Helia 44: Buying a Helia 44

[AliaVita]

I'm surprised that all the comparisons are with Lagoon and Leopard. The Nautitech 441/442 looks very interesting to me. Does anyone have any knowledge/comparisons between that and the FP Helia?

[mndreamchaser1]

I have seen a couple different posts on mast height for the Helia. However, I have not seen any definitive answers from anyone who actually knew, or measured. I have been trying to confirm whether or not the Helia is ICW compliant. I think I saw that FP lists the mast height at under 65', but I also think I read that they measure the mast height, and NOT the height above the water.

Can anyone confirm height above the water? Cotemar asked the question, but I did not see any response.

[StarryHorizons]

Hi All,

Figured I'd stop in and say hello as my wife and I just put in our order for a new Helia at the boat show">Annapolis Boat Show. We've been "window shopping" for quite a while but decided it's finally time to take the leap. Our plan is to pick up "Starry Horizons" at the factory in France and then bring her back to Florida for some final commissioning before taking off on a full circumnavigation.

We've very much appreciated all the great information on Cruisers Forum and look forward to being able to contribute some ourselves!

[DtM]

Congratulations, enjoy her.

[DtM]

As a matter of interest do you know what hull number you will be?

[StarryHorizons]

Not yet. When we were at the show, they told us that the next hull available would be in June, but we already have plans next year through September, so they're trying to time our boat to be ready at the end of October/beginning of November. That way we can cross the Atlantic at the end of hurricane season.

Someone from Fountaine Pajot did tell us they just launched hull #70 if I remember correctly though.

[MNLandLoc]

Congratulations on ordering your new boat! I am jealous. My wife and I enjoyed the boat show also. It shuffled the order of our short list a bit, but for the most part it remains the same boats: L46, L44, and Helia. We are still about 9 months from making a decision. BTW --You have a nice summary with pics of these boats on your website.

[mndreamchaser1]

Congrats Starry Horizons. We are currently waiting for our Helia 44 (Dream Chaser) to arrive from France. We have hull 32 completed in early September. Departed France 10 days ago or so. Ours is a 2014 model.

[StarryHorizons]

MNLandLoc - Thanks for the compliment on the blog. There are a lot of great ones out there but so far it's been a fun way to document our experience getting ready to head out. Hopefully others will find something useful as they follow their dreams as well. Besides, I haven't found any active Helia blogs.

As for the boats you're looking at, those were our top 3 as well. Unfortunately, the lack of a interior nav station in the L44 was a deal breaker for the type of adventure we're undertaking, and we both decided that we liked the overall look and feel of the Helia over the L46. That being said, they're all great boats and it's hard to go wrong with any of them. Best of luck as you try to make your decision.

mndreamchaser1 - Congrats yourself! We're already anxiously awaiting the arrival of our boat, so I'm sure you must be ecstatic that your wait is almost over. Any advice you'd be willing to share as we begin the process of spec'ing the boat? Also, if you have hull #32, then I definitely must have misunderstood the rep from FP. Still have to work on those French accents!

[mndreamchaser1]

As of yesterday, our boat (Dream Chaser) arrived Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. Atlantic crossing is next.

I would be happy to share advice on spec'ing out the boat. I am still right in the middle of the process myself. I can share some advice with the entire list after my process is complete. Until then, contact me directly if you would like to discuss.

[captainjay]

Originally Posted by mndreamchaser1

As of yesterday, our boat (Dream Chaser) arrived Gran Canaria, Las Palmas. Atlantic crossing is next.

I would be happy to share advice on spec'ing out the boat. I am still right in the middle of the process myself. I can share some advice with the entire list after my process is complete. Until then, contact me directly if you would like to discuss.

Congrats on the new boat, did you get the Bristol sold? Stop in and see us in Frenchtown when you get back to STT.

Jay

[Cotemar]

2014 contemporary design and bright colour schemes which
reflect those of the Flagship units.

In the saloon, the cabinet-work in light oak Alpi laminate, the galley work-surface made
of sky-grey resin, the grey laminate deck, the taupe ceiling ducting in a highly
decorative interior material, in camaieu with taupe curtains, and the Tundra beige trim,
all provide a highly contemporary feel.

For the cabins, the yard has also chosen a selection of colour schemes which are both
feminine and bright: taupe colour chine curtains, limestone ceiling lining, Tundra beige
sofa trim, light oak Alpi cabinet-work and floor in grey laminate.

This change was made to reflect the major trends in interior design.

[Cotemar]

Transporting a Helia 44

[Cotemar]

Here are a few pictures of added forward hand rails on a Helia 44.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1305733

[StarryHorizons]

Originally Posted by Cotemar

2014 contemporary design and bright colour schemes which
reflect those of the Flagship units.

In the saloon, the cabinet-work in light oak Alpi laminate, the galley work-surface made
of sky-grey resin, the grey laminate deck, the taupe ceiling ducting in a highly
decorative interior material, in camaieu with taupe curtains, and the Tundra beige trim,
all provide a highly contemporary feel.

For the cabins, the yard has also chosen a selection of colour schemes which are both
feminine and bright: taupe colour chine curtains, limestone ceiling lining, Tundra beige
sofa trim, light oak Alpi cabinet-work and floor in grey laminate.

This change was made to reflect the major trends in interior design.

Thanks for these new pictures Cotemar! The Lipari on display at the Annapolis Boat Show had the new 2014 color scheme while the Helia still had the "darker" look. It looks like Fountaine Pajot has also uploaded a few more updated pictures to the Helia Photo Library.

Those hand rails look like a must have, and we've added them to our list of features we want on our new boat!