“I was stunned by the performance of a boat so big and heavy but it was truly breathtaking... [the Hinckley Jetstick] allows very easy handling as it controls both the bow thrusters and the jets which can act as stern thrusters allowing simple docking and maneuvering.”

Blueprint, Hinckley 37′

Interview with the Captain — Matthew Barrett

Why did you choose to buy a Hinckley?
We first bought the 29 center console because the Sabre 36 was a little too big for our liking. The center console was also much easier for the frequent day trips to Gloucester we like to take and was also much newer (2006) than the 2001 Sabreline. We eventually moved on from the 29 to the 37 once we realized we wanted to take more overnight trips again. The Hinckley experience from the 29 was too good to move on to a different company.

What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this model?
The decision came down to a Hinckley Picnic Boat MKIII and a Shelter Island 38. The two compare extremely similarly in size and functionality, but the main difference is between performance and luxury. The Hinckley is much more comfortable and luxurious while the Shelter Island is much faster (50+ mph) and a smoother ride. Ultimately, we chose comfort and looks over speed.

How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing?
The boat was found via Hinckley’s Pre-Owned category on their website and we traveled to Kennebunkport, Maine to take a test ride.

Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
I spent half of my childhood growing up on the water and was always interested in boating, but first truly became in love with it after I went aboard my Dad’s Sabreline 36. It was such a home-like boat that allowed us to also go on long trips and it was truly a fun family boat.

What boats have you previously owned?
– 29 Foot Hinckley Center Console
– 36 Foot Sabreline Express
– 30 Foot Pursuit/Tiara Express
– 17 Foot Boston Whaler Montauk

What are the features you like most about your boat?
The best feature in the boat is the Hinckley Jetstick. This allows very easy handling as it controls both the bow thrusters and the jets which can act as stern thrusters allowing simple docking and maneuvering. The teak decks also look great and are easy to walk on. Additionally, we enjoy the speed for a boat of its size, along with the comfort it offers. Lastly, we really love the color and teak transom. The grayish color is a unique one that isn’t seen on many Hinckley’s which tend to be Navy blue or black and we really liked this difference.

What features/improvements have you added, or do you plan to add?
So far we have added Flir night vision to the top of the mast, so that we can stay in Gloucester longer during the day and travel back to Marblehead after dark. Additionally we have installed a new Raymarine Radar/chartplotter, and an ice chest in the aft cockpit area to store ice cubes/blocks and drinks. Before we bought the boat it was outfitted with bigger turbo jets making it faster than most other picnic boats, and given extendable seats in the aft to form L-shaped seating.

How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
Blueprint is mostly used for day trips to the Eastern Point Yacht Club in Gloucester. Additionally, the boat is used for weekend trips to Nantucket and Newport.

What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Not much other than the fact that the jets require more servicing than props.

Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Hinckley?
My biggest advice would be to try and secure a test ride before. I was stunned by the performance of a boat so big and heavy but it was truly breathtaking. Additionally, once you have the boat, make sure you flush out the jets multiple times throughout the year especially around August when the seaweed starts to float in huge chunks around Marblehead and can clog the intake vent. Hinckley’s also typically contain lots of wood so it is important to cover the boat up as much as possible when not in use to prevent fading. The teak is also hard to clean.

What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
We bought the boat used and it already had the name, and my Dad has always lived with the superstition that it is bad luck to change the name of a boat that has already had a name given to it. So we never changed it.

Check it Out
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Blueprint!