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Helms 32
Designer: Stuart Windley  ·  Builder: Jack A. Helms Co. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Helms 32

Built during a brief three-year production run from 1983 to 1985, this Stuart Windley-designed cruiser represents a classic approach to coastal and light offshore sailing. With only ten hulls produced by Jack A. Helms Co., the Helms 32 remains a relatively rare find in today's used boat market. The design showcases thoughtful proportions for its era, featuring a moderate fin keel and spade rudder configuration that balances performance with stability. At 32 feet overall with a 25.5-foot waterline, the hull provides comfortable accommodations while maintaining respectable sailing characteristics. The masthead sloop rig delivers a reasonable sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.18, suggesting decent light-air performance without being overpowered in fresh conditions. With a displacement of 9,500 pounds and 3,800 pounds of ballast, this fiberglass cruiser offers the solid feel appreciated by coastal cruising sailors. The comfort ratio of 23.34 indicates a relatively stiff, stable platform well-suited for weekend getaways and extended coastal passages. The capsize screening formula of 1.99 falls within acceptable parameters for offshore ventures, though the design seems most at home in protected waters and near-coastal environments where its blend of comfort and sailing ability can be fully appreciated.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 32.00 ft / 9.75 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.50 ft / 7.77 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Displacement 9,500.00 lb / 4,309 kg
Ballast 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 452.00 ft² / 41.99 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Stuart Windley
Builder Jack A. Helms Co. (USA)
First Built 1983
Last Built 1985
Number Built 10
Owner Reviews

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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
 168
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
 16.18
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
 40
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
 255.77
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
 23.34
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
 1.99
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. 6.77 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
 2.04
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. 956.70 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. 16.19
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 35.00 ft / 10.67 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
SA Fore 260.00 ft² / 24.15 m²
SA Main 192.50 ft² / 17.88 m²
SA Total (100%) 452.50 ft² / 42.04 m²
Est. Forestay Length 42.06 ft / 12.82 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 3GM30
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
Water Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
Find a Helms 32 For Sale
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