Thought I'd share some of the details since acquiring the Helms 24' last fall. Still parked on Lake Lanier, GA...
I'd estimate we've taken out the boat ~30 times - yes even over the winter - girlfriend donned ski pants and warm clothing - we were out both Jan 1st and 2nd to start off the new year. This winter was fortunately a mild and short one.
Up the mast once - a neighbor helped get me up there and I installed the wind indicator. Inspection looked good. Wind indicator needs retightening as during the last unusual sailing day on the lake - it loosened. I'm thinking a better lock nut and lock washer on both sides?
I doubled both a climbing harness on one halyard and bosun chair attached to other halyard. As I had replaced both lines - I still wasn't quite confident in only going up on a single line w/o some inspection up top.
Waiting for warmer lake water to go under and clean bottom. Thinking about hauling in fall for possible inspection/repaint. I've heard not to swim under boat near marina - due to any possible electricity leak.
Try to get out to the boat every weekend depending on kids plans. If the day isn't windy - its a work day - and I (or we) knock off something on our list.
The biggest trouble so far was the Honda 7.5 HP outboard. Took it off over the winter and serviced everything on a homebuilt engine stand in the garage at home. Since bringing back - the motor starts fine - but still had a few issues stalling. Switched gas - improvements made - still had issues.
Finally after the gas tank and line were leaking gas inside cockpit - girlfriend wouldn't hear of it - went and replaced fuel tank and line. Determined the lack of pressure in the fuel line was causing the issue. After a good warmup - motor ran fine the entire time w/o issue. And no more gas leaks inside cockpit - I'm in better standing with girlfriend again.
Having the motor run much better is a confidence booster. But now after having docked several times - I really don't get as concerned as those first few times docking.
Always check the winds upon departure for possible non-motor sail plan departure - and soon will be a tiller tamer so I can set the sails on solo runs.
I have noticed my hanks on main sail like to get caught when raising and need a bit of help by hand. Its right above the removable plate/panel on mast. The same one I removed when I took the main sail off.
I need to order a few new battens as well for main - or cut to fit with large stock piece. Maybe next no wind day.
Wasn't sure what the boat would afford us - but it has been amazing to spend time sailing and working on. Its our learning/practice boat for more bigger steps.
Have covered/read a lot of books - really enjoy the finer art of sailing - finally found the books that answered the sail trim questions I had asked our ASA instructors.
I'd estimate we've taken out the boat ~30 times - yes even over the winter - girlfriend donned ski pants and warm clothing - we were out both Jan 1st and 2nd to start off the new year. This winter was fortunately a mild and short one.
Up the mast once - a neighbor helped get me up there and I installed the wind indicator. Inspection looked good. Wind indicator needs retightening as during the last unusual sailing day on the lake - it loosened. I'm thinking a better lock nut and lock washer on both sides?
I doubled both a climbing harness on one halyard and bosun chair attached to other halyard. As I had replaced both lines - I still wasn't quite confident in only going up on a single line w/o some inspection up top.
Waiting for warmer lake water to go under and clean bottom. Thinking about hauling in fall for possible inspection/repaint. I've heard not to swim under boat near marina - due to any possible electricity leak.
Try to get out to the boat every weekend depending on kids plans. If the day isn't windy - its a work day - and I (or we) knock off something on our list.
The biggest trouble so far was the Honda 7.5 HP outboard. Took it off over the winter and serviced everything on a homebuilt engine stand in the garage at home. Since bringing back - the motor starts fine - but still had a few issues stalling. Switched gas - improvements made - still had issues.
Finally after the gas tank and line were leaking gas inside cockpit - girlfriend wouldn't hear of it - went and replaced fuel tank and line. Determined the lack of pressure in the fuel line was causing the issue. After a good warmup - motor ran fine the entire time w/o issue. And no more gas leaks inside cockpit - I'm in better standing with girlfriend again.
Having the motor run much better is a confidence booster. But now after having docked several times - I really don't get as concerned as those first few times docking.
Always check the winds upon departure for possible non-motor sail plan departure - and soon will be a tiller tamer so I can set the sails on solo runs.
I have noticed my hanks on main sail like to get caught when raising and need a bit of help by hand. Its right above the removable plate/panel on mast. The same one I removed when I took the main sail off.
I need to order a few new battens as well for main - or cut to fit with large stock piece. Maybe next no wind day.
Wasn't sure what the boat would afford us - but it has been amazing to spend time sailing and working on. Its our learning/practice boat for more bigger steps.
Have covered/read a lot of books - really enjoy the finer art of sailing - finally found the books that answered the sail trim questions I had asked our ASA instructors.