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Boat review - Helia 44
#80017
12/30/2015 03:50 PM
12/30/2015 03:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
windward2c
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
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I have chartered most available cats over the past 20 years (Leopards and Lagoons of various sizes, models, etc) and for me, far and away the Lagoon 450 w the flybridge has been the best suited, whether w my family or adult friends. I never took to the off center cockpit helm. I was therefore very interested in the new Helia 44 which attempts to blend the best of both styles. Last week I had the opportunity and came away less than impressed. First off, hat tip to CYOA, CaptnJay, Twanger and Dawnp for their assistance with the trip itself; however, this review is about the boat. The boats systems were first rate. The Onan generator, the water and ice maker, touch screen chartplotter, electric davit winch, made for a comfortable and convenient voyage. I will note that the conditions were less than ideal but that is when a boat should shine. With a fresher than normal trade wind and short steep sea, the boat was challenged. It certainly was capable but for some poor design reason, every single wave to windward outside the FDC found its way to the helmsman's face. Mind you that is a good 6 feet above sea level!! I dont mean every once in a while, I mean every single wave within 30 degrees off the wind. Without a dodger it was extremely frustrating. Even the seating area next to the helm and higher up was soaked making the rest of the crew stay in the sheltered? cockpit. I question sheltered bc w the open helm area wind swept rain found its way into the aft cockpit often. When conditions permitted, I will say that the lounge and additional seating area were indeed pluses over traditional cats, but still less functional and comfortable than the Lagoon flybrige. I similarly, found the access and angles to the winches and lines awkward and less than efficient comparatively. I recognize that all large charter cruising cats have tremendous loads in 25+ kts but again the sharp angles necessary to direct all lines to one side add to this. For some reason, the boat had a electric halyard winch but I was told the owner wanted it disabled?? This made raising the main exhausting. I am a fit 50 yr old and doubt I could handle it in 5-10 years. I also missed any front seating. At anchor, it is nice to sit in the front of the boat instead of the cockpit. Inside, we had the owners version and I was blown away at the size and comfort of the cabins. One can not say that sailing this boat is roughing it . In the salon, the seatee did NOT have a dining table but opted for a coffee style lower table. While it opening up the area, it became a serious flaw if it was raining outside. Twice, we could not eat at the cockpit table due to the weather and had to either sit on the floor or hold the plates in our laps for dinner. The table should convert so the user can have it either way. Like many Euro boats, there were also a number of sharp corners that a signficant seaway tends to put bruises on you. Dont misjudge my criticisms - this was a impressive boat in paradise and we all had a great time. But we all charter for different reasons and try and find the right boat for each of us. I was excited that the Helia 44 might have all the Lagoon 450 had, plus more and better performance. My conclusion is that it was not. Hope this is helpful.
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Re: Boat review - Helia 44
[Re: Jccarr]
#80020
01/01/2016 04:52 AM
01/01/2016 04:52 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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I can understand how you can get into trouble with an electric winch but on a 450 with one that I couldn't use, at my age? I'd sure appreciate a reviewer telling me about that!
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: Boat review - Helia 44
[Re: hallucination]
#80022
01/04/2016 10:22 AM
01/04/2016 10:22 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318 MD, USA
Dirichlet
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
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Having chartered the FP Orana 44 (predecessor to the Helia) multiple times, I can say that I'm not surprised by your review. I was not impressed by the yacht in any fashion while sailing. Though comfortable while at rest, it's not a yacht that I would ever consider owning.
Last edited by Dirichlet; 01/04/2016 10:23 AM.
... DIF all the time...
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Re: Boat review - Helia 44
[Re: Twanger]
#80024
01/04/2016 11:35 AM
01/04/2016 11:35 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
jboothe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 252
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Are you sure the settee table didn't raise up for eating and lower to be a coffee table and become an additional sleeping area? I have seen some boats with that as an option.
Last edited by jboothe; 01/04/2016 11:39 AM.
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Re: Boat review - Helia 44
[Re: jboothe]
#80027
01/04/2016 11:47 AM
01/04/2016 11:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
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jboothe said: Are you sure the settee table didn't raise up for eating and lower to be a coffee table and become an additional sleeping area? Not on any Helias we've seen. We had a Helia 44 out in July, CYOA's Glad In It, and we enjoyed her. We tried for a spot of fishing south of Norman Island and the wind blew hard and the swell was up once we were in open water. We bounced around a bit, but I was mostly dry on the helm, even on a starboard tack with the swell and the wind on the starboard side. It was July, so I was comfortable. Glad In It has a furling main and she sailed fine. My big brother-in-law was nice to have on the winches. We had ten on her and the kids loved the coffin bunks. We found her super livable with a shocking amount of storage and room to spread out. We had some rain showers, but had dinner in the cockpit every night without a problem. Our biggest challenge was water usage with ten people. The cat was fun, but I'm happy to be back on our monohull on Friday. Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Boat review - Helia 44
[Re: RickG]
#80028
01/04/2016 03:35 PM
01/04/2016 03:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
windward2c
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 283
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jboothe - the settee definitely did not convert. It seemed so logical but this was clearly a decision by FP to move in a different direction. There was however an awesome bar under the table - value not to be underestimated. As to the spray over the bow to the helm, I would note that the swell period was shorter, and steeper, than usually associated with the breeze. Imagine 7-9' chop - lol. Every couple of waves the boat would go from 7.3kts to 3.8kts. So YMMV... tothedogs - some days my 14 yr old son and me would swap who would "jump" the main halyard at the mast. But in either scenario it was only helpful to about the same point as when I "manually" pulled from the helm. We always had a reef and still needed to winch more than one would expect (prob last 1/3rd). Can only imagine if I had to go all the way up. Now in fairness to the Helia, (a) the main needs more sailcars/clips, and (b) when it is blowing as hard as it was it creates more friction. In perefect conditions, it certainly would be easier but sailing is rarely perfect. As for "jumping" the halyard, this is not a race and almost all cruising boats do not need the halyard to be jumped. Add to this fact that unless you raise in the harbor (which I dont do 50% of the time, esp if it is windy and crowded) you now face someone at the mast (not a secure spot on most cats) in a seaway. Also, in a seaway, threading the lazyjacks get even harder. So you are screaming at the mast (generally wife, friend or offspring as opposed to your race bowperson) "caught in jacks, lower two feet again!". Know you have all been there. Anyway, most of the boats I have chartered 45 or bigger have had a electric winch, and so did this one (also had a electric davit winch which was engaged and used everyday) but for some reason the owner did not want it used in charter (fair but users should know). And dont even get me started on how difficult and poorly thought out attaching the flat top main head to the halyard itself (two person job until I jury rigged a system to assist). To be clear, the Helia 44 is a great boat! Many many pluses, but we sailors love to overanalyze systems/performance. I was excited b4 the charter than this boat might be my new favorite and it was not - the electric winch and settee would not have changed that. I could find something wrong with every charter boat Ive had over the years but rarely did it stop me from having the time of my life!!
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