A Boat Owner’s Insights – Helmsman 38 Review

In the present Insights feature, we speak with the owner of a 2012 Helmsman Trawlers 38 Pilothouse, currently listed on our Boatshed Seattle website (link follows).

This gorgeous, sturdily-built trawler boasts a substantial number of features and added equipment. When not out adventuring, she has been moored under cover in fresh water and meticulously maintained by doting owners. She is in outstanding, like-new condition.

A Boat Owner's Insights - Helmsman 38 Review
What was it that caused you to buy this particular trawler?

We fell in love with her the moment we walked aboard. The warmth of the interior made her feel like a cabin in the mountains. The layout and space available are amazing for a boat her size. And her exterior lines are beautiful.

What have you most enjoyed about her?

The comfort that you feel aboard is amazing. She has carried us safely to each and every destination and back. We have never doubted her seaworthiness — and we have been in some pretty substantial seas with her. No matter where we go, we receive compliments on her.

What notable destinations has she traveled to?

We have traveled as far north as Drury Inlet in BC. However, the one location that has really stuck in our mind is Glenthorne Cove on the Knight Inlet in BC. There, after dropping the hook in 80 feet of water, we sat and watched a half dozen grizzly bears make their way along the shoreline in search of food. We were one of only two boats in the cove for the evening.

What has impressed you most about her performance?

She has proven that she will take more than her crew. We have put her through her paces in all kinds of wind and waves. She always came through without a hint of a complaint. I have no issues or concerns with taking her anywhere. I know she will get us there and back safely and comfortably.

Her mechanical performance has been flawless, always coming through when you count on her most such as running six sets of rapids up north in one day. It is said a boat that travels at seven knots cannot do this. We proved them wrong after traversing Whirlpool, Greene Point, Dent, Gillard, Yuculta, and Hole in the Wall all in one day!

What additions to this trawler are unique or notable compared to similar models on the market?

There are so many things that we have done and upgrades we’ve opted for, it’s hard to say which is the best. It could be the watermaker, custom Bimini, generator, enclosed cockpit or the custom mattress.

Why are you listing her with Waterline Boats?

Scott Helker is the most knowledgeable person in the Pacific Northwest when it comes to Helmsman Trawlers. Not only does he sell them, he has owned them in the past. That says a lot. He genuinely believes in the product he sells.

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For complete listing details on this stunning, immaculate vessel, including 120+ large format photos as well as videos and 360 Virtual Tours, please view our Boatshed presentation here:
https://seattle.boatshed.com/helmsman_trawlers_38_pilothouse-boat-265402.html

Our “A Boat Owner’s Insights” series is just one other method by which Waterline Boats / Boatshed makes the process of buying a boat a more informative and enjoyable one.