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Helms 24
Designer: Stuart Windley  ·  Builder: Jack A. Helms Co. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1977
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About the Helms 24

Designed by Stuart Windley and built by Jack A. Helms Co. from 1977 onward, this 24-footer represents solid American small-boat construction with 750 hulls launched over its production run. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration that provides responsive handling and easy maintenance access. With a displacement of 4,200 pounds and 1,850 pounds of ballast, the Helms 24 offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and day sailing. The masthead sloop rig carries 275 square feet of sail area, delivering a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.95 that suggests spirited performance in moderate conditions. The hull's 20.83-foot waterline length generates a theoretical hull speed of 6.12 knots, making this an ideal boat for weekend adventures and learning advanced sailing skills. The comfort ratio of 16.39 indicates relatively quick motion in seaways, typical of boats designed more for sailing performance than heavy-weather passagemaking. However, the capsize screening value of 2.19 falls within acceptable parameters for coastal sailing. This combination of specs points to a boat well-suited for protected waters, coastal day sailing, and light cruising, offering an engaging sailing experience without the complexity of larger vessels.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 23.92 ft / 7.29 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 20.83 ft / 6.35 m
Beam 8.83 ft / 2.69 m
Max Draft 4.17 ft / 1.27 m
Displacement 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Ballast 1,850.00 lb / 839 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 275.00 ft² / 25.55 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Stuart Windley
Builder Jack A. Helms Co. (USA)
First Built 1977
Number Built 750
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 234
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16.95
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 44.05
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 207.46
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.39
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.19
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.12 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.61
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 657.20 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.94
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.50 ft / 9.30 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 25.50 ft / 7.77 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
SA Fore 160.13 ft² / 14.88 m²
SA Main 114.75 ft² / 10.66 m²
SA Total (100%) 274.88 ft² / 25.54 m²
Est. Forestay Length 32.26 ft / 9.83 m
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