The New Helmsman 46

[chanprr]

Construction of hull #1 is underway! Exciting times to come. Scott estimates that first Helmsman 46 pilothouse should be completed by May 2023. We can't wait to see her offloaded in Seattle.
We enjoyed our recent SEAlaska and BC cruise in our 38E so much that we decided to return to those beautiful places in a larger trawler for longer stays out on the water. Van and Scott quickly found a buyer for our 38E so signing for the 46 was a non-event!
We chose the 46 because we know that Helmsman designs and builds a reliable vessel of the highest quality and finish. We preferred the alternate lower deck design with two heads. The master stateroom with ensuite split head and shower is an excellent design for added privacy and convenience. The second stateroom will be larger after eliminating the third head. Minor mods have made the sleeping space more comfortable, and more overhead storage. Some mods were made to the galley layout making the space more efficient for us. We also chose to have an induction cooktop and convection oven microwave, eliminating propane bottles, and having the extra storage space on the flybridge. Much more discussion with Van and Scott will take place as we finalize the interior and other appointments.
Future postings will document the build progress over the next few months. Other Helmsman owners have posted photos of their new builds and we intend to share selected photos.
Enjoy your time on the water. Fair winds and safe travels.
Robert
MV Kiskadee

This is a duplicate thread. Created the first one in the wrong place!

[Hydraulicjump]

Robert,

congratulations on the new 46 build. Nothing like being a pioneer on Hull #1. Barbara and I owned Hull #1 of the Ranger Tugs 29CB until, of course, we bought your 38e. Which we love thanks to your careful stewardship of that boat.



Looking forward to regular updates about the build, including all the systems you are putting in. Best of luck for a speedy delivery of a marvelous big boat!



Jeff

[Doug_Snider]

Originally Posted by chanprr

Construction of hull #1 is underway! Exciting times to come. Scott estimates that first Helmsman 46 pilothouse should be completed by May 2023. We can't wait to see her offloaded in Seattle.
We enjoyed our recent SEAlaska and BC cruise in our 38E so much that we decided to return to those beautiful places in a larger trawler for longer stays out on the water. Van and Scott quickly found a buyer for our 38E so signing for the 46 was a non-event!

Looking forward to following the progress of your build. Our 38E, Alba Bella, is 24 days from splashdown in Seattle. I hope we meet out on the water. Can’t wait to see a real live 46.

[Helmsman]

That is great news! It will be fun to follow along as the build develops. Helmsman is great to work with, and that alone would make a new build fun, but the customization and many decisions to be made on hull number 1 will inform others who follow. I like the choices you made so far.

[chanprr]

Thanks for the replies. Working with Eddie Legard of C&L Electronics here in Seattle on the Garmin electronics package. Have had Garmin in all my previous boats, so familiar with their products, screen menus and the occasional software hiccups. More later.

[Fletcher500]

Exciting news. Looking forward to following along.

[chanprr]

The plug for the hull is complete. Hull construction will begin at any moment now, and the framing for the topsides mold is underway. On schedule, I am told.

[chanprr]

The hull mold is ready!

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by chanprr

The hull mold is ready!

It may just be perspective, but the height of that mold relative to the ceiling seems much higher than the 38’s and 43’s. Will be great to see the new hull out of the mold!

[Pete Meisinger]

How exciting. Did they have to build the mold for you or was it something they were going to build regardless of your purchase?

pete

[Hydraulicjump]

“I like big boats and I cannot lie…” (cultural reference that will be lost on some). Keep the pics coming! That looks like a very substantial hull built for the rough stuff.

[chanprr]

Originally Posted by Pete Meisinger

How exciting. Did they have to build the mold for you or was it something they were going to build regardless of your purchase?

pete

Well, it's both. They wanted to build it and I wanted to order one. The timing was right!

[Doug_Snider]

Big, beautiful and definitely a Helmsman. Many of the desirable options we selected for our 38E are standard for the 46. Like the other Helmsman Trawlers, it will be at the head of its class in value.

[chanprr]

Originally Posted by Doug_Snider

Big, beautiful and definitely a Helmsman. Many of the desirable options we selected for our 38E are standard for the 46. Like the other Helmsman Trawlers, it will be at the head of its class in value.

Totally agree. The 45 is very well outfitted. Not much else to add but electronics, water maker, davit, RIB/outboard, and Starlink. Having fun selecting those items, since there is a lot on offer out there. Hope to see Alba Bella next week.

[phillippeterson]

Cardinal sin here - envy.

[chanprr]

Just a brief update: 46 hull construction has started with laying of the gelcoat. We loved Kingston grey on our 38E so decided to keep the same color the new Kiskadee. Working with Van on the internal appointments has been extremely rewarding. With his input, we are designing the 46 interiors as convenient and efficient living spaces for long stays on the water. The base model 46 is turn key and generously outfitted, and to round that off, we are adding a watermaker. These days, I'm looking for room in the garage for all the extra stuff which goes with new boat. More to follow and hopefully soon.

[EqualParts]

Originally Posted by chanprr

Just a brief update: 46 hull construction has started with laying of the gelcoat. We loved Kingston grey on our 38E so decided to keep the same color the new Kiskadee. Working with Van on the internal appointments has been extremely rewarding. With his input, we are designing the 46 interiors as convenient and efficient living spaces for long stays on the water. The base model 46 is turn key and generously outfitted, and to round that off, we are adding a watermaker. These days, I'm looking for room in the garage for all the extra stuff which goes with new boat. More to follow and hopefully soon.

Majorly Peanut Butter & Jealous over here.

Congrats!!! Looking ever so forward to all future updates!

[IRENE]

Congratulations, what a great boat!

We eliminated our propane system and removed the range about 2 years ago. They were replaced with 2 induction cooktops and a Breville Smart Oven. Both the induction cooktops and the smart oven have meet our requirements and been enjoyable to use. My wife is a baker, and elimination of heat and moisture in the boat is dramatic. I think you will be pleased with your decision - we would not switch back to propane.

Enjoy the build experience!

[chanprr]

Looking to the bow, here's a shot of the framing in the hull. Dark strips are where the engine will be set. Framing for topsides and flybridge underway. On schedule for complete hull and deck layup at the end of April. Can't wait now that the build is fully underway.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by chanprr

Looking to the bow, here's a shot of the framing in the hull. Dark strips are where the engine will be set. Framing for topsides and flybridge underway. On schedule for complete hull and deck layup at the end of April. Can't wait now that the build is fully underway.

Your build will be fun to follow. I like the layouts for it, and think it is going to be an awesome boat. With your experience on a 38, and the Helmsman guys quality build and support, I bet it will be a really cool result. I can’t wait to see the build progress!