Picnic/Lobster boats: Hinckley, San Juan, etc

I don't know how it happened, I can't even remember how I got there, but just a few days back I found myself on the Hinkley web site, for the first time.

I'm a convert. The classic designs, the luxurious fit out, the whole thing oozes quality, charm and even practicality! Add to that the unexpectedly high tech build and propolsion......

Then I found San Juan, and havn't been able to settle on one or the other since.

After reading all I can find online about these two companies (which is not much) I'm begining to think that it may come down to personal choice (kevlar, carbon fibre, balsa core, SKRIMP / kevlar, foam core, infused epoxy vinylester resin. Jet drive / props in tunnels. Old school institution / new kid on the block).

Any other picnic boat fans have any idea if one company is better than the other?
Any other info/stories about these companies welcome.

For those of you who arn't (yet) converts.....

The Hinckley website. By clicking on "Hinckley Yachts" then "Power Boats" there are two videos to be found, one by clicking on the picture of the joystick, the other by clicking on "Beneath the Skin" then "View Video"
http://www.hinckleyyachts.com/home_large.html

The San Yuan Yachts site....
http://www.sanjuanyachts.com
Can't wait to see what their new 58 looks like!

Not bad, thanks Kelly.


Kevin, I'm a big fan of all things Wally, but after looking over their specs and plans time and time again I'm beginning to think Wally's (especially Wallypower) are perhaps the sort of boat you fantasize about, perhaps even have a bit of a fling with, but you'd never marry one. Sort of like a high maintenance, difficult/impractical, but absolutely gorgeous super model.

Can't believe I just said that.

One of the (many) things I love about the SanJuan 48 and Henckley T55 (they're my favorites, what can I say?) is their practicality for everyday use. Fully enclosed cabins, shallow draught (both well under 3ft), ease of docking, big galley, etc. Perfect for ever changing families.
Versatile, practical and attractive, what more could a man ask for?


Loren, I live in the state of Victoria (Eastern Australia) so I'm not really sure what fightin' words "WA" may have, sorry.
My slightly provocative trivia is not to offensive I hope?

Could be something like that, even better if you can get the words "Beer" and "Football" in there.

Thanks for those Redman, the Zurn Yachts site is my pick of that bunch.

I get the feeling that there may be as many picnic/lobster boat builders as there are members is this forum, so, to shorten the process, I've got a question for you all, who (in your opinion) builds the best "price no option" picnic boat?

Thanks guys, some very nice looking yachts there!!
Lots of style, class and character IHMO.

Your all just trying to make my decision harder!

Kevin, I may still eat my words.