"Helena" is a charming custom-built timber bay cruiser created for unhurried days on the water, quiet anchorages and comfortable weekends aboard. Her classic profile, open aft deck and warm timber interior offer the character and atmosphere that only a traditional wooden boat can provide.
Built using two layers of 5mm cold-moulded marine plywood over hardwood frames and stringers, Helena is a fine example of traditional timber boatbuilding. Her transom is constructed from double 10mm marine ply over hardwood, while the cabin and decks are built from 10mm marine plywood and fully GRP sheathed. The hull and deck are both fastened and glued, with white two-pack painted topsides and cabin, complemented by a classic cream deck.
Below the waterline, Helena features bronze through-hull fittings, a bronze keel-supported rudder, a one-inch stainless steel propeller shaft and a bronze three-blade propeller. A solid timber stem head is fitted with a bronze bow fitting and offset stainless-steel anchor fitting, reflecting the quality of her original construction.
Previously owned by a shipwright, Helena underwent a major refit in 2008, followed by further alterations in 2010. In 2011 she was repowered with a reliable 21hp three-cylinder Yanmar diesel coupled to a Yanmar gearbox and conventional shaft drive.
Her current owner has cherished Helena for approximately 12 years and, in 2024, entrusted her former owner and shipwright with a comprehensive refurbishment and full repaint. Today she presents beautifully, retaining all the warmth and charm of a classic timber cruiser while benefiting from years of thoughtful care and continual improvement.
Helena is equipped with an electric anchor winch, bow thruster, enclosed electric toilet, updated navigation electronics, shore power charging and practical cruising equipment, making her equally suited to leisurely day trips, overnight escapes or simply relaxing at anchor.
This is not a project boat requiring endless weekends of work. It is a beautifully maintained classic, ready to be enjoyed by someone who appreciates traditional craftsmanship, timeless styling and the quiet pleasure that only a timber boat can provide.
Whether you're cruising the Broadwater, exploring the sheltered waters of Moreton Bay or spending peaceful evenings at anchor, Helena offers an experience that modern production boats simply cannot replicate.
Features:
Custom-built 1989 timber bay cruiser
7.20m (24ft) LOA
Cold-moulded timber construction
2 x 5mm marine plywood over hardwood frames and stringers
Double 10mm marine plywood transom
10mm marine plywood cabin and decks, GRP sheathed
Two-pack painted topsides and cabin
Major refit completed in 2008
Further alterations completed in 2010
2011 Yanmar 21hp three-cylinder diesel
Yanmar gearbox
Conventional shaft drive
Bronze three-blade propeller
Bronze keel-supported rudder
Bow thruster
Muir electric anchor winch
Electric toilet
Raymarine navigation electronics
Garmin GPS
Shore power battery charger
12-volt electrical system
Aluminium fuel tank
Fresh water tank
Stainless boarding ladder
Timber duckboard
Side weather curtains
Wooden tender (subject to confirmation)
Professionally refurbished and repainted in 2024
Out-of-water insurance survey available
Due to the owner's personal circumstances, Helena is being offered for sale on an "as is, where is" basis. The seller's priority is to see her passed on to the right custodian -- someone who appreciates traditional timber boats and will continue to care for her as her previous owners have.
Ongoing support is available, with contact details for the shipwright who knows Helena well and has been involved with her maintenance and refurbishment. Further trades and service contacts can also be provided to assist her new owner into the future.
For More Information: Contact Helen James on
, or go to
Dealer Website
Disclaimer:
Oceania Marine has prepared this information in good faith from details supplied by the vessel's owner and other sources believed to be reliable. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Oceania Marine makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Interested parties should make their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to all aspects of the vessel, including its condition, inventory, specifications and suitability for their intended use. Oceania Marine strongly recommends that all prospective purchasers undertake their own inspection and obtain an independent pre-purchase survey and mechanical inspection where appropriate. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all vessels are offered for sale on an "as is, where is" basis.
Enclosed wheelhouse/saloon with helm to port and long upholstered settee with storage to starboard. Forward sleeping cabin with generous V-berth/double berth arrangement, separate enclosed electric toilet and compact starboard galley. White-painted timber interior with timber trim and benchtops, large surrounding windows and practical storage throughout.
Cabins
1 forward sleeping cabin
Berths
Sleeps 2 in forward V-berth/double berth
Galley
Compact starboard-side galley with stainless-steel sink, fresh-water supply, timber benchtop, storage and portable cooking facilities
Stove
Portable single-burner alcohol stove
Toilet
Enclosed electric marine toilet
Dinghy
2.2m Sirocco Slat Hull tender - inclusion to be confirmed
Covers
Side weather curtains; aft deck otherwise open
Ground Tackle
Muir Compact H700 12V electric anchor winch, 27lb CQR/plough anchor, 30m x 6mm galvanised short-link chain
Safety Gear
General safety equipment onboard
Bilge Pumps
2 x electric bilge pumps with float switch plus manual Plastimo bilge pump
Electrics
12V fused electrical system, rotary master switch, 3 marine batteries replaced within approx. Last 18 months, shore power, 12V battery charger replaced Dec 2024, alternator charging, interior and navigation lighting
Electronics
Raymarine Axiom 7 DV multifunction display with sonar/DownVision and transducer, Garmin GPS, Danforth steering compass
Deck Gear
Muir Compact H700 12V electric anchor winch, 27lb CQR/plough anchor, 30m x 6mm galvanised chain, stainless mooring cleats, timber Sampson post, stainless bow rail and boarding ladder
Remarks
Professionally cleaned prior to sale. Extensive refurbishment and full repaint completed by shipwright George Filippow during 2024/25. Offered on an "as is, where is" basis. Shipwright and service contacts available to assist the new owner with ongoing care and maintenance.