The Helsen 22 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig with aluminum spars; a raked stem; a plumb transom; a transom-hung, kick-up rudder controlled by a tiller and a retractable swing keel. It displaces 2,200 lb (998 kg) and carries 700 lb (318 kg) of lead ballast. The boat has foam flotation and is unsinkable. It will self-right with the keel extended or retracted.[1][4]
The boat has a draft of 4.50 ft (1.37 m) with the keel extended and 1.16 ft (0.35 m) with it retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.[1]
The design has sleeping accommodation for five people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin, a drop-down dinette table that converts to a double berth in the main cabin and an aft quarter berth on the port side, under the cockpit. The galley is located on the port side admidships. The galley is equipped with a two-burner stove and a sink. The head is located in the bow cabin on the starboard side. A pop-top increases the cabin headroom from 4.50 in (11 cm) with it closed to 5.83 in (15 cm) with it open.[1][4]
For sailing the design is equipped with jibroller reefing as standard equipment.[4]
