Helia 44: Rig and Sails

[Cotemar]

Helia 44 mast and rig

[dochueb]

There's a factory option of a spinnaker package with bowsprit and port aft winch. Should one who plans to use such a sail years in the future, add it now at the factory? What would be my after-market options - equal, better, worse??

DH

[DtM]

Do it now.

THe bowsprit is elegant and functional. Yo will not match it in the aftermarket.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by DtM

Do it now.

THe bowsprit is elegant and functional. Yo will not match it in the aftermarket.

+1

FP's bowsprit is much better than aftermarket.

[spiv]

If the bowsprit is like the Salina's one, then it is a factory moulded one and you will not be able to reproduce it.
I was told there is one mould and they just cut it to the right length to suit most of their boats.
It also acts as a catwalk to the furler.

[Sander]

Also agree the factory bowsprit is much better.

But do you need one? I'm ordering a parasailor which doesn't require the bowsprit.

[spiv]

I've got a Parasailor and it works well on a cat.
However, if you also want a Code 0 or a Jennaker, you need the bowsprit

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by dochueb

There's a factory option of a spinnaker package with bowsprit and port aft winch. Should one who plans to use such a sail years in the future, add it now at the factory? What would be my after-market options - equal, better, worse??

DH

These pictures may help you see how the FP factory bowsprit is set up.
Also a picture of the port aft winch.

[Gordon]

The ParaSailor in action, great sail and very easy to use.

[NSfooter]

We are taking delivery of hull 22 next week and have just found out that the winch on the port side aft is not included in our options, so we need to fit one to fly a kite. We have tried repeatedly to get the winch spec from FP, but they are not responding. Wonderful customer service so far! Can anyone tell me what the winch spec is???

[skipdaichainer]

Harken 46.2STA

[DtM]

You may have to reinforce the deck to mount the winch.

[NSfooter]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am also trying to get an answer from FP on what if any re-enforcement is required. French silence......

[Cotemar]

The deck is cored where the winch will go, so make sure to seal all your drilled holes.
I have the process for doing a clean pro install. If you need it just PM me with your e-mail address for a PDF file.
Bed the new winch down with butyl tape not silicon.

The winch should come with a SS backer plate with holes already in it. If not then you can order one separately.

[skipdaichainer]

This is like this on the Hélia 44 if you want to add a winch on starboard as the same place for the winch already installed on port.