:HELM - Manual
The :HELM is a permanently mounted fishing reel designed for offshore sailing. It mounts to your stern pushpit, fishes while you sail, and handles the load so you don't have to.
This page covers everything you need — mounting, operation, maintenance, and specifications.
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Purchased from 2026 onwards
Transom requirements
The :HELM is designed to mount on the pushpit at the transom of the vessel. Compatible pipe diameters range from 20 to 30 mm. The reel can also be mounted on a flat surface using a standard M8 bolt (not included).
Align the reel with the centreline of the vessel for best performance. Every unit includes an adaptation bracket with three angle options (0°, 8°, and 16° offsett) to match your pushpit geometry. Select the angle that positions the reel aligned to the center axis when mounted on your specific rail.​
Assembly and Mounting
Step 1 — Attach the fairlead
Before mounting to the rail, attach the fairlead to the reel. Secure the fairlead using the 4x M6 bolts. Tighten to 4 Nm with an Allen key. Gently wiggle the fairlead and re-tighten to 8 Nm. Verify it is straight and secure before proceeding. Repeat the tightening sequence if there is any play. ​
​Step 2 — Mount to the rail
Two people are recommended for this step. Protect the guardrail from scratches with hockey tape or a rubber patch before mounting.
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Note: horizontal levelling affects how line distributes across the spool.
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With offset adapter bracket (8° or 16°):
Mount the adapter bracket to the rail first using the M8 U-bolt, nylon washers, and hex nuts. Attach the reel to the adapter bracket using the 2× M6 countersunk bolts. Slot the second M8 U-bolt into the main bracket, pull the reel close to the rail, and attach. Use a 13 mm wrench to tighten U-bolts once the reel is in the correct position.
Without offset (0°):
Point the reel straight up and fit the M8 U-bolts, nylon washers, and hex nuts around the rail. Rotate to the desired position and tighten with a 13 mm wrench until the reel is level and stable.
Do not overtighten. Excessive torque will bend the bracket.
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A note on guardrail geometry
The main bracket is designed for convex or straight guardrails. The bracket acts as a spring that holds the drag open when the reel is not in use — a concave rail works against the bracket geometry and can cause the drag to the engaged. Avoid mounting on concave guardrails, or take extra care.
Operation
Drag lever
The :HELM uses a direct lever drag system, the same principle as professional big-game reels. The drag lever sits on the right side of the reel, with positions engraved:
FREE / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / MAX.
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Move the lever back to increase resistance, forward to reduce it. The lever has a hole pattern that holds it in place against boat vibration. You can read and adjust your setting at a glance.
As a general starting point for offshore trolling, position 1 to 3 are suitable for most target species. If you are hooking larger fish or fishing with heavier line, increase toward 4. MAX is available for stopping power when needed but is not recommended as a trolling setting.
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The :HELM ships with the drag pre-set at 12 Nm at the factory. This corresponds to approximately 24,5 kg at the full spool position and is a suitable starting point for most offshore trolling. The setting card included in the box shows the factory configuration.
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Always return the drag lever to position FREE after use
Deploying the lure
Set the drag lever to FREE and run out the line.
Once the lure is at the desired distance behind the boat, advance the lever to a higher setting just untill the reel stopps paying out line.
The clicker
On the same side as the drag lever sits a ratcheting clicker. When engaged, it produces a loud, clear mechanical click the moment line starts running from the spool. Always engage it as soon as you have let out the lure, it will alert the crew to a strike without anyone needing to watch the reel.
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The clicker is important and independent of the drag setting. It can be left engaged at any drag position.
Retrieval
Pay line in using the 8 mm Lirus Hercules endless furler rope. Pull one side of the loop hand-over-hand — the motion follows the same principle as a headsail furler. The pre-spliced loop provides a continuous, ergonomic grip..
Before retrieving, bring the lever back toward a higher position to increase drag resistance. Otherwise the drag might slip during retrival.
There are arrows on the side marking the correct rotation
Drag force and line level
This is important to understand before you fish.
Drag force is not constant. As line depletes from the spool, the effective spool diameter decreases and the same drag setting produces a higher force on the line. This is a physical property of all fishing reels.
Factory drag setting is 12 Nm, which produces approximately 24,5 kg at a full spool (100mm) at position 4. The graph also gives you an indication of the drag force in other lever positions.
Adjusting the factory drag setting
The factory drag setting of 12 Nm can be adjusted to suit your preference or target species.
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To adjust: move the lever to the FREE position, then loosen the 2× M6 countersunk bolts — do not remove them completely.
Rotate the hexagon bolt clockwise to increase drag force, counterclockwise to decrease. The setting changes quickly — often a single flat of the hexagon is enough of an adjustment. Re-tighten the M6 bolts when done.
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Note: drag force should be checked and readjusted periodically, particularly during the first hours of use. Components will bed in and the carbon drag washer will run in over time, which can cause the effective drag to shift from the initial setting.
Maintenance
Rinse the reel with fresh water after every use. Do not submerge the reel or spray from unusual angles. Dry with a soft cloth or let it dry slowly.
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Periodically inspect the furler rope for fraying, wear, or stiffness at the splice. The furler takes the load of every retrieval — replace it if you see visible damage. Inspect the fairlead for salt build-up or surface burrs that could damage the line.
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Check mounting hardware and fasteners at the start of each passage. Look for any movement between the bracket and rail, and re-torque if needed. Salt water works into fastener threads over time — a drop of marine-grade anti-seize on threads during installation will extend service life significantly.
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Replace the monofilament if fraying, nicking, or UV whitening is visible. Line degrades in UV exposure even when not in use, if the reel has been sitting on deck through a full season, replacing the top third of the spool is good practice.
Lubrication
The :HELM requires minimal lubrication under normal use. If the furler rope shows signs of stiffness, apply a small amount of a mild rope conditioner.
Do not apply oil or grease to the drag washer — the carbon drag surface is designed to run with Cal's drag grease any other lubricant will significantly reduce drag performance and consistency.
For bearings and internal components, servicing is not required as routine maintenance. If you notice grinding or roughness in the spool rotation that does not resolve after rinsing, contact us.
The Clicker plate should be greased periodically to reduce wear with standard marine grease.
If you need to regrease the cam lever mechanism use ceramic grease
Long-term storage
The Sunbrella cover included with the Complete kit is designed for permanent on-deck storage and provides adequate UV and weather protection.
If storing below decks for an extended period, clean and dry all components fully before covering. Apply a light protective coating to exposed metal parts. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not store with the drag lever engaged — leave it in the FREE position to avoid compressing the drag washer over time.
Safety
The reel is permanently mounted and removes the need to stand at the stern holding a rod, but still stay clipped on and operate from a secure position.
Use gloves when handling line under tension. Monofilament at 20+ kg load can cut through skin quickly. If a large fish is running and the line is leaving the spool at speed, do not attempt to grab the line or reel by hand.
Verify all mounting hardware is tight and undamaged before every fishing session. A reel that has worked loose on the rail is a hazard.
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Do not leave the clicker disengaged when the reel is unattended. An undetected strike with the lever in a high position will continue to run line until the spool is empty.
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Children must be supervised by an adult at all times when near the reel, particularly at sea.
Specifications
Reel class: 80 lb / offshore trolling
Drag system: Lever drag — FREE / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / MAX
Drag disc: Single large-diameter carbon washer
Max drag at full spool: 28 kg / 62 lb
Max drag at arbor: 62 kg / 136 lb
Factory drag setting: 12 Nm
Clicker: Switchable mechanical ratchet
Furler: 8 mm Lirus Hercules endless loop, pre-spliced
Fairlead: 8 mm stainless A4
Rail compatibility: 22–30 mm tube diameter
Mounting angle: 0° / 8° / 16°
Reel weight: ~2,500 g (without line)
Line capacity (1.5 mm): 350 m
Line capacity (0.8 mm): 1,230 m
Swivel (Complete kit): 65 mm ball-bearing, 68 kg rated, black nickel