HELMS 25
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25 ft |
| LWL | 21.5 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft/ 1.67 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,950 lb |
| Ballast | 1,649.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 30 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 10 ft |
| Mainsail | 285 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 150 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 255 sq ft |
About the HELMS 25
The first boat built by the company. It is said that the mold was made using the hull of a VENTURE 24 (Macgregor) for a plug.
The Helms 25 is a compact coastal cruiser designed by Jack A. Helms and built by Jack A. Helms Co (USA) in 1974. With a displacement of 3950.0 lb and a masthead sloop rig, it offers a lightweight, responsive sailing experience typical of its era.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, appealing to sailors who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability over heavy offshore endurance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 3950.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.03, the Helms 25 is not recommended for extended bluewater passages due to its light construction and limited reserve buoyancy.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar dimensions, trailerable footprints, and roles as entry-level coastal cruisers from the 1970s.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HELMS 25 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 25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 7 systems for the HELMS 25, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HELMS 25? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 14 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your HELMS 25?
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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the HELMS 25
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…