Working closely with our dedicated yard, Helmsman Trawlers® are finely crafted with quality workmanship and top components, resulting in rugged, safe, and reliable vessels. But this attention to construction quality won’t matter if the vessel doesn’t arrive safely, and so we give just as much consideration to the shipping and delivery process as we do the build. We ensure the boat gets to the customer safe and well-protected, and perhaps even a little babied!
We personally (and not some intermediary) see the process through from the very start to the very finish. To us, this means beginning with equipment checks at the yard, and not counting the delivery as complete until the customer is comfortable behind their new vessel’s helm.
While we have always ensured careful and thoughtful new vessel transport, these steps were especially on display during a recent delivery.
It Starts at the Yard
Before the vessel leaves the yard, the Cummins distributor examines the installation and test runs the engines to make sure they run right. Cummins common-rail diesel engines are of the highest quality and are standard in our boats – after all, the engine is what makes boating possible, and so it should be a totally reliable and worry-free component.
Prior to shipping all the boat’s batteries are disconnected. This ensures there is no accidental discharge, and that the engine can be reliably started on the other side.
We also include parts with the boat, before it is loaded, to ensure a safe offload. These come standard, and include:
• An emergency tiller
• The “jewel box” (an organized, hand-picked selection of spare parts)
• Fenders
• Lines
• Safety gear
From there, the ship is securely and thickly plastic wrapped before being loaded onto an ocean transport ship. This careful wrap job prevents exposure and mitigates any potential for nicks or scratches. While this may seem an obvious step, that doesn’t mean it comes standard across the motor yacht industry! Not every manufacturer commits the resources to safe transport like we do.
Shipping
It’s no secret that in 2021 shipping has not been business as usual. With that, we’ve become creative and innovative in securing shipping and making sure our trawlers get to customers in a timely fashion.
Most recently this included using Longview, Washington as a port for receipt and offload of a Helmsman Trawlers® 38E, in place of our usual Northwest shipping destination of Seattle. This meant a 315 nautical mile journey down the Columbia River, over the Columbia River Bar, up the wild Washington Coast, down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, through Admiralty Strait and Puget Sound and to our main offices on Seattle’s Lake Union for vessel commissioning. All on a Helmsman Trawlers® directly off the container ship!
With a good weather window, experienced watch standers, provisions (including more food than could possibly be eaten), temporarily-installed VHF and radar, and additional safety equipment procured in Astoria, and – above all – confidence in the boat, it was a smooth journey. The vessel performed and handled exceptionally (100% driven by hand!). The crew included company founder Scott Helker, along with his son and Operations Manager Van Helker, and Dave Carleson, a company salesperson who has made the trip many times.
The trip was exhilarating and gorgeous, the boat had a good shakedown, and it proved that Helmsman Trawlers® are reliable and comfortable straight from the yard. The preparations we take to ready these boats are sound and effective.
Vessel Commission
The boats come in clean and ready-to-go and minimal setup is required. That said, the commissioning process is important, and takes about a week and half to complete.
The first step is hauling out the vessel to install the swim platform and transducers. Once these are complete all systems aboard are tested, and the boat is run to make sure it functions correctly. If anything isn’t just right it is addressed. Electronics are installed by a professional electronics technician; this includes items like the radar, multi-function display, autopilot, etc.
Passing the Helm
We know that taking ownership of a Helmsman Trawlers® is a big event for new owners, and we take care that they are comfortable and knowledgeable with their new boat. We love to see our customers enjoying adventures on their boats and want to make sure they are ready to do so confidently and safely.
With that, handoff includes – all a part of purchase price:
• Thorough orientation
• On-the-water boat handling experience and training with our staff
• Owners’ manual
• Systems training
• Operational training
• Schematics explanations
Then it’s the owners turn to take the wheel and explore, with our staff always available by phone for questions and support.
A safe boat delivery is essential, and we handle the process with care – ensuring your vessel arrives to you in excellent, ready-to-enjoy condition!
