HELMSMAN 43
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.98 ft |
| LWL | 36.75 ft |
| Beam | 11.75 ft |
| Draft | 7.62 ft |
| Displacement | 18,740 lb |
| Ballast | 8,157.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.1 kn |
About the HELMSMAN 43
The Helmsman 43 is a Danish-built cruising yacht designed by Leif Ängermark and constructed by Helmsman Yachts (DEN) in 1979. With a production run limited to this single year and an unknown total hull count, it represents a specific era of Scandinavian boatbuilding characterized by robust construction and fractional sloop rigging.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for coastal and nearshore cruisers who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride over high-performance racing metrics. Its substantial displacement and beam make it a solid choice for couples or small families seeking a reliable, traditional cruising experience.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 18740.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.77, the Helmsman 43 exhibits strong offshore stability and is well-suited for bluewater cruising. Its fin keel and fractional sloop rig provide adequate performance for long passages, supported by a comfort ratio of 28.18 that suggests a relatively gentle motion in heavy seas.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other late-1970s European cruising yachts such as the Hallberg-Rassy 43 or the Nautor's Swan 43, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and heavy displacement characteristics. These boats are comparable due to their shared emphasis on seaworthiness and comfort rather than speed.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 60° | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| 75° | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 90° | 6.2 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| 110° | 5.9 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 |
| 120° | 5.7 | 6.9 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| 135° | 5.1 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 10.1 |
| 150° | 4.3 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.9 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.3 | 8.9 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HELMSMAN 43 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 42.98ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the HELMSMAN 43yet 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 HELMSMAN 43? 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 HELMSMAN 43?
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.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the HELMSMAN 43
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…