Helsen 22 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Helsen 22 begins in 1971, marking an early chapter in the boat-building career of Jopie Helsen. As the founder of Helsen Yacht Corporation, Helsen's vision for this model was rooted in creating a versatile cruiser. The builder's article notes that Helsen's later company, Universal Marine Corp., specialized in practical, trailerable pocket cruisers, a philosophy that likely influenced the Helsen 22's design. The use of solid fiberglass for both the hull and deck was characteristic of the era, offering durability and efficient production.

A notable aspect of the Helsen 22's legacy is its influence on subsequent designs. The boat's tooling was notably used for other models, including the Watkins 23, which began production in 1973 or 1974. The Watkins brothers obtained permission from Helsen to produce the Watkins 23 as an adaptation of the Helsen 22, incorporating some modifications to the original design. Additionally, the Apollo 21 is also believed to have originated from the same tooling. This lineage underscores the foundational quality of Helsen's original design. The Helsen 22 typically features a swing keel, allowing for a shallow draft of 1.16 feet for trailering and accessing skinny waters, which can be lowered to 4.5 feet for improved sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Helsen 22 is rigged as a masthead sloop, providing a straightforward and efficient sail plan suitable for its cruising purpose. Interpreting its key performance ratios provides insight into its sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 19.15, the Helsen 22 suggests competent performance in lighter air, indicating that it should be responsive even when the wind is not robust.

However, its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 31.82% is on the lower side, which means the boat may be less stiff and require earlier reefing in heavier winds compared to vessels with higher ballast ratios. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) stands at 143.19, which, for a boat of its size, places it in the lighter, more performance-oriented category rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser. This combination of a relatively light displacement for its waterline and a good SA/D ratio suggests that the Helsen 22 can be quite nimble and enjoyable to sail, though its lower ballast ratio might demand attentive handling in gusty conditions. Owners often find the Helsen 22 to be a forgiving and manageable boat, making it a good choice for those new to sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Helsen 22 are scarce, its designation as a cruiser and reports of a "spacy hull design" suggest an emphasis on maximizing interior volume for a comfortable experience within its 22-foot length. Typical for small cruisers of its era, the layout would likely include basic amenities designed for weekend trips and short-term cruising. Owners exploring or acquiring these boats often focus on renovating or updating the interior, implying that the original cabins featured functional but possibly spartan arrangements, such as a V-berth forward, a small head (potentially a porta-potti), and a main salon area with settees that could serve as additional berths. The construction materials would typically involve a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, providing a robust yet simple finish. Storage solutions, while not extensive, would be integrated to accommodate essential cruising gear.

Owner's Perspectives

The Helsen 22 continues to maintain a community of dedicated owners, often serving as an excellent entry point into sailboat ownership. Many owners acquire these boats as "project boats," indicating that while the fiberglass hull and deck are generally robust, the interiors and systems often require updating due to their age. Owners frequently praise the Helsen 22 for its affordability and the accessible pathway it offers into the sailing lifestyle. While specific common problems beyond general age-related wear are not widely documented, the active online forums suggest that owners are keen on discussing modifications, improvements, and maintenance, reflecting a strong sense of community and dedication to keeping these classic pocket cruisers afloat. The sentiment among owners generally highlights the Helsen 22 as a reliable, if sometimes demanding, companion for recreational sailing.