Hinckley Picnic Boat 39 — A New Take on Forward Seating and Easy Handling

Hinckley Yachts introduces the Picnic Boat 39, its first Picnic Boat model to feature forward seating combined with a purpose-built access system to the foredeck. At 42 feet, 7 inches overall, this model keeps the classic Picnic Boat profile while adding modern conveniences that improve onboard flow, handling and shallow-water capability.

Forward Seating with Smart Foredeck Access

The Picnic Boat 39 brings forward seating to the lineup without the usual compromises of awkward folding doors. Instead, Hinckley uses a smart sliding mechanism that provides seamless access to the foredeck while underway. This mechanism removes the need to wrestle with folding doors, creating a cleaner, more intuitive transition between cockpit and foredeck and allowing passengers to move about the boat with greater ease and safety.

JetStick 4 Helm for Confident Maneuvering

At the helm, Hinckley’s JetStick 4 provides simplified, precise control. The JetStick concept reduces the workload during close-quarters operations and tight maneuvers, making docking and intricate handling more straightforward for the skipper. Combined with the boat’s design, the JetStick 4 contributes to a more relaxed and confident driving experience, whether negotiating a crowded marina or threading through shallow inlets.

Waterjet Propulsion and Low Draft

The Picnic Boat 39 employs waterjet propulsion and benefits from the absence of exposed running gear. That combination keeps the draft exceptionally shallow—just 2 feet, 2 inches—allowing access to skinny water areas that would be off-limits to many other boats of similar size. The lack of propellers or struts below the hull also reduces concerns about fouling or damage from submerged objects, enhancing safety and peace of mind when exploring coastal shoals, sandbars and tidal flats.

Smart Mode Selection: Effortless Control Switching

Hinckley has equipped this Picnic Boat with Smart Mode Selection, an intuitive system that automatically selects between traditional helm steering and JetStick modes. By choosing the appropriate control mode for the situation, Smart Mode Selection eases the skipper’s cognitive load and helps ensure the boat responds predictably in varied conditions and different operating speeds.

Heading Hold and Dock Hold for Stability and Precision

To maintain a straight course without constant helm adjustments, the Picnic Boat 39 features a Heading Hold function that keeps the vessel on a linear course across a range of speeds and sea states. For close-quarters operations at the dock, the Dock Hold feature maintains position during line handling and boarding, helping skippers focus on safety and passenger movement rather than battling wind or current.

Onboard Experience and Practical Benefits

The combination of forward seating, uninterrupted foredeck access and advanced handling systems offers several practical advantages. The layout encourages social interaction and flexible use of space, while the sliding access removes a common source of hassle in transiting between the cockpit and foredeck. Advanced steering and control systems reduce stress during docking and tight maneuvering, allowing owners to spend more time enjoying the dayboat experience.

Who the Picnic Boat 39 Suits

This Picnic Boat is well suited to boaters who value easy handling, accessible shallow-water cruising and a clear, unobstructed transition to the foredeck. Owners who cruise coastal shoals, explore river mouths or simply prefer the convenience of modern control systems will appreciate the low draft and the responsiveness provided by waterjet propulsion and JetStick 4.

Summary

With the Picnic Boat 39, Hinckley Yachts blends a new forward-seating layout with practical design elements and contemporary control technology. The smart sliding foredeck access replaces cumbersome doors, while JetStick 4 and Smart Mode Selection simplify handling. Waterjet propulsion and the absence of exposed running gear yield a shallow 2-foot, 2-inch draft that expands cruising options in skinny water. Heading Hold and Dock Hold further enhance precision and comfort for skippers, making the Picnic Boat 39 a notable addition for those seeking a refined, user-friendly dayboat experience.