Helms 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Jack A. Helms Co., founded in 1974 by Jack Helms in Irmo, South Carolina, aimed to deliver quality fiberglass monohulls to the recreational market. The Helms 27, introduced four years after the company's inception, represented a refinement in their product line. Designer Stuart Windley, known for his collaboration with the builder on several models, brought a professional naval architecture perspective to the Helms 27. While specific details of Windley's design philosophy for this model are not extensively documented, the company's overall ethos emphasized producing practical and capable boats for both cruising and racing. The Helms 27's long production run, spanning nearly a decade, underscores its popularity and successful integration into the builder's fleet, which also included the Helms 25 and Helms 30. No significant variations such as MkI or MkII versions appear to have been extensively documented during its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Helms 27 is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration known for offering a good balance of tracking stability and maneuverability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.25, the boat exhibits moderate performance characteristics, suggesting it is responsive in a breeze without being overly sensitive in lighter air. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.387, indicates a decent level of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a fair amount of wind and providing a stable platform under sail. The displacement to length ratio of roughly 275 places the Helms 27 firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, favoring a comfortable motion in a seaway over extreme light-air speed. Owners generally describe the Helms 27 as a capable boat, suitable for coastal cruising and even considered for more ambitious voyages with appropriate preparations, though caution is advised for extensive offshore passages beyond typical coastal ranges.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 27 feet, the Helms 27 was designed to offer practical interior accommodations. Stepping below, the cabin typically features a traditional layout, offering a reported 6 feet 2 inches of headroom, which is generous for a boat of its size and era. While specific detailed layouts can vary slightly between individual boats due to owner modifications, a common arrangement for a vessel of this type would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert into additional berths, a compact galley area for basic meal preparation, and an enclosed head. Details on the quality of finish and materials used generally align with the era's focus on functional fiberglass construction, often complemented by wood trim to enhance the interior warmth. Storage would typically be found beneath settees and berths, with some cabinetry in the galley.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Helms 27 frequently participate in online forums, discussing maintenance, repairs, and their experiences with the boat. The build quality of Helms boats, including the 27, has generally been praised, with owners often noting their solid construction. Common discussions revolve around routine upkeep, highlighting the enduring nature of these vessels. The active community of Helms owners on various platforms underscores a strong appreciation for these classic American cruisers and their continued presence in the used boat market.