Helia 44: We want to buy a Helia Evolution 2016+

[Paul and Angie]

My wife and I are going to buy either a Helia 44, Leopard 48 or Nautitech 46 Open, for a 3 year Cruise around The Caribbean, Pacific and East Asia. In the past we have always been Mono hull sailors.
Before we sign the bit of paper, we thought it worth asking Owners what to look out for ie weaknesses, what options or modifications you would particularly want. And any general advice?

[Douglaskimkaty]

Helia 44 - Owned for three years. I would recommend the larger power units, early models have the 55hp Volvo's later units have the 50hp units due to EU emissions issues with the 55hp (as I understand). Cockpit and helm surround provides a significant increase in livable space. We have found the cockpit fridge and ice maker valuable, (it is a Cat after all). Also we have changed our AC seawater pumps out from MARCH that fail when dry to KOOLAIR that are a direct replacement and do not fail. By fail when the seawater filter or thru hull blocks due to plastic or fish etc and runs dry it wears a hole in the back of the pump and starts to flood the boat. We have had no failures with the KOOLAIR. Check steering connecting pins and rods and rudder stock clearances. Outside of that we have had little to complain about and Otium has been a great buy so far. You could do alot worse than read Starry Horizons excellent pair of reports on the Helia 44 pre evolution however the boats are extremely similar as far as the mechanics are concerned. Yes the main sail not dropping readily is a Royal pain in the A$$..........
All the best.