Hinckley 28 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Hinckley 28 begins in 1945, emerging from the boatbuilding traditions of Henry R. Hinckley's yard in Southwest Harbor, Maine. At this time, Hinckley was establishing its reputation as a builder of high-quality wooden vessels, a period preceding their pioneering adoption of fiberglass construction in 1959. The company's focus was firmly rooted in exquisite craftsmanship and durable construction, attributes that defined their early offerings, including the Hinckley 28.

Designed by John G. Alden as design #769, the Hinckley 28 reflects Alden's signature approach to naval architecture, which typically emphasized seaworthiness, balanced lines, and a comfortable motion, often with a classic aesthetic. The design goals for this vessel likely centered on creating a robust and reliable cruiser suitable for coastal voyaging. Notably, the Hinckley 28 was offered in both sloop and yawl rig configurations, providing versatility to owners in terms of sail plan and handling characteristics. This allowed for a larger sail area with the yawl rig, adding flexibility for different wind conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a robust displacement of 19,810 pounds and a waterline length of 28 feet, the Hinckley 28 possesses a significant displacement-to-length ratio, indicating it is a heavy boat for its size. This characteristic is typical of older, traditionally built wooden vessels, suggesting a comfortable and stable ride, especially in choppy conditions, rather than a focus on high-speed performance.

The boat's sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.94 suggests a moderate performance profile. While not designed as a light-air ghoster, she would likely be capable of respectable speeds in a breeze. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.426 is quite high, signifying excellent stiffness and stability, enabling the vessel to stand up well to strong winds and providing a reassuring motion underway. While specific anecdotal reviews of the Hinckley 28's handling are scarce, her design ratios imply a boat that is steady, tracks well, and is generally forgiving, making her well-suited for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hinckley 28, consistent with Hinckley's reputation for quality, was designed for comfort and practicality within its 40.75-foot length overall. Records indicate that the vessel was offered with at least two cabin arrangements, typically featuring a galley positioned aft and a double stateroom. While specific details on headroom and precise layout are limited, the builder's commitment to high-quality materials and finishes suggests a traditionally appointed interior, likely featuring ample wood trim and robust construction throughout. Given the era, ventilation would typically rely on opening ports and deck hatches, and storage solutions would be integrated thoughtfully into the classic cruising layout.