Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 for Sale

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 Specifications

The specifications reveal a boat engineered for a very specific purpose: fast, comfortable coastal cruising with the minimum possible draft. At just 2 ft 1 in, the Picnic Boat 37 draws less than most sailing dinghies — a direct consequence of its waterjet propulsion, which eliminates all external running gear. There are no propellers, no shafts, no rudders, and no skegs beneath the hull. This makes the Picnic Boat uniquely suited to the shallow harbours, sandbars, and tidal flats of New England, the Chesapeake, and the Florida Keys — cruising grounds where a conventional 37-footer with a 3-foot draft would think twice.

The displacement range of 16,600–19,000 lbs reflects different engine packages and specification levels across MKIII production. The 19° transom deadrise — increased from 15° on the original Picnic Boat — was a deliberate improvement by designer Michael Peters to improve ride quality in a chop. The 220-gallon fuel capacity supports a cruising range of over 200 nautical miles, making weekend hops between harbours entirely practical without fuel anxiety.

Build Quality & Construction

The Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 is built using the company’s proprietary DualGuard® Composite Construction — a multi-layer laminate that combines aerospace-grade materials with the SCRIMP® (Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process) vacuum infusion technique. Hinckley was among the first recreational boatbuilders to license SCRIMP technology in the mid-1990s, and the process has been central to every Picnic Boat since.

The hull layup consists of a Kevlar/E-glass hybrid outer skin for impact resistance, aircraft-grade end-grain balsa core below the waterline for stiffness and insulation, and a carbon fibre inner skin for structural rigidity. This sandwich construction is vacuum-infused with vinylester resin using the SCRIMP process, which produces a consistently high fibre-to-resin ratio with virtually no voids — a marked improvement over traditional hand-laid laminates. The deck and cockpit use E-glass inner and outer skins with closed-cell foam core, also SCRIMP-infused.

Over the production run, Hinckley has progressively lightened the Picnic Boat by approximately 1,000 lbs through advances in coring materials and laminate techniques. The current 37 S generation uses an epoxy-infused carbon composite layup that represents the most advanced iteration of the DualGuard system. The result is an exceptionally strong, lightweight hull that delivers both structural performance and fuel efficiency.

Above the composite structure, Hinckley’s hand-finished joinery is the hallmark that separates these boats from everything else on the water. Eight pieces of solid stock Burmese teak are hand-selected in the finish carpentry shop in Southwest Harbor. The toe rail alone receives as many as ten coats of varnish. Interior woodwork is finished in satin-varnished cherry with gloss-varnished teak and tulipwood cabin sole. Every surface is hand-fitted, every edge is finished — there is no visible raw composite anywhere in the interior. This is the Hinckley difference: the hull of a fighter jet wrapped in the joinery of a bespoke yacht.

For buyers evaluating build quality on a used Picnic Boat 37, the critical inspection points are the gel coat condition (particularly around the waterline), the state of the exterior brightwork (teak), and any evidence of impact damage to the hull bottom — though the DualGuard construction is remarkably resistant to damage, and Hinckley’s service network can repair composite structures to factory standards.

The JetStick System: How It Works

The JetStick is Hinckley’s proprietary joystick control system for their Hamilton waterjet drives, and it is the single most defining feature of every Picnic Boat. First conceived by Shep McKenney and engineered by Tom Serrao of Control Engineering in 1996, the JetStick was the first joystick control system in the recreational marine industry — predating similar systems from conventional drive manufacturers by over a decade.

The Hamilton waterjet works by drawing water through an intake in the hull bottom and expelling it at high pressure through a steerable nozzle at the stern. Steering is achieved by pivoting the nozzle in the horizontal plane, while reverse thrust is created by lowering a deflector “bucket” into the jet stream. In a typical Picnic Boat 37 configuration, the twin Hamilton jets discharge up to 166 gallons (1,394 lbs) of water per second — enormous thrust authority that the JetStick translates into intuitive, fingertip control.

The JetStick provides three-axis control: the X axis manages the bow thruster for lateral movement, the Y axis controls the bucket deflector for forward and reverse thrust, and the Z axis provides proportional steering. The result is 360 degrees of infinitely variable thrust. In docking mode, if the operator becomes confused, simply releasing the JetStick causes the boat to revert to an instant “hover” setting — dead in the water with power automatically balanced, regardless of throttle position. This fail-safe feature alone has converted countless sceptics.

The system has evolved through four generations. The original JetStick (1996) provided basic joystick control. JetStick 2 (2012) introduced GPS-based position holding, allowing the boat to lock onto coordinates and hold station automatically. JetStick 3 (2019) added Heading Hold™ and Dynamic Steering™ with commercially rated components. The current JetStick 4® (2023) features Smart Mode Selection®, which automatically transitions between helm steering and JetStick modes, Dock Hold™ (which holds the boat against a dock while lines are secured), and next-generation Hamilton jets with improved top-end performance.

For prospective buyers, the JetStick generation is a critical specification. Earlier Picnic Boat 37 MKIII models carry JetStick 1 or JetStick 2; later MKIII boats may have JetStick 2 or 3; and the current 37 S ships with JetStick 4. The control system can be upgraded on older boats through Hinckley’s service network, though the retrofit cost is substantial. When evaluating a used Picnic Boat, always confirm the JetStick version and its service history.

Performance & Handling

Cruise and top speed: With twin Yanmar 8LV 370 hp engines and Hamilton jets, the Picnic Boat 37 MKIII cruises at approximately 30–32 knots and reaches a top speed of 35 knots. The current 37 S, with twin Volvo Penta D6 440 hp units, pushes the cruise to 32 knots and top end to 37 knots — the smoothest, quietest drive of any Picnic Boat generation, according to Hinckley. Earlier MKIII models with twin Volvo D4 300 hp engines cruise at 24–25 knots, which is more sedate but still thoroughly adequate for the Picnic Boat mission.

Ride quality: The Michael Peters-designed MKIII hull represented a significant improvement over the original Bruce King hull. The increased transom deadrise (19° vs 15°), fuller bow sections, and wider beam addressed the original’s tendency toward bow steering and stern sliding in rough conditions. The MKIII tracks straighter, rides drier, and handles a chop with considerably more composure. Owners consistently describe the ride as remarkably smooth for a 37-footer — the combination of waterjet propulsion (no propeller-induced vibration) and the carbon composite hull creates a driving experience that is quieter and more refined than any conventional stern-drive or outboard boat in this size range.

Docking and close-quarters handling: This is where the Picnic Boat 37 is genuinely without peer. The JetStick allows the operator to place the boat with surgical precision — sideways into a tight slip, rotating on its own axis, or hovering motionless in current. The absence of external running gear means there is nothing to catch on dock lines, pilings, or lobster pots. Combined with the 2 ft 1 in draft, this makes the Picnic Boat 37 the easiest 37-footer on the market to handle in confined spaces. Many owners single-hand the boat with complete confidence, which is an extraordinary statement for a vessel of this size and value.

Fuel economy: The twin diesel/waterjet configuration is not frugal by displacement boat standards, but it is reasonable for the performance delivered. At a 30-knot cruise with twin 370 hp Yanmars, expect fuel burn in the range of 25–35 GPH combined. The 220-gallon fuel capacity provides a practical range of approximately 200 nautical miles with a sensible reserve. For harbour-hopping in New England or the Chesapeake, this is more than sufficient for a weekend’s cruising between fuel stops.

Safety: The waterjet system provides an inherent safety advantage: there are no exposed spinning propellers beneath the hull. For families with children and swimmers in the water, this is a significant consideration. The waterjets also allow the boat to brake from speed to zero within approximately one boat length — a stopping capability that no propeller-driven boat can match.

Interior & Design

The Picnic Boat 37 is, at its core, a day boat — but one with overnight capability that belies its classification. The layout is centred around a fully enclosed pilothouse with large electric opening side windows and electric opening hatches with OceanAir sky screens. The pilothouse is air-conditioned and serves as the primary social space, combining the helm station with comfortable seating and excellent visibility in all directions.

Helm area: The helm is positioned forward in the pilothouse with a full instrument panel, chartplotter, and the JetStick control. Helm chairs (available in leather or Sunbrella cushions) provide elevated seating with excellent sightlines. The pilothouse layout can accommodate several guests in comfort, making it the natural gathering point in all weather conditions.

Cockpit: The aft cockpit is finished with Awlgrip-painted non-skid decks and varnished teak coamings. Cushioned seating along the transom and aft-facing seats at the forward end of the cockpit provide ample entertaining space, with storage beneath. The cockpit is the heart of the Picnic Boat experience — this is where guests gather for sunset cocktails, dockside lunches, and lazy afternoons at anchor. The name “Picnic Boat” is entirely apt.

Below-deck cabin: Accessed via a companionway from the pilothouse, the cabin provides a surprising amount of accommodation. The Queen Island Berth interior (introduced on the MKIII) is finished in satin-varnished cherry with custom sheer lockers to port and starboard. The cabin sole is gloss-varnished teak and tulipwood. Louvered cherry locker doors and Frigast stainless steel bulkhead lights add to the ambience. Standing headroom is 6 ft 2 in, and the cabin is fully climate-controlled via a 10,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning unit with outlets in both the main cabin and the head.

Head: Located to starboard, the head features a custom satin-varnished cherry countertop, under-mounted porcelain sink, and a Grohe faucet with hand-held shower. An opening port provides natural ventilation. Systems include a 27-gallon aluminium holding tank with overboard discharge and a 6-gallon stainless steel hot water heater powered by shore power and engine heat.

Galley area: To port, the galley features a custom Corian countertop, stainless steel sink with Grohe fixtures and spray nozzle, hot and cold pressure water, and Adler Barbour 12-volt cold-plate refrigeration in a self-draining insulated box. The stove and sink have matching Corian covers that add to the already ample counter space. A pantry locker with louvered door and shelves separates the galley from the forward berth area.

The overall design philosophy is quintessentially Hinckley: restrained elegance, natural materials finished to an extraordinary standard, and a layout that prioritises the social experience of being on the water. The Picnic Boat 37 is not trying to be a cruiser — it is a day boat with overnight capability, and every design decision reflects that hierarchy.

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 vs Competitors

The Picnic Boat 37 occupies a unique position in the luxury day boat market: an ultra-premium, hand-built, jet-drive cruiser with no direct equivalent. Competitors tend to match one or two of its attributes — styling, build quality, performance, or technology — but none combines all four in the way Hinckley does. The following comparisons help frame the Picnic Boat 37 against boats that prospective buyers commonly cross-shop.

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 vs Hinckley Sou’wester 42

This is a comparison within the Hinckley family rather than a direct market competitor. The Sou’wester 42 represents Hinckley’s sailing heritage — a semi-custom, heavy-displacement cruising yacht designed for offshore passages by McCurdy & Rhodes. It shares the same legendary build quality and hand-finished joinery, but the experience is fundamentally different: one is a wind-powered bluewater passagemaker, the other is a jet-powered coastal day boat. On the used market, the Sou’wester 42 trades at $150,000–$450,000 depending on generation, while the Picnic Boat 37 MKIII commands $450,000–$850,000+. The cross-shop typically involves a buyer deciding between Hinckley’s two worlds — sailing tradition or powerboat innovation — rather than choosing between competing brands.

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 vs Chris-Craft Launch 36

The Chris-Craft Launch 36 is the closest thing to a mainstream alternative, offering classic American styling and a well-finished interior at a fraction of the Hinckley price. The Launch 36 uses conventional stern-drive propulsion (twin MerCruiser or Volvo Penta I/O), draws 3 ft 0 in versus the Picnic Boat’s 2 ft 1 in, and delivers comparable top speeds around 39 knots with the 430 hp V8 option. The Chris-Craft offers more overnight accommodation (sleeps up to five) and a larger fuel capacity of 286 gallons. However, the construction is conventional fibreglass rather than carbon composite, there is no waterjet option, and the interior finish — while attractive — does not approach Hinckley’s hand-finished standard. The Chris-Craft trades at $200,000–$360,000 used versus $450,000–$850,000+ for the Hinckley. For buyers who want the Downeast day boat experience without the ultra-premium price, the Launch 36 delivers roughly 70% of the aesthetic appeal at 30–40% of the cost.

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 vs Nimbus T11

The Nimbus T11 is a 40-foot Scandinavian walkaround dayboat that shares the Picnic Boat’s mission of premium coastal cruising. Built in Gothenburg, Sweden, the T11 carries CE Category B (Offshore) certification and a dual-stepped deep-vee hull designed for the demanding Swedish archipelago. With twin Mercury or Volvo outboard/sterndrive options producing 600–800 hp total, it matches or exceeds the Hinckley on raw speed (up to 41.7 knots). The Nimbus offers a more versatile deck layout with multi-configuration seating and a 2,500-litre lazarette, plus two cabins versus the Hinckley’s one. Where the Hinckley wins decisively is in build quality (carbon composite vs conventional GRP), the unique JetStick/waterjet system, shallow draft, and the irreplaceable cachet of the Hinckley name. The T11 is a serious boat at a significantly lower price point — it represents the Scandinavian design tradition’s answer to the same question Hinckley posed in 1994.

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 vs Fjord 41 XL

The Fjord 41 XL represents the European Mediterranean approach to the luxury day boat segment. Designed by Patrick Banfield and built in Slovenia, the Fjord emphasises dramatic styling, a massive swim platform, and sun-worshipping deck space — a markedly different aesthetic from the Hinckley’s understated Downeast lines. The Fjord is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 (2 × 435 hp) with conventional pod drives, producing a top speed of approximately 36 knots. Build quality is excellent for a European production boat but does not match Hinckley’s hand-built composite construction or bespoke joinery. The Fjord appeals to a Mediterranean lifestyle buyer who values open deck space and contemporary design; the Hinckley appeals to the New England/coastal buyer who values tradition, craftsmanship, and the unique capabilities of waterjet propulsion. Pricing is closer than with other competitors — a well-specified Fjord 41 XL approaches $700,000+ new — but the Hinckley’s resale value and brand cachet remain in a class of their own.

For a full interactive depreciation comparison between the Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.

Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 Ownership Costs

Owning a Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 is an ultra-premium proposition — not just in acquisition cost but in every aspect of ongoing ownership. The build quality is exceptional, which reduces the frequency of major surprises, but the carbon composite construction, waterjet propulsion system, and hand-finished brightwork demand specialist maintenance that is neither cheap nor widely available. The principal cost areas are as follows:

• Insurance: 0.8–1.5% of hull value. For a MKIII insured at $500,000–$850,000, expect approximately $4,000–$12,750 per year. Hinckley’s YachtCare+ programme, partnered with Triton Insurance, offers tailored coverage including transport to a Hinckley facility for covered losses, temporary charter yacht provision, and crew coverage.
• Berthing: New England marinas charge $50–$80 per foot per month during the boating season, translating to approximately $7,500–$15,000 per year for a 37-footer. The Picnic Boat’s shallow draft opens up mooring options that deeper boats cannot access, potentially reducing costs.
• Exterior brightwork (varnish): The solid Burmese teak toe rail, coamings, and trim require regular professional varnishing. In New England, expect $6,000–$10,000 per year for professional maintenance. In sunnier climates, costs increase. Neglected brightwork can cost $15,000–$25,000 to restore.
• Waterjet service: The Hamilton jets require periodic intake grate cleaning (essential if the boat sits in the water), impeller inspection, and occasional bearing replacement. Budget $3,000–$6,000 annually for jet system maintenance, depending on usage hours and operating environment.
• Engine service: Twin diesel servicing (oil changes, filter replacements, impeller changes, coolant) runs $3,000–$5,000 per year at typical recreational usage levels of 100–200 hours.
• Haul-out and bottom paint: $3,000–$5,000 per haul including travel lift, pressure wash, and antifouling. Annual haul-outs are standard.
• Winter storage (New England): $3,000–$6,000 for indoor heated storage, shrink-wrap, and winterisation.
• Hinckley YachtCare programme: For owners who want a fully managed experience, Hinckley’s YachtCare programme provides captained pick-up and delivery, climate-controlled indoor storage at one of nine company-owned facilities, and a dedicated YachtCare manager. This simplifies ownership considerably but at a premium cost.
• Approximate annual total: $35,000–$70,000 per year, depending on usage, location, and whether the boat is enrolled in the YachtCare programme. This is consistent with the broader principle that annual ownership costs for a Hinckley run approximately 5–8% of hull value.

The Hinckley service network is a genuine competitive advantage. The company operates nine YachtCare Centres along the US East Coast and retains construction plans from every boat it has built. This level of manufacturer engagement — decades after delivery — is virtually unique in the powerboat world and represents a tangible, ongoing benefit of the Hinckley premium. Boats maintained through the Hinckley network carry Certified Pre-Owned eligibility, which commands a measurable resale premium.

How to Buy a Hinckley Picnic Boat 37: What to Look For

Understanding the generations: The Picnic Boat 37 has been through several distinct iterations. The original Picnic Boat 36 (1994–~2008) used a single-engine, single-jet layout designed by Bruce King, with a centreline engine box and a simpler cabin arrangement. The MKIII (~2009–2020), designed by Michael Peters, introduced the twin-engine/twin-jet configuration, wider beam, increased deadrise, and the island queen berth forward. The current 37 S (2020–present) continues the MKIII platform with the JetStick 4®, refined carbon composite construction, and updated engine options. On the used market, MKIII boats represent the sweet spot for most buyers: proven reliability, modern performance, and significantly lower pricing than the current 37 S new-build.

Known Issues to Inspect

• JetStick system condition: Confirm the JetStick generation (1, 2, 3, or 4) and request a full service history. The joystick control unit, wiring harness, and electronic actuators should all be inspected. Test the system thoroughly during the sea trial — in all modes including docking, cruise, and position hold (if equipped). A JetStick upgrade or major overhaul can cost $30,000–$60,000+.
• Hamilton jet inspection: The jet drives should be inspected for impeller wear, bearing condition, intake grate integrity, and nozzle/bucket actuator function. Worn impellers reduce performance and efficiency. The intake grate must be free of marine growth and debris. Budget $5,000–$15,000 for a jet overhaul if required.
• Engine considerations: Early MKIII boats with twin Volvo D4 300 hp engines are reliable but slower. Later models with Yanmar 8LV 370 hp units deliver better performance. Some earlier Picnic Boats were fitted with the Yanmar 6LY2A-STP 440 hp engine, which has a documented history of valve train corrosion and catastrophic valve failure — Yanmar has ceased production of this engine. Any Picnic Boat with the 6LY2A should have documentation confirming the cylinder head recall/replacement was completed.
• Exterior brightwork: Inspect all exterior teak carefully for soft spots, greying, lifted varnish, and water penetration beneath the finish. The toe rail and pilothouse coamings are the most exposed areas. The cost of restoring neglected brightwork can reach $15,000–$25,000.
• Gel coat and hull bottom: Check for impact damage, particularly on the hull bottom around the jet intake area. While the DualGuard composite is extremely durable, grounding damage can occur, especially in shallow-water cruising grounds.
• Electronics and systems: Verify the condition of the chartplotter, radar, and AIS. Check the air conditioning compressor, shore power systems, and battery bank. Older boats may benefit from a full electronics refresh.

Using the Hinckley Network

Hinckley operates its own brokerage division, and many Picnic Boats change hands through this channel. Buying through Hinckley Brokerage provides access to factory records, construction details, and a level of provenance documentation that no independent broker can match. The company’s Certified Pre-Owned programme recognises boats regularly enrolled in YachtCare — these command a premium but offer significantly reduced risk. Budget $3,000–$5,000 for a comprehensive marine survey by a surveyor experienced with composite construction and jet-drive systems.

Pricing Guidance

A new Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 S starts at approximately $1.1–$1.4 million before options (Hinckley does not publicly disclose exact pricing). Used MKIII models (2009–2020) typically trade at $450,000–$850,000 depending on year, engine hours, JetStick generation, and condition. Earlier single-engine Picnic Boat 36 models can be found for $250,000–$450,000 but represent a fundamentally different (and older) boat. Transaction prices are typically 5–10% below asking prices, though well-maintained, low-hour examples with current JetStick systems often sell at or near asking.

Verdict: Who Is the Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 For?

The Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 is for the buyer who wants the finest day boat money can buy and is prepared to pay — both at acquisition and in ongoing ownership — for a level of craftsmanship, engineering, and exclusivity that simply does not exist elsewhere in the market. It is a boat that makes the most sense in its native waters: New England harbours, Nantucket Sound, the Maine coast, Martha’s Vineyard, the Chesapeake, and the Florida Keys — cruising grounds where shallow draft, quiet waterjet propulsion, and effortless docking transform every outing into the experience its name promises.

Strengths: Unmatched build quality in carbon/Kevlar composite construction. The JetStick waterjet system provides docking and handling capabilities that no conventional drive can replicate. Minimal draft (2 ft 1 in) opens cruising grounds inaccessible to propeller-driven boats. No exposed propellers for swimmer safety. Hinckley’s factory service network and Certified Pre-Owned programme provide exceptional ownership support. Resale values are among the strongest in the industry. The Downeast aesthetic has timeless appeal.

Trade-offs: The acquisition cost ($1.1–$1.4M new, $450K–$850K used) places the Picnic Boat in truly rarefied territory. Annual ownership costs of $35,000–$70,000 are substantial. The waterjet system, while brilliant, requires specialist maintenance that is largely available only through the Hinckley network. The cabin is adequate for overnighting but compact — this is not a cruiser. Performance in heavy offshore seas is limited by the day boat hull form. Production volume is low (approximately ten per year), which means wait times for new builds and limited selection on the used market.

For the right buyer — one who values heritage, craftsmanship, and the unique experience of jet-drive coastal cruising — the Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 is not merely a good boat. It is the boat. Nothing else on the water delivers this particular combination of beauty, technology, and Maine-built soul, and nothing has come close in the three decades since the first Picnic Boat made its debut in Southwest Harbor.