Should we purchase a Helmsman?

[FWT]

Thanks Skip. Makes total sense.

 

[KMAL]

KMAL - interested to know why you chose Magnus over Seakeeper?

A few factors: 1) deployment time of 12 seconds Vs up to 30 minutes 2) 12v Vs requiring genset for power 3) no spool down time for MM (not a big deal) 4) MM effectiveness is impressive (very) 5) MM is maintenance free compared to gyro setups. The one advantage the gyros have is the ability to keep you stable at anchorage or at the dock - these are not needs for me. Cost was not a factor as I was really looking for a solution that fit my needs - but I would guess that a single MM solution might be cheaper by some 10 to 20 K over the gyro we would have needed. Finally, the flexibility for placing the MM system is significantly greater with the MM allowing for better utilization of space within the hull.

 

[C lectric]

I've said this before so here goes again.
Don't just write trim tabs off .
I've had them about my 40 yr old boat and use them. They are one size down from what I would have chosen had I known more about them . Previous owner chosen. I also thought they would be a useless affectation.
Wrong.
I learned they help remove a list caused by unbalanced loads, they help with speed at the same revs. I can hear the engine unload somewhat and the boat picks up some speed. The large white wave that follows above the dinghy disappears when the tabs are used and the engine note sound lightens. The boat speed only changes marginally but does change.

So tabs can and do help. Maybe only marginally but they can be worthwhile.

 

[capran]

I realize I may be asking a slough of biased Helmsman fanatics... But here goes: My wife and I are considering moving from a stunning Arno Day Pilothouse Trawler to a new boat with two staterooms. We are considering all of the usual suspects for NW cruising: American Tug, Nordic Tug, Selene, and Helmsman. Specifically the 43E. Out of all if the boats, we are least familiar with the Helmsman - yet we are very compelled as it checks many of the boxes for us. So - a few questions: For those of you that have been able to experience meaningful NW seas in your boat (Strait of JDF, Georgia, Haro) - how does your boat handle? Does it deliver confidence in tough water? Does it do well taking seas abeam? Would you stabilize your boat? If you are stabilized: what system do you use and what has been your experience. Does anyone have experience with an upgrade in power to the 425 hp Cummins - can you get the boat to twelve knots if needed at 80% power or lower? How has your order, delivery, and ownership experience been? Would you consider another Helmsman or never again? Any long term issues resulting from manufacturing? Our cruising is three season (Northwest) and we are very interested in comfort - is the Webasto forced air system adequate without being on constantly or cycling constantly? Have any of you upgraded to hydronic - or hydronic and electric? Or have you added more BTU's to the forced air system. Do you have a water maker? We are considering the following: Cummins 425 or 480 as we would like to get to 12knots when desired; Jackson Davit, Water Maker, NL Genset 6kw, Washer/Dryer combo, Stabilization (Magnus or Seakeeper are current considerations), Reverso oil system. Might consider a fuel polishing system. I know I have a lot of different questions - but seriously interested in what the Helmsman and Trawler communities think about the boat.

We're new to trawler boating after sailing 40 years over 30k miles coastal (Bahamas, and PNW), so our take might be a bit different. We got a used 2008 38 three years ago and have cruised 8 to 10 weeks at a time every summer since in the PNW, having two trips up to Desolation. In 30+ crossings of the Straight of Georgia in sailboats, we never gave it a moments thought about beam seas. Ours does not have stabilizers and has a very efficient but slower Lugger engine. Our first beam seas year 1 was crossing from the Sunshine Coast to Naniamo. Half way across, in just 4 foot seas, we felt the roll was too dangerous and turned SE to put the seas on the bstern. Last year, (year 3) we were heading North in a southerly sea and wind. No Problem. Had hoped to spend the night at Hornby but anchorage was untenable, so pulled the anchor and headed toward Deep Bay, which gave us beam seas that we took a zigzag course to avoid the worst of the roll. Fortunately it was only a relatively few miles. We're in the final years of our boating life, so don't know we want to go to the expense of adding stabilizers. We;; constructed boat, but we have to laugh at a comment the PO made to us, saying it was such a quiet boat at anchor. I guess thats why he only anchored out a few times in his six years of ownership. Most of his time he was tucked into Friday Harbor marina, where I'm sure it was very quiet. LOL