In another post JT asked some questions about the Helms 25 sailboat.  It seems an opportunity has fallen in his lap and may gift him with a free sailboat.  He asked a series of questions about the Helms 25 and this post will attempt to give him some answers.

The Helms 25 has a fiberglass hull, balsa cored deck, a centerboard (keel), (generally) a pop-top for standing head room at anchor, a large cockpit and sometimes a trailer and outboard motor.  A quick search of those for sale show an asking price of between $1,500-$4,000.

The first question asked was, “Is a 25 too big to be a good beginner boat?”  The short answer for me is - no.  You will however, learn much more in a small dingy as you sail about.  Although as you’re planning on taking lessons in a 10-12 footer, I don’t see why you couldn’t apply those lessons to a larger boat in a small amount of wind.  We all make mistakes and do stupid stuff in our boats and looking through the archives here you’ll find some of ours.

The current owner states, “It needs some work.”  That could mean anything from just a bit of elbow grease to a complete over haul.  Part of what you’ll need to think about is how much you can currently do, what you think you can learn to do and how much spare cash do you have for what you’d need to hire out.  So here’s what I’d be looking at.

The hull is fiberglass and some of these boats have blister problems.  I’d give the bottom of the boat a good looking over.  Blisters can be repaired, our current sailboat had some but the yard did a good job during the haul-out.  I’d guess if there are blisters, you’d need to have that professionally fixed.  Although, you could find out how to do it yourself if you’re inclined.

The deck is balsa cored.  If you’ve access to a moisture meter, I’d run it over the deck.  A wet deck is expensive to fix and you might be better off just buying something in better shape.

Standing rigging.  This is the wire stuff that holds up the mast.  Take an old wash cloth with you and wipe up and down on all the standing rigging.  If you have small pieces of the cloth stick to the rigging then I’d think ’meat hooks’ and you’ll most likely need to replace that rigging.  This too can be expensive and best replaced by a professional.  Although the swagging tool can be rented and you can carefully measure and replace like with like.

Sails.  Have they been neatly folded, bagged and stored in the cabin or green, slimy and ripped apart?  There are places you can pick up used sails from but again more money out of pocket.  While you’re looking at the sails check out the sheets (the lines of rope you adjust them with).  Are they in good shape or frayed and grimy?

Mast.  Is it dented and damaged?  What about raising it?  Our MacGregor trailer sailor had a mast raising system that made it much easier than brute strenght.  Then too you’ll want to look at the halyards.  Are they rope or rope to wire and what kind of shape are they in?  Also, check out the wiring and all connectors as well as the plate you’ll step the mast on.

Check the winches, how many are there?  One on each side of the cockpit for the sheets and hopefully one on the mast for the halyards.  Are there any winch handles?  Do the winches work?  Also take a look at the traveler for the boom.  Does it come with a trailer?  If so you might want to check out my trailer maintenance post.

Are there life vests, fenders, cockpit cushions, b-b-q, radio, outboard motor, gas cans, water cans, dock lines?  The list could be endless here.

There is just so much more I could add but I think you get the idea.  It would really be great to have a surveyor look the boat over.  Although I realize you might feel as if you’d be looking a gift horse in the mouth.   As far as how much money it’ll cost and how much time it would take…that’s anybody’s guess.

Our trailer-sailor was mostly just cleaning up, a new sail, a bit of wiring and a few new safety items.  I’d definitely say go look!  If you can, get the current owner to take it to the water and the two of you go out.  That will tell you a bunch!

The Helms 25 sailboats are great for day sailing and a couple’s weekend.  You’d have fun learning and it’s not so big that, set up right, you couldn’t single hand her.  With the centerboard keel you’ll be able to come in closer to shore (no sails up!)  So, JT I hope this helps answer some of your questions and gives you food for thought.  Remember ‘Murphy’s Law’…see below if you don’t yet know Murhpy.  If you found this helpful, please remember I have a real estate license and if you’re going to buy or sell I’d love to refer a local agent for an interview.  It costs you nothing and if you use them, they pay me a percentage which helps me keep this blog on the web.  Let me know if you take this little Helms 25 sailboat.