Helia 44: So How have you modified your Helia

[Ajay]

I figured that I would start a thread for how we have modified our Helia's so that others may benefit from our real world use of these great yachts. One thing that I noticed was the need for additional rub rails for preventing lines from damaging the gelcoat. The first one was added at the port aft winch and the other at the main winch station.

[Ajay]

Here is the new sun shade for the helm station. A must in the tropics. I will add more as time permits.

[Ajay]

We also added additional cushions to the top, aft of the helm station and before the solar panels. These are great for sleeping on at night under the stars.

[Ajay]

One major safety improvement was relocating the stern light from the aft post to the davits. This allows for greater visibility of the yacht on the water.

[cwjohm]

Just a few small changes

8Kw generator
Watermaker
Air Con
Washing machine
600W flexible solar panels
240W movable folding solar panels
Freezer in galley
Fridge in cockpit
Fresh water wash in anchor locker
Fresh water outlet in cockpit
Fresh water flush in toilets
Screecher equipment
Spinnaker halyard and blocks on bow
Spinnaker
Screecher
Extra lights in galley
Extra powerpoints in galley
Auto switches and alarms on bilge pumps
Fans in bedrooms and saloon
Ripping out owners lounge and replacing with work table and spares storage
Upgrade anchor to Rocna
Relocate stern cleats
Relocate bow nav lights (blocked by screecher)

[cwjohm]

Also custom bimini and clears (hate the FP one)
Cockpit surrounds - white cloth with zip in clears

[mgstich]

cwjohm, where did you put your washer/dryer? We have the 4 cabin version, not owners, and I'm looking to the future.

As for the galley, I agree, additional lighting and power sources. I think the wall outlet/usb plug are an excellent option.

Will put all 3 on my wish list if (when?) we become live-aboards.

[cwjohm]

There is a position especially set up for a washer / dryer on the owners version. It is next to the owners bathroom. I have not seen a 4 cabin version but I suspect this position may not be available.

[mgstich]

Thank you. The 4 cabin looks like your other hull on both sides, so I am sure that same w/d spot doesn't exist. I'll have to research it, but we still have tons of time before that decision. I was just curious.

[StarryHorizons]

Lots of good stuff in this thread so far, excellent idea! We don't have our boat yet, but I can share a few additional things that we're planning on doing that I don't think have been mentioned yet:

• Reverso Fuel Polishing System
• Reverso Oil Change System
• Change out trampoline to 3/8" Polyester Open Net
• Underwater Lights
• Shaft Shark Rope Cutters around folding props
• Ice Maker in cockpit
• Custom Hardtop Bimini
• Additional starboard aft winch

And I'm certainly not ashamed to say that we will be borrowing some ideas from this thread. I'll be sure to post pictures/more ideas once we have the boat.

[Ajay]

Can you send a link to what you decided for underwater lights. This was on my list to do this year while on the hard. Thanks in advance.

[onthehook17]

Anyone modified the mainsail reefing system to enable a 2nd reef from the cockpit without having to come completely head to wind. This would involve additional rope clutches, 2nd reef tack line, and a turning block at the mast base for the tack line.

Icemakers are wonderful; however, ability to reef safely in sketchy conditions seems essential.

[StarryHorizons]

Originally Posted by Ajay

Can you send a link to what you decided for underwater lights. This was on my list to do this year while on the hard. Thanks in advance.

With our divide and conquer approach, this is something that my wife has been working on researching. Not sure if she's honed in on anything yet, but I'll check and get back to you.

[StarryHorizons]

Originally Posted by onthehook17

Anyone modified the mainsail reefing system to enable a 2nd reef from the cockpit without having to come completely head to wind. This would involve additional rope clutches, 2nd reef tack line, and a turning block at the mast base for the tack line.

Icemakers are wonderful; however, ability to reef safely in sketchy conditions seems essential.

We haven't had much of a chance to evaluate yet, but would there be any specific problems with doing this, other than buying/installing/rigging everything? Could you conceivably do this for the 3rd reef as well?

[cwjohm]

Two problems. With a normal main this length of line hammers the mast, and generates a lot of noise. Also it creates a lot of loose sheets when dropping the main. If you can stand that then it is easy to install.