Hood 57 LM: A One‑Off Wood‑Composite Flybridge Yacht from Hood Yachts

Two years before delivery, the owner of a Hinckley 44 approached Chris Hood of C.W. Hood Yachts in Marblehead, Massachusetts with a clear brief: produce a custom, larger yacht that reflected his tastes and offered modern systems and styling. After considering other options — including the Palm Beach 60 — the owner chose a unique, bespoke solution: the Hood 57 LM, a wood-composite flybridge yacht developed in collaboration with Stephens Waring Yacht Design and Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, both of Maine. The result is a single, handcrafted example that blends classic materials and modern engineering.

Design Collaboration and Wood‑Composite Construction

The Hood 57 LM demonstrates how collaboration among three respected firms can yield a boat that is inventive yet practical. Stephens Waring Yacht Design contributed naval architecture and exterior lines, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding handled construction expertise, and Hood Yachts guided the overall concept and interior layout. The hull and superstructure use wood-composite techniques that give the yacht warmth and refined finish while allowing for lightweight, strong construction. This combination results in a visually striking flybridge yacht that feels both traditional and contemporary.

Creative, Functional Engineering

Engineering features on the Hood 57 LM focus on smart use of space and crew- and owner-friendly details. The cockpit includes a hidden grill and an origami-inspired folding table that stows compactly yet opens to serve family and guests. Forward on deck, a disappearing commuter-yacht–style lounge tucks away when not in use, preserving deck space and giving the yacht a clean profile when underway. Internally, a dedicated “systems room” groups major systems in an accessible, well-labeled space that simplifies maintenance and servicing.

Accessibility and Engine Room Design

Access to the engine room is notable. A hydraulic cockpit sole lifts to create a generous opening that allows easy walk-down access to the mechanical space — a thoughtful feature for a custom yacht where owner involvement in maintenance is expected. The propulsion package is a matched pair of Volvo Penta IPS 1350s, chosen for efficiency, maneuverability and modern drive characteristics. With this power, the Hood 57 LM reaches 40 knots at wide-open throttle and finds its most efficient cruising pace in the mid‑20‑knot range. Volvo Penta collaborated with the design team during the build, running the 3-D hull model through simulation tools to optimize the hull shape and driveline integration.

Delivery, Rarity, and Future Plans

The owner took delivery of his Hood 57 LM in late 2020. Because this yacht was a custom commission, the prospect of a second hull identical to this one remains uncertain. However, the Hood Yachts team indicated plans to expand the brand lineup beyond one‑off designs. At the time of the yacht’s completion, there were plans to introduce a new 35‑foot model intended to broaden the brand’s offerings and appeal to owners seeking a smaller, production-oriented design.

Experience and Practicality

For the owner, the Hood 57 LM delivers a balance of performance, comfort and hands-on accessibility. The combination of high-performance IPS drives, a thoughtfully arranged systems room and easy engine-room access supports both weekend cruising and longer passages. The clever cockpit amenities and flexible deck layout make entertaining straightforward, while the wood-composite construction gives the yacht a distinctive, high-quality finish that stands apart from all‑composite or all‑metal builds.

As a single, custom build, the Hood 57 LM showcases what can be achieved when a skilled builder, an experienced designer and a committed owner collaborate closely. It is an example of modern yachtbuilding that respects traditional materials and prioritizes practical, intelligent engineering.

This article was originally published in the March 2021 issue.