Series demonstrates how a pragmatic, expertly built workboat can serve diverse needs. The series fills a niche for owners who require dependable performance, room for customization, and a hull designed to support mission-specific equipment without unnecessary embellishment.
LMF 28 SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 28’ 0”
BEAM: 8’6”
DISPLACEMENT: 6,700 lbs.
HULL MATERIAL: Aluminum
POWER: (2) 250-hp Yamaha Outboards
CRUISING SPEED: 30 knots
TOP SPEED: 45 knots
LMF 33 SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 32’9”
BEAM: 11’10”
DISPLACEMENT: 9,265 lbs.
HULL MATERIAL: Aluminum
POWER: (2) 250-hp Yamaha Outboards
CRUISING SPEED: 37 knots
TOP SPEED: 40+ knots