Helmsman Trawlers are building a new 38 Sedan, a semi-displacement cruiser with a traditional trawler look, as an alternative to its popular 38 Pilothouse boat.
The 38 Pilothouse has been one of Helmsman’s most popular models, winning the People’s Choice Award at the Seattle Trawlerfest in 2019. But the company found that many prospective buyers wanted a boat with walkaround decks for easier line handling, and a more traditional trawler design.
The new 38 Sedan has wide side decks that are protected by the overhang from the flybridge. A door next to the helm station on the starboard side provides instant access to the side deck.
The interior layout looks like most modern trawlers. The salon is stretched two feet from Helmsman’s earlier 37 Sedan, providing more living space. A two-person seat is forward on the port side, with U-shaped seating facing a table. The galley is on the starboard side.
Below, owners can choose a one- or two-stateroom layout. Either way, the master cabin is in the bow; the second cabin is a bit aft, replacing storage space. There’s one head with a separate shower.
Up top, the flybridge has the upper helm and seating for six people. You can mount a dinghy aft.
The new Helmsman has a semi-displacement hull with soft chines, a deep forefoot and broad sections aft for stability. A full keel protects the prop and rudder.
Standard power is a single 250-hp Cummins. Hull number one has a 550-hp Cummins, with a projected top speed in the 15- to 17-knot range.
Helmsman Yachts are designed for owners who want a quality cruising boat but don’t want to overpay for it. They also require minimal exterior maintenance, so that owners can spend more time enjoying their boats. Base price for the one-stateroom version of the new 38 Sedan is $591,000 in Seattle.
The Helmsman yard is in China; the company’s offices are in Seattle. The company has been in business since 2011 and can deliver boats either to Seattle or Charleston, SC.
Specs.: LOA: 40’10”; Beam: 13’11”; Draft: 4’0”; Disp.: 30,000 lbs.; Fuel: 400 gals.; Water: 145 gals.; Power: 1×250-hp Cummins diesel.
