Hinckley 43 (Mccurdy & Rhodes) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Hinckley 43 (McCurdy & Rhodes) begins in 1990, building upon Hinckley's long-standing tradition of producing luxury sailing yachts. The model is explicitly noted as a refinement of the earlier Sou'wester 42 (1982), a design also conceived by McCurdy & Rhodes. This continuity highlights a collaborative philosophy aimed at enhancing proven designs for contemporary cruising demands. During this era, Hinckley, a company founded by Henry R. Hinckley in 1928, was already well-established as a pioneer in fiberglass boatbuilding, having introduced its first fiberglass boat, the Bermuda 40, in 1959. The builder's ethos, then as now, was characterized by an unwavering commitment to quality, innovative construction, and timeless design, producing yachts built to withstand demanding marine environments through advanced composite materials. The McCurdy & Rhodes design team is known for successfully furthering existing design bases, a characteristic evident in the evolution from the Sou'wester 42 to the 43.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hinckley 43 (McCurdy & Rhodes) is designed as a substantial cruising vessel, a characteristic reflected in its performance metrics. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 351, she falls firmly into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright light-air speed. Her sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.7 indicates moderate performance, implying she will be capable in various conditions but not an exceptional light-air performer. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.354 suggests a moderately stiff boat, providing a good balance of stability and comfort without being overly tender or excessively heavy.

A key feature contributing to her versatile handling is the keel with a centerboard, which allows for a variable draft from 5.0 feet minimum to 9.1 feet maximum. This design choice offers the flexibility to navigate shallower anchorages while providing enhanced upwind performance and reduced leeway with the board fully deployed. Coupled with a spade rudder, the Hinckley 43 is designed to offer good maneuverability and responsiveness. Her theoretical hull speed is estimated at 7.49 knots, a respectable pace for a yacht of her size and displacement.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Hinckley 43 (McCurdy & Rhodes) are not extensively documented in widely available resources, Hinckley Yachts is renowned for its high-quality interior finishes and thoughtful layouts across its entire range, including its sailing yachts. General Hinckley characteristics suggest an interior crafted with premium materials, often featuring satin varnished cherry or similar fine woods, exuding a classic and luxurious ambiance. Cruising sailboats of this size typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a well-appointed galley, and a navigation station. A head with shower is standard, and quarter berths or a dedicated aft cabin are common arrangements, designed for comfortable liveaboard or extended cruising. Given Hinckley's reputation, ample storage, good ventilation, and robust systems would be integral to the design, ensuring comfort and functionality for discerning owners.

Owner's Perspectives

Information specifically detailing owner reviews and common issues for the Hinckley 43 (McCurdy & Rhodes) sailboat is not readily available in public forums or reviews, with much of the online discussion often pertaining to Hinckley's popular powerboat lines or earlier sailboat models. However, the general sentiment among Hinckley owners, irrespective of the specific model, consistently praises the brand's solid construction, exceptional build quality, and timeless design. Owners typically value the meticulous craftsmanship and the enduring nature of Hinckley yachts. While specific weaknesses for this model are not commonly cited, typical considerations for any older, high-quality yacht would include routine maintenance of systems and potential updates to electronics and sails over time.