Overview

Listed as a 46' boat for marketing purposes but actually a 47" with added length to swim platform.

This special offering is likely the most expensive yacht ever built by Helsen and Hunter at a cost of over $700,000 to build, and her name is Belle Ile! One of two ever built and the only one on the resale market.

The Signature 470 has 167 upgrades from the Hunter 460 model.

Here is the history of the Hunter-Helsen Signature 470. 

Johannes “Jopie” Helsen turned the stock 46-foot Hunter Sailboat into an elegant high end cruising yacht at Sailor's Wharf, his boatyard on Salt Creek in St. Petersburg. One of the most dramatic changes is in the hull itself. Helen cut off the transom of the production boat and designed a new sugar scoop that adds 1.5-feet to the overall waterline, giving the boat better performance and an updated look. The extended transom also provides a platform for diving and swimming. The trailing edge of the keel is faired for good upwind performance. Other upgrades include a stainless steel and vinyl rub rail, an Awlgrip paint system in custom colors, a 22-karat gold leaf sheer stripe, Harken hardware, electric halyard winch and a steel cockpit arch. Helsen worked with Mark Pooch of Doyle Sails in Clearwater to produce a performance sail package and added 100 square feet to the sail plan. The upgraded interior is elegant ash and teak with a teak and holly sole. The interior features an entertainment system that includes multiple flat-screen televisions. Stainless steel hatches and ports have custom shades that convert to screens. The master stateroom berth has a thick custom mattress made in California specifically for the Signature 470. Corian custom counters and faucets with gold accents were added. The Signature 470 has 167 upgrades from the standard Hunter 46.

“Belle Ile” is Helsen's masterpiece with a rich dark forest green Awlgrip hull. The three stateroom, two head layout provides perfect accommodations for two couples with some grandkids included. She is designed to be comfortable and pleasing in every aspect with the interior design completed by a professional (expensive) interior designer choosing the window treatments, upholstery, carpets, artwork, brass lighting, Corian, and soft high quality coverings all professionally implemented. The intention of total comfort continues right into the cockpit that is perfect for entertaining with seating for about ten people with a walk-through transom, swim platform, and a large cockpit table and many drink holders. The new (2016) bimini, dodger and enclosure provide shade and weather protection and of course there are cockpit cushions.

There is no shortage of amenities to rival any other sail boat with the ice maker, flat screens TVs, air conditioning and a large 6kw Northern Lights Genset with less than 750 hours on it to run everything while underway or on the hook.  The efficient 75 hp Yanmar will leave you impressed as you glide through the waters of your choice.

This vessel is complete with everything you need to start enjoying sailing and cruising today.  The electronics, navigation and communications systems are all current with Raymarine color radar/plotter with displays at the helm and at the navigation station. There is nothing else you need to buy, nothing to upgrade, just write one check and start cruising right here. Cruise down to Florida, Bahamas, or New England and see how life looks from the water side. You won't miss home, that is safe to say.