Question 1

What are the specs of the HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

The HELMS 24 has the following specifications: 23.92ft LOA, 8.83ft beam, 4.17ft draft, 4,200lb displacement, 1,850.1lb ballast. Hull type: mono. Rig: Masthead Sloop. Keel: Fin.

Question 2

How much does a HELMS 24 cost?

Accepted Answer

The HELMS 24 has an average asking price of $5,520, with prices ranging from $2,250 to $10,000 based on 5 listings.

Question 3

Who built the HELMS 24 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by Jack A. Helms Co. (USA), designed by Stuart Windley, first built in 1977, 750 units were produced.

Question 4

Is the HELMS 24 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The HELMS 24 is classified as a Daysailer. It has a comfort ratio of 16.39, which means it has a sportier ride, better suited for coastal and protected waters. The capsize screening ratio is 2.19, which is acceptable for offshore use.

Question 5

How fast is the HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

The HELMS 24 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 16.95, which indicates moderate performance suitable for cruising. The displacement to length ratio is 207.46, making it a moderate displacement sailboat.

Question 6

How much does it cost to maintain a HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a HELMS 24 is estimated at $900 – $2.4K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 7

How much does it cost to own a HELMS 24 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the HELMS 24 (23.92ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $900 – $2.4K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $50-$100/year (based on $5,520 average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 23.92ft boat: Florida: $4,300-$11,500/year. California: $4,000-$10,000/year. Massachusetts: $3,000-$6,700/year + $1,000 winter storage. New York: $3,000-$8,400/year + $1,000 winter storage. Maryland: $2,900-$5,200/year. Texas: $1,700-$5,200/year. Washington: $3,400-$7,500/year. Michigan: $1,700-$3,700/year + $1,000 winter storage. North Carolina: $2,600-$5,200/year. South Carolina: $3,700-$7,200/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $3K to $17K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 8

How much does it cost to dock a HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the HELMS 24 (23.92ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $4,300-$11,500/year. California: $4,000-$10,000/year. Massachusetts: $3,000-$6,700/year + $1,000 winter storage. New York: $3,000-$8,400/year + $1,000 winter storage. Maryland: $2,900-$5,200/year. Texas: $1,700-$5,200/year. Washington: $3,400-$7,500/year. Michigan: $1,700-$3,700/year + $1,000 winter storage. North Carolina: $2,600-$5,200/year. South Carolina: $3,700-$7,200/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 9

What are the common problems with the HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 13 issues reported for the HELMS 24 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in rigging, structural, rudder, deck, keel, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the HELMS 24.

Question 10

What should I look for when buying a HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

When buying a HELMS 24, SailPages.com has compiled 13 model-specific issues reported by owners across rigging, structural, rudder, deck, keel. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the HELMS 24 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 11

What are the sail dimensions of the HELMS 24?

Accepted Answer

The HELMS 24 has the following rig dimensions: I=30.5ft (foretriangle height), J=10.5ft (foretriangle base), P=25.5ft (mainsail luff), E=9ft (mainsail foot). Mainsail area: 284.1 sq ft. Jib area: 160.1 sq ft.

Question 12

How does the HELMS 24 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The HELMS 24 is classified as a Daysailer by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 23.92ft LOA, comfort ratio 16.39, capsize ratio 2.19, SA/disp 16.95, average price $5,520. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	23.92 ft
LWL	20.83 ft
Beam	8.83 ft
Draft	4.17 ft
Shoal Draft version	3.00 ft(0.91 m)
Displacement	4,200 lb
Ballast	1,850.1 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	6.1 kn

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

HELMS 24

Specifications

Hull

Rig & Sails

About the HELMS 24

Performance

Estimated Value

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

Unlock the full inspection report

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your HELMS 24?

Used sails that fit the HELMS 24