Helia 44: Hatches, Windows and Ventilation

[Cotemar]

Helia 44 now has square hatches and more sky lights.

[CatBrazil]

We are buying an owners version Helia and would like to hear comments on the ventilation. Comparing to the other cats, this seems to be a weak point: many competitors have opening hatches on the sides, and lot more openings downs the hull, while the Helia goes only with the hatches at the deck.

[yeloya]

Originally Posted by CatBrazil

We are buying an owners version Helia and would like to hear comments on the ventilation. Comparing to the other cats, this seems to be a weak point: many competitors have opening hatches on the sides, and lot more openings downs the hull, while the Helia goes only with the hatches at the deck.

Helia has got plenty of lights everywhere but not enough opening on the sides. There are however quite a bit of hatches on the roof and we didn't feel the ventilation a problem. Out of so many customers, I didn't hear any complaints on the ventilation. (and it's hot here in July/August..)

Cheers

Yeloya

[onthehook17]

Has anyone with experience on the Helia come up with ideas for ventilation improvement in the aft cabins. Possibly some type of scoop that pulls air in from the walkways?

[StarryHorizons]

Originally Posted by onthehook17

Has anyone with experience on the Helia come up with ideas for ventilation improvement in the aft cabins. Possibly some type of scoop that pulls air in from the walkways?

I don't have any experience with these yet, but I've seen these scoops that look like they might be get up from behind the helm. Your best bet may be to have a scoop custom made that could be angled over the deck.

Breeze Bandit Hatch Windscoop

These look kind of cool and have a "rain prevention" feature. Kinda pricey and again, I'm not sure if they could be angled to bring in air from the walkways, but could be worth a look.

ATN Dorcap

David

[belizesailor]

Is it a french standard that boats must have poor ventilation. This has been the case for decades with FPs. Why is that?

[AmyA511]

Has anyone done anything other than the standard curtains in the main salon? We are looking for a blinds option that is a bit more sleek and reflective.

[cwjohm]

Do not like curtains at all. Not aestherically pleasing. Have removable shading on outside. Much better.

[AmyA511]

Where did you get it done? Any pics to share?


Amy
S/V Starry Horizons
Outchasingstars.com
Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[cwjohm]

Local shade cover company done at same time as Bimini. Dark shade cloth attached on rotating eyelets. You can still see out through it but it provides full shade. Also cannot see in at night if you use indirect lighting which we have installed over galley. We leave it on all summer.


We had curtains on the Orana but never used them. I had to put a shade attached to mast. Everyone comments how lack of curtains makes the saloon appear larger.

[Cuvee]

Has anyone tried a window film solution for their salon windows? I'm looking for a solution for my Saba 50 to reduce the heat and UV absorbed into the salon while maintaining the open feel and good visibility. I see there are a couple manufacturers advertising window films that are compatible with acrylic windows.

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[SorinCT]

Try 3M or Llumar windows films.

[NSfooter]

Hi Amy,

We had FP provide shades over the windows. I was VERY sceptical at first, worrying about them cutting down the visibility out (the whole point of the Helia design), but you hardly notice them from inside and they cut down the heat load immensely. There is a photo on our website: Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 - MapleCookie

Pete

[cwjohm]

Wow, that is one heck of an impressive website. If I did not already own one I would be booking as we speak.

[Cotemar]

Helia 44 owners,

Had a big party over the weekend with 16 people aboard and a few guest had asked if you can step on the hatches.

The next day we labeled all of the hatches on the boat NO STEP, we hope we never get that question again.

Now we know why all the charter companies put NO STEP in large letters, smack in the middle of each hatch.