24ft Timber Bay Cruiser – “Helena”

Overview

“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.