Hinckley Picnic Boat MKIII: Regal Yet Racy

Few boats manage to mix classic lines with modern performance as well as the Hinckley Picnic Boat MKIII. At 37’ long it’s large enough to call a cruiser, yet never loses sight of its day-boat heritage—nor the history that goes with its classic lines.

Few would argue that the Hinckley Picnic Boat MKIII is anything but utterly gorgeous. The surprise comes when you hit the throttles.

The MKIII is Hinckley’s third iteration of their picnic boat, first launched in 1995. This complete redesign took place in 2009, so all the MKIII models on the brokerage market are relatively fresh boats. Featuring a more aggressive (19-degree transom deadrise) hull, the MKIII retains the original picnic boat’s appearance. You can learn more about the different Picnic Boat model’s evolution in Hinckley 36 Picnic Boat: A True Classic.

While the yacht’s looks speak for themselves, Hinckley made sure that its performance was not only up to modern standards but beyond them. Equipped with twin diesels, you’ll find MKIII models on the brokerage market with 370 HP Volvo Penta or Yanmars that provide a cruise of 30 knots, and a top-end in the mid 30’s. With twin 435 HP diesels the cruise bumps up to over 30 knots and top-end approaches 40. But it’s the Hamilton jet drives that woo most captains. Unlike picnic boats of yesteryear (see the Maddy Sue for an example of 1930’s picnic boat design), the Hinckley derives thrust from jet drives and can be controlled via a joystick, called the “JetStick,” at the helm.

Construction of the Picnic Boat MKIII is similarly forward-looking. Although the boat’s interior maintains the classic look with plenty of varnished wood and traditional accents, the hull is laid up with Kevlar and E-glass and a carbon-fiber inner skin. Coring is end-grain balsa and closed-cell foam, and the boat is SCRIMP laminated with vinylester resin.

While accessories like electronics, generators, windlasses, and appliances will naturally vary from boat to boat, as a general rule you’ll find only top-notch equipment on the Hinckley Picnic Boat MKIII. Certainly everything installed at the factory is high-end, and commonly a yachtsman choosing to buy a Hinckley added nothing but the best. Note that even the oldest of the MKIII’s on the brokerage market today still command three-quarters of a million dollars or better; people interested in this boat generally did not strive to save money, certainly not to the detriment of their yacht.

Fulfilling its mission as a day-boat, the majority of the MKIII is dedicated to the helm-deck and the large cockpit. Belowdecks the cabin features a forward V-berth stateroom, a galley, and an enclosed head. Yes, it’s certainly sufficient for a couple to overnight. However, those who plan to spend extended time living aboard probably will be best served by a different design which places more emphasis on the cabin. Remember that this boat is designed for short trips, not extended cruising, and trades off cabin volume in favor of more space in the great outdoors.

See listings for the Hinckley Picnic Boat MKIII.

Written by: Lenny Rudow

With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.