DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.85 ft |
| LWL | 21.67 ft |
| Beam | 7.95 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft/ 1.67 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,950 lb |
| Ballast | 299.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 30.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 284.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 160.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 272.2 sq ft |
About the DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS)
Said to have been first built by Advance Sailboat Corp.? Very similar to what later became the HELMS 25.
The Dolphin 25 is a compact, lightweight cruising sloop designed by Jack A. Helms and built by Jack A. Helms Co. in the USA during 1968. With a displacement of 3950.0 lb and a masthead sloop rig, it represents a specific era of American trailerable boat design, though the exact number of hulls built remains unverified.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and trailerable weekend getaways, appealing to owners who prioritize ease of transport and low maintenance over heavy offshore performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 3950.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.01, the Dolphin 25 is not recommended for extended bluewater passages, as its light weight and short LWL of 21.67 ft limit its seakeeping ability in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Pearson 24 and O'Day 23, as they share similar LOA dimensions (approx. 24-25 ft), trailerable footprints, and target the same market of entry-level coastal cruisers from the late 1960s.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.85ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS)yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS)? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
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Used sails that fit the DOLPHIN 25 (HELMS)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…