Helsen Sailboat

[Jack]

I'm interested in buying a 22' 1975 Helsen sailboat. I've never sailed before, nor do I know what boat would be a good boat to start out with. I plan to use this boat in the ocean, and I noticed that the keel is very shallow. Does this allow the boat to tip more easily than a boat with a longer keel? Are some sailboats meant for the ocean and some meant for a lake?I am also having trouble finding any information on Helsen sailboats. Is there anything of importance that you sailers could offer me? Thanks a lot.Jack

 

[Tom Baker]

Found Some on Google

Jack,I made a search on google for Helsen and came up w/ some files. Jobie Helsen built or builds the boats in St. Petersburg,Fla. Some of the responses were positive,while others were not so positive. Give it a look. Hope this is of some help to you.P.S. I went a few pages deep in the google listings,at least to page 4

 

[Jack]

Thanks

Thanks Tom,The Helsen that I want doesn't have much of a keel, does this mean it's unfit for ocean sailing? It was used previously in a lake.

 

[Tom Baker]

Keel Size

Jack, As far as the keel is concerned, I am no expert. My Catalina 18 has a small winged keel and is very stable on the ocean even though it has a draft of just 2' 4". Hopefully, someone with more expertise can give you a better answer.

 

[Dave M]

C-18 in the ocean

Tom,have you gone out to the islands on your c-18? If so, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts and experiences.I have a newer Catalina 18, and my wife and I have been considering a Catalina trip. We've done extensive cruising around in the panhandle of Florida, but that's pretty sheltered, and you can always run for cover if necessary.Thanks,Dave

 

[Tom Baker]

Catalina Island on a Catalina 18

Dave,We have not tried a sail to Catalina yet in our 18, but that is one of my goals. We have sailed the coastal area of So.Cal so far. Ours is a 2000 model.Love to keep in touch w/ other Catalina 18 sailors! My email address is bakeroo@telis.org.Good sailing!Tom

 

[tom]

I had a Helsen 22 with a swing keel

it was a slow boat and the cable on the keel hummed . The keel also banged around some in chop. I only sailed her in lakes but got out in some pretty strong winds. She seemed safe under all conditions. I'd say she was very comparable to a Catalina 22. We saw one anchored at Marathon Florida. With the swing keel I wouldn't consider her for ocean use. Again she was very simular to a Catalina 22 and there is a lot out about the C22