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Picnic/Lobster boats: Hinckley, San Juan, etc

Discussion in 'General Downeast Dayboat Discussion' started by Ben, Jun 8, 2006.

  1. Ben

    Ben Senior Member

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    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!
  2. KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    Sweet boats, but why stop there? Also take a peek at Hunt and Pearson.

    Kelly Cook
  3. Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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    Why get a "Picnic" boat when you could have a Lunch Boat? :)
  4. Loren Schweizer

    Loren Schweizer YF Associate Writer

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    Ha! I like Kevin's 'Lunch Boat'.
    And, Ben, Kelly Cook is right---there are lots of picnic/lobster/downeast type boats out there and some, I'll wager, offer a higher valuation compared to the others.
    Depends on what floats your boat, so to speak.

    I have crawled around on the 36 Hinckley and was mighty impressed. In these here parts, podner (sorry, the Texas thing) Hinckleys are known as "floating jewlery" and the 36 does not disappoint.
    However, if you're a tad burly like me, she is a bit tight down below.

    I guess, for me anyway, her profile is what took my breath away years ago when I saw her first in the Marriott Marina at the Miami Boat Show.

    OK. The Texans have "Don't Mess With Texas".
    What fightin' words do the West Australians have?
    Just curious.:)
  5. Ben

    Ben Senior Member

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    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. :D

    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?:D


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

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Aussie's Rule? ;)
  7. Ben

    Ben Senior Member

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    Could be something like that, even better if you can get the words "Beer" and "Football" in there.:D
  8. alloyed2sea

    alloyed2sea Moderator

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  9. Ben

    Ben Senior Member

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    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?
  10. AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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  11. KCook

    KCook Senior Member

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    Just going by their web pages I am drawn most to the Alden and Mochi Craft. However I have not seen any of these in person. So cannot say what is the best built.

    Kelly
  12. Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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    So... pretty much like Italian cars then, as well. LOL

    Oh well, "fling" me away! I'd take a Wally 80 any day of the week. :)
  13. Arniev

    Arniev Senior Member

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    The Hinckley gets my vote ... hands down!
    :)
  14. orion

    orion Senior Member

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  15. Ben

    Ben Senior Member

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    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.;)
  16. nilo

    nilo Senior Member

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    ben,

    i have a picnic/lobster boat built in cold molded mahogany. builder is vicem boats of turkey. i will try to add some pictures. i think the wood work is better than both hinckley and san juan and performance is at least par with both of them.

    nilo
  17. nilo

    nilo Senior Member

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    vicem lobster boat

    some cruising photos

    Attached Files:

  18. nilo

    nilo Senior Member

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    vicem lobster boat

    interior photos
    IMG_0717c.JPG

    IMG_0722c.JPG

    IMG_0724c.JPG
  19. nilo

    nilo Senior Member

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    vicem lobster boat

    some more interior photos

    Attached Files:

  20. nilo

    nilo Senior Member

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    vicem lobster boat

    more interior photos

    Attached Files: