Another new start for Helmsman

[Helmsman]

If everything is winterized, I wouldn't worry about blocking the vents. I'd only care about the engine room getting cold if there were un-winterized systems down there.

Thank you. I probably wasn’t clear. That is why I am asking the question. There is a point on the spring here where we should be out of deep freezes but they can still occur.

 

[AdmiralS]

I use 2 pillows in vinyl pillow cases. Stuff them in to the engine room side holes.

Put a note on the ignition to remove pillows before starting engine.

Makes a dramatic difference in engine room temp.

We only do this in the Fall and Spring, when in water and still cold. Everything is allowed to breathe over the winter on the hard.

 

[chanprr]

Ok. Another question. For those who winterize their Helmsman, what do you use(if anything) to block the flow of air through the engine vents? To be clear, the same thing could go to limit the cold air flowing through the bilge when the boat is sitting in port during the winter and it gets below freezing.

Some of us up here in Port Ludlow put a small electric heater in the engine compartment. Even though the salt water in the marina doesn't get below freezing, the heater helps keep the below deck space just a bit warmer.

 

[Helmsman]

I use 2 pillows in vinyl pillow cases. Stuff them in to the engine room side holes.

Put a note on the ignition to remove pillows before starting engine.

Makes a dramatic difference in engine room temp.

We only do this in the Fall and Spring, when in water and still cold. Everything is allowed to breathe over the winter on the hard.

Makes sense. I will need to balance that and humidity.

 

[Helmsman]

Some of us up here in Port Ludlow put a small electric heater in the engine compartment. Even though the salt water in the marina doesn't get below freezing, the heater helps keep the below deck space just a bit warmer.

I had an engine room heater that worked well on my previous boat. It also had covers that snapped to the exterior vent openings which was handy.

 

[Doug_Snider]

Ok. Another question. For those who winterize their Helmsman, what do you use(if anything) to block the flow of air through the engine vents?

We have seen a Helmsman 38E in our marina with sheets of plastic film over the vent openings. They cling to the gelcoat and are easily removed and stored.

 

[chanprr]

We have seen a Helmsman 38E in our marina with sheets of plastic film over the vent openings. They cling to the gelcoat and are easily removed and stored.

We cruised during the winter months in our 38E so no real need to winterize. During the few days moored in the marina we ran the dehumidifier. Looking at the renders for the 46, there are no vents to be seen amidships. Maybe need to ask Scott and Van about that.

 

[Helmsman]

We cruised during the winter months in our 38E so no real need to winterize. During the few days moored in the marina we ran the dehumidifier. Looking at the renders for the 46, there are no vents to be seen amidships. Maybe need to ask Scott and Van about that.

I believe the reason you don’t see vents is that the vents are up higher in the boat. I think that is one of the requirements for a boat to have the “A” ocean rating.

 

[chanprr]

I believe the reason you don’t see vents is that the vents are up higher in the boat. I think that is one of the requirements for a boat to have the “A” ocean rating.

Yes, that makes sense. Thanks

 

[Barrie]

We are in an enclosed unheated dome that has circulating fans. They moved the air around to help reduce moisture and hopefully no mold. We don't cover the engine vents as we want to have some air circulating within. Been doing this for 6 years and no issues.
Barrie

 

[Doug_Snider]

The Travels of Alba Bella

It's been a while since we have updated the continuing saga of our new Helmsman Trawlers 38E being "switched at berth" in Shanghai. On Monday, Alba Bella was offloaded in Miami and is now docked in Dania Beach, Florida awaiting her next move. We had a very reassuring conversation with Scott yesterday about how she will be cared for until she can find transportation back to the west coast where she belongs. Helmsman Trawlers is doing a yeoman job of righting this unfortunate situation which was not at all their fault. We're obviously disappointed but very grateful to be dealing with a company of great integrity and responsiveness to its clients.

Isn't she lovely?

 

[chanprr]

It's been a while since we have updated the continuing saga of our new Helmsman Trawlers 38E being "switched at berth" in Shanghai. On Monday, Alba Bella was offloaded in Miami and is now docked in Dania Beach, Florida awaiting her next move. We had a very reassuring conversation with Scott yesterday about how she will be cared for until she can find transportation back to the west coast where she belongs. Helmsman Trawlers is doing a yeoman job of righting this unfortunate situation which was not at all their fault. We're obviously disappointed but very grateful to be dealing with a company of great integrity and responsiveness to its clients.

Isn't she lovely?

Yes, she certainly is!! Scott and Van will come through for you on getting her up to Seattle.

 

[guy with a boat]

Seems like you've been presented with the opportunity to do some Florida boating before you start your PNW adventures. Have them schedule a cargo ship in March or April and you will still be salmon fishing next summer.

I strongly recommend that, if you can pull it off, get down there and enjoy the warm weather. Shake it down and head to the Bahamas for at least a few weeks. There will be lots of time to cruise the PNW once it gets there. Now you have the chance to do both with someone else paying the shipping costs.

We did almost exactly that and we would do it again in a heartbeat. Some of the greatest cruising grounds anywhere.


Beautiful boat, btw.

 

[Doug_Snider]

Seems like you've been presented with the opportunity to do some Florida boating before you start your PNW adventures. Have them schedule a cargo ship in March or April and you will still be salmon fishing next summer.

With snow and temperatures in the teens forecast for next week, that is an appealing thought. The logistics make it impractical. Our electronics are in Seattle, our dinghy is in the garage and we have a roomful of stuff to load aboard. Technically, it isn’t our boat until we take delivery in Seattle.

We’re making a map of all the places she has traveled. So far, the includes two oceans, passing through the Panama Canal and stops in Korea and four U.S. ports.

 

[twistedtree]

Did I understand correctly that the other wayward boat was trucked across country? Is that how yours will get back to Seattle?

 

[Doug_Snider]

The boat that was incorrectly shipped to Seattle is on its way to Mississippi by truck. It will be delivered much closer to where the buyer, Helmsman on TF, lives in Tennessee. He was looking at a 1,500 mile shakedown cruise from Miami. Ours will come back by ship when one is available.

Did I understand correctly that the other wayward boat was trucked across country? Is that how yours will get back to Seattle?

 

[Barrie]

Doug, I am in absolute tears for you. What a beauty.
Barrie

 

[FWT]

Well, she sure looks sweet.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

THAT is a gorgeous boat. Drop dead gorgeous. We look forward to seeing you on the water this spring. This will all work out, we are sure, and it will be a conversation starter from here to Ketchikan for years to come. Let’s all do a Helmsman rendezvous in Sitka in 2024.

Jeff and Barbara, Helmsman huggers

Ps: after a 13 hour drive (ugh) we, including the dogs, are back on the boat this evening to prepare for the all-important holiday lighting competition at Elliott Bay Marina tomorrow. When we moved to D-dock we were unaware of how seriously people take this, especially because the upstarts on E dock stole the crown last year. BTW, decorating inside the pilot house with white lights and IKEA stars looks great from the dock. It lights up all the great teak and is very tasteful (instead of blow up dinosaurs and other nonsense). The flybridge is easy if you have an AC outlet. But we stinkpots cannot hold a candle, much less lights, to the ability of our friends with sticks* who can run lights up the halyard.

*sticks because, at least in the PNW, masts appear to serve no other purpose based on the number of days all boats are motoring.

 

[Helmsman]

It's been a while since we have updated the continuing saga of our new Helmsman Trawlers 38E being "switched at berth" in Shanghai. On Monday, Alba Bella was offloaded in Miami and is now docked in Dania Beach, Florida awaiting her next move. We had a very reassuring conversation with Scott yesterday about how she will be cared for until she can find transportation back to the west coast where she belongs. Helmsman Trawlers is doing a yeoman job of righting this unfortunate situation which was not at all their fault. We're obviously disappointed but very grateful to be dealing with a company of great integrity and responsiveness to its clients.

Isn't she lovely?

That hull color really pops. Really good looking boat!

 

[rslifkin]

That blue looks great!

 

[Helmsman]

Well, we just returned from seeing the boat delivered to the marina we will do partial outfitting in. The driver pulled out on the 9th from Seattle and arrived in Iuka, Ms late on the 14th. It was fun watching the truck back the boat down to the yard (with the fly bridge perched in front), and then lifted off and blocked.

Scott’s team will arrive on January 8th to put the FB back on, other commissioning work, and take us through the systems. After the boat was blocked in the yard, we spent a full day on board. The boat is even more impressive than I remember from my tour of one in Seattle in 2021, and again this fall in Hilton Head.

The heaviness of everything, along with the fit and finish was immediately noticeable. The fit and finishes are just crazy good. Just an extremely well thought out boat, with a lot of space for the size boat. After a day on the boat, we had a nice time driving home and talking about what a good decision we had made to go with Helmsman. We were in touch with Scott for advice on a few things, to ensure the boat is ok until January. He is always available, listens, is supportive, and just great to work with. Helmsman is a first class organization and they produce a tremendous boat.

We will leave the trawler down that way, for a bit, then bring her up to Tennessee for a short stay, then off we go. When I get a little time I will post a pic of the boat. So, she has finished her journey from abroad, and will begin another one shortly!

 

[chanprr]

Well, we just returned from seeing the boat delivered to the marina we will do partial outfitting in. The driver pulled out on the 9th from Seattle and arrived in Iuka, Ms late on the 14th. It was fun watching the truck back the boat back down to the yard (with the fly bridge perched in front), and then lifted off and blocked.

Scott’s team will arrive on January 8th to put the FB back on, other commissioning work, and take us through the systems. After the boat was blocked in the yard, we spent a full day on board. The boat is even more impressive than I remember from my tour of one in Seattle in 2021, and again this fall in Hilton Head.

The heaviness of everything, along with the fit and finish was immediately noticeable. The fit and finishes are just crazy good. Just an extremely well thought out boat, with a lot of space for the size boat. After a day on the boat, we had a nice time driving home and talking about what a good decision we had made to go with Helmsman. We were in touch with Scott for advice on a few things, to ensure the boat is ok until January. He is always available, listens, is supportive, and just great to work with. Helmsman is a first class organization and they produce a tremendous boat.

We will leave the trawler down that way, for a bit, then bring her up to Tennessee for a short stay, then off we go. When I get a little time I will post a pic of the boat. So, she has finished her journey from abroad, and will begin another one shortly!

You just repeated the amazing feeling we had when we stepped into the salon of MV Kiskadee for the first time. A quality, well finished interior, spacious and attractive. Nice to hear you are very well pleased. I knew it would be so!! Thanks.

 

[Doug_Snider]

Well, we just returned from seeing the boat delivered to the marina we will do partial outfitting in. The driver pulled out on the 9th from Seattle and arrived in Iuka, Ms late on the 14th. It was fun watching the truck back the boat back down to the yard (with the fly bridge perched in front), and then lifted off and blocked.

T

I can verify that you have a beautiful boat. I was briefly aboard her in Seattle getting some dimensions for you. I may have similar questions for you.

Our boat is now shrink wrapped again and waiting for a ride home. They put a clear window at the lower helm and a zippered door at the pilothouse to allow piloting her to Port Everglades when her ride home arrives.

When we were boat shopping, we went aboard a 38E that was at Lake Union for some work. Scott just stood by quietly while the boat closed the sale. The quality screamed at us. Since then, I have been aboard some bigger and more expensive boats and was not as impressed as I was with the Helmsman. When our boat comes home, it will have been worth the wait.

 

[Helmsman]

I can verify that you have a beautiful boat. I was briefly aboard her in Seattle getting some dimensions for you. I may have similar questions for you.

Our boat is now shrink wrapped again and waiting for a ride home. They put a clear window at the lower helm and a zippered door at the pilothouse to allow piloting her to Port Everglades when her ride home arrives.

When we were boat shopping, we went aboard a 38E that was at Lake Union for some work. Scott just stood by quietly while the boat closed the sale. The quality screamed at us. Since then, I have been aboard some bigger and more expensive boats and was not as impressed as I was with the Helmsman. When our boat comes home, it will have been worth the wait.

Thank you, Doug. Won’t be long and you will be kicked back watching the sunset on her.

 

[Nancy n Larry]

Well, we just returned from seeing the boat delivered to the marina we will do partial outfitting in. The driver pulled out on the 9th from Seattle and arrived in Iuka, Ms late on the 14th. It was fun watching the truck back the boat down to the yard (with the fly bridge perched in front), and then lifted off and blocked.

Scott’s team will arrive on January 8th to put the FB back on, other commissioning work, and take us through the systems. After the boat was blocked in the yard, we spent a full day on board. The boat is even more impressive than I remember from my tour of one in Seattle in 2021, and again this fall in Hilton Head.

The heaviness of everything, along with the fit and finish was immediately noticeable. The fit and finishes are just crazy good. Just an extremely well thought out boat, with a lot of space for the size boat. After a day on the boat, we had a nice time driving home and talking about what a good decision we had made to go with Helmsman. We were in touch with Scott for advice on a few things, to ensure the boat is ok until January. He is always available, listens, is supportive, and just great to work with. Helmsman is a first class organization and they produce a tremendous boat.
We will leave the trawler down that way, for a bit, then bring her up to Tennessee for a short stay, then off we go. When I get a little time I will post a pic of the boat. So, she has finished her journey from abroad, and will begin another one shortly!

Congratulations! So glad she has finally arrived! I know it’s been a long journey for you, but definitely worth the wait. Scott and company are certainly the best! We feel privileged to be “almost” owners! Bring on 2023

 

[FWT]

Wow. Seriously great news.

She's "home" now, and the rest will unfold. Enjoy the moment.

The rest of us watch in envy awaiting our turn.

 

[Tom-Jill-Lilly]

EmBark

Happy Holidays to everyone!

As we close out 2022, I'm sure you're like us and are anxiously waiting for the 2023 summer season to begin when we'll all be out cruising and exploring in our new Helmsman.

We heard from Scott and our arrival date into Seattle is in February. So, we thought we should get busy and decide on a name. Well, we have and have sent it over to Marguax to do her magic. We chose EmBark because we’ll be beginning our cruising life and for our dog, Lilly. We'll post the final design once we get it.

Can't wait to meet you all on the water.

Jill

 

[Helmsman]

Happy Holidays to everyone!

As we close out 2022, I'm sure you're like us and are anxiously waiting for the 2023 summer season to begin when we'll all be out cruising and exploring in our new Helmsman.

We heard from Scott and our arrival date into Seattle is in February. So, we thought we should get busy and decide on a name. Well, we have and have sent it over to Marguax to do her magic. We chose EmBark because we’ll be beginning our cruising life and for our dog, Lilly. We'll post the final design once we get it.

Can't wait to meet you all on the water.

Jill

Congratulations! That is great to hear. I like the name. Will be fun to transition to cruising stories this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all!

 

[Doug_Snider]

Happy Holidays to everyone!

As we close out 2022, I'm sure you're like us and are anxiously waiting for the 2023 summer season to begin when we'll all be out cruising and exploring in our new Helmsman.

We heard from Scott and our arrival date into Seattle is in February. So, we thought we should get busy and decide on a name. Well, we have and have sent it over to Marguax to do her magic. We chose EmBark because we’ll be beginning our cruising life and for our dog, Lilly. We'll post the final design once we get it.

Can't wait to meet you all on the water.

Jill

Great news. We may be dockmates on Lake Union. We don’t have a revise ETA but February is possible, we hope. Have a wonderful Christmas. We know you will certainly have a happy New Year.