Few boats in the world of luxury day boating carry quite the prestige of the Hinckley Picnic Boat 36. With its graceful Downeast profile, beautifully crafted wheelhouse and unmistakable heritage, the PB36 has long represented the pinnacle of coastal cruising. The recent refit of this exceptional power boat demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and meticulous craftsmanship can refine an already iconic design, blending modern performance with the timeless elegance for which Hinckley Yachts are renowned.
the hinckley picnic boat legacy
Built by Hinckley Yachts, the Picnic Boat series transformed the concept of the luxury day boat. By pairing elegant Downeast styling with jet propulsion and exceptional build quality, Hinckley created a yacht that quickly became a benchmark for refined coastal cruising. The PB36 remains one of the most admired models in the range. Its protected wheelhouse, spacious cockpit and smooth ride make it equally suited to relaxed family cruising, entertaining guests or swift coastal passages. This refit set out to preserve the distinctive character of the Picnic Boat while introducing modern engineering, updated systems and a refreshed finish throughout.
a complete exterior transformation
A significant element of the refit focused on restoring the yacht’s exterior to the highest possible standard. The topsides were fully resprayed, bring the hull back to a deep and flawless finish that highlights the elegant lines of the Picnic Boat 36. Beneath the waterline, the hull was blasted and a new antifouling system applied, ensuring the yacht is protected and ready for seasons of coastal cruising.
These paint works not only enhance the appearance of the vessel but also contribute to the long term preservation of the hull structure.
modernised engine & jet propulsion
At the heart of the refit was a comprehensive upgrade to the yacht’s propulsion system. The original engine was removed and replaced with a Yanmar 6LY-440CR, delivering 440 horsepower at 3,330rpm, paired with a ZF-280 gearbox. Alongside the engine installation, all associated hoses and supporting systems were replaced to ensure reliability and ease of servicing.
The original Hamilton jet drive was also removed and replaced with a new HamiltonJet HJ29X unit. The installation required careful composite modifications to the hull to accommodate the updated system and ensure optimal alignment. Further improvements included the installation of a new TekTanks fuel tank with Oceanic senders, replacement of engine room insulation and the cleaning and repainting of all bilges. Together these upgrades provide modern performance and dependable propulsion while maintaining the smooth handling for which Hinckley jet boats are known.
structural grp restoration
During the removal of the original engine, areas of wet and delaminated core were discovered within the engine bay. As a result, the scope of the project expanded to include structural repairs. Specialist composite work was carried out to clean and rebuilt sections of the engine bay and associated bulkheads. One of the bulkheads located between the forward and aft fuel tanks was found to contain waterlogged timber and required careful structural rebuilding.
Addressing these issues ensures that the internal structure of the yacht is sound and fully restored, providing long term integrity and reliability.
electrical and system upgrades
The yacht’s electronics and onboard systems were also modernised as part of the refit.
Navigation equipment was upgraded to Garmin electronics, including the installation of a new Garmin autopilot system. Interior and exterior lighting throughout the yacht was converted to LED, improving both efficiency and onboard ambience. A new Fusion audio system was installed, featuring a Fusion Apollo RA670 head unit, two pairs of 6.5″ Classic speakers and bluetooth connectivity, allowing music to be easily controlled from a smartphone.
These upgrades ensure the yacht benefits from modern technology while maintaining the clean aesthetic of the original design.
interior refinement
Within the interior spaces, several upgrades were carried out to refresh key areas of the PB36.
The galley received a new Avonite countertop along with a custom made Avonite sink, while the Avonite surfaces in the heads were also replaced. Taps and plumbing fittings were updated and the toilet system and associated hoses were repleaced to ensure reliable operation.
These improvements maintain the classic elegance of the interior while introducing the practicality expected from a modern yacht.
exterior woodwork and deck enhancements
Hinckley Yachts are renowned for their beautiful brightwork, and the exterior wood elements received significant attention during the refit.
All exterior varnish was removed from the wheelhouse veneer, capping rail, eyebrow, window frames, Hinckley logo, companionway door and cockpit table. The timber was carefully sanded back to bare wood before being revarnished with ten coats of Awlgrip Awlwood varnish system, restoring the rich depth and gloss that defines Hinckley craftsmanship.
The cockpit and swimming platform were upgraded with synthetic decking, providing a clean and durable surface that complements the PB36’s classic styling. Additional deck improvements included the installation of a new Stidd helm seat, replacement of Lewmar coachroof hatch lids and modifications to the co-pilot seating layout, allowing one passenger to face forward and another aft for greater comfort and versatility.
a classic day boat, perfected
The refit of this Hinckley Picnic Boat 36 demonstrates how careful restoration and modern engineering can breathe new life into a truly iconic yacht. With a new engine and jet drive system, structural composite and GRP repairs, upgraded electronics and beautifully restored brightwork, the yacht now offers the reliability and performance expected of a modern vessel while preserving the timeless character that defined the Hinckley brand.
For owners who appreciate heritage craftsmanship, refined coastal cruising and the unmistakable elegance of a classic Downeast yacht, this project represents exactly what a thoughtful refit can achieve.
In every sense, this is Picnic, perfected.