Hinckley Introduces SilentJet Hybrid Propulsion on the Picnic Boat 40 S
Picture this: you leave the dock with nothing but the soft hum of electric power, slip through the harbor in near silence, then transition automatically to diesel for higher speed passages. As you approach a secluded cove, the propulsion quietly switches back to electric so you can drop anchor and run onboard systems, including air conditioning, without firing a generator. That scenario is no longer hypothetical — Hinckley has made it real.
In partnership with Twin Disc, a leader in marine power transmission, Hinckley has launched SilentJet: a seamlessly integrated hybrid propulsion system offered exclusively on the Picnic Boat 40 S. Designed to shift between electric and diesel power without operator intervention, SilentJet delivers the quiet, low-vibration experience of electric jet propulsion alongside the range and speed of traditional diesel power.
“Our clients want forward-thinking, practical solutions,” says Geoff Berger, CEO of The Hinckley Company. “While our fully electric Dasher demonstrated what’s possible, current battery technology limits long-distance electric cruising. A hybrid diesel system extends range while preserving the quiet, low-vibration benefits of electric water jets. To achieve a cruising experience that feels almost like sailing, a water-jet propulsion system was the right choice.”
How SilentJet Works
Hinckley began researching hybrid options after launching its electric Dasher in 2017. Working with Twin Disc and integrating Hinckley’s JetStick control system and automatic management components, the builder developed SilentJet to blend electric and diesel propulsion cleanly and intelligently. Mike Gee, Twin Disc’s vice president of hybrid engineering, noted that collaborating with Hinckley accelerated development thanks to the builder’s embrace of electric and hybrid technologies.
SilentJet pairs two 90-kW electric motors with a single 80-kWh battery pack and twin 550-horsepower Cummins diesel engines. In quiet mode, the system can sustain a cruising speed of about 7 knots, with a minimum runtime of roughly one hour at that speed and up to 90 minutes at a lower 5.5-knot pace. When higher speeds are required, the diesel engines take over; depending on load, the Picnic Boat 40 S can reach cruising speeds around 35 knots on diesel power.
Benefits for Owners and Guests
SilentJet’s main advantage is sensory — it reduces noise and vibration compared with conventional propeller-driven systems. Electric water jets are inherently quieter and smoother, which transforms harbor passages and anchored stays into more pleasant, low-vibration experiences. Owners can quietly enter a bay, anchor, and run significant electrical loads from the battery, eliminating the need for a generator while at rest. When the battery needs replenishing or higher cruise speeds are desired, the diesel engines engage automatically and can recharge the battery in about 30 to 45 minutes.
That automatic switching is a key feature. Much like modern hybrid automobiles, the Picnic Boat 40 S with SilentJet requires no special intervention from the operator to move between propulsion modes. The integration with Hinckley’s JetStick and the automatic control logic simplifies operation and enhances safety and reliability.
What This Means for the Market
SilentJet represents a practical, immediate step toward quieter, more flexible boating without fully relying on current battery limits. For owners who want reduced noise pollution, lower vibration, and the ability to power onboard systems silently while at anchor, the hybrid configuration addresses those desires without sacrificing offshore capability. Hinckley positions SilentJet as a paradigm shift for the brand — combining tradition and innovation in a package that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and user-friendly operation.
Hinckley expects the first SilentJet-equipped Picnic Boat 40 S deliveries to begin in 2025.
—Pim Van Hemmen
This article was originally published in the September 2022 issue.