Ocean Cruising 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hinckley Ocean Cruising 40 commenced production in 1979, emerging from a period when Hinckley Yachts was already well-established as a premier builder of luxury sail and powerboats. The company, founded by Henry R. Hinckley in Southwest Harbor, Maine, had gained renown for its pioneering adoption of fiberglass in yacht construction, a move that emphasized strength, durability, and a steadfast commitment to exquisite craftsmanship.

The design philosophy behind the Ocean Cruising 40 mirrored that of the highly successful Hinckley Bermuda 40, another iconic model known for its robust build and capable offshore performance. Henry R. Hinckley aimed to create fine, stable vessels, and the Ocean Cruising 40 was no exception. This model was offered with versatility in mind, available with either a sloop or cutter rig and a choice of aft or center cockpit configurations, allowing owners to tailor the vessel to their specific cruising preferences. While a specific end year for the 40-foot model's production isn't widely documented, the "Ocean Cruising" line continued with other models, built by entities within the Hinckley family, further solidifying its place in the brand's cruising heritage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hinckley Ocean Cruising 40 is characterized by its substantial displacement and a design geared for comfortable, confident cruising. With a displacement of 20,200 lbs and a waterline length of 31.25 feet, her displacement-to-length ratio calculates to approximately 295.5, placing her firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This weight contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for extended passages and offshore conditions.

Her sail area to displacement ratio, around 15.58, suggests a moderate performance profile. While not designed as a light-air racer, she possesses enough sail power to move efficiently in typical cruising conditions. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 32.17% indicates reasonable stiffness and stability, allowing the vessel to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling. A distinctive feature of the Ocean Cruising 40 is her centerboard keel, which offers a variable draft from 4.33 feet to 9.0 feet. This allows for both excellent upwind performance with the board down and access to shallower anchorages with the board raised, enhancing her versatility as a cruiser. Owners generally describe the Ocean Cruising 40 as a beautiful sailing boat and a very fine vessel, emphasizing her seaworthy and balanced handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts for the Hinckley Ocean Cruising 40 are not extensively documented, the vessel is known for packing substantial accommodation into its 40-foot bluewater design. Drawing parallels with other Hinckley models of the era, the interior likely features the builder's hallmark of exquisite craftsmanship, often incorporating varnished mahogany trim, high-quality joinery, and robust materials.

Typical interior arrangements for a cruising yacht of this size and era would generally include a forward V-berth, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and possibly a quarter berth or dedicated navigation station. Although some owners comparing it to the Bermuda 40 have noted a perceived lack of space without a dedicated quarterberth, the overall impression is one of a well-appointed and functional living space. Hinckley's reputation for superior construction suggests ample ventilation through dorade vents and opening ports, as well as thoughtfully designed storage solutions throughout the cabin, crucial for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hinckley Ocean Cruising 40 consistently praise its solid construction and the overall quality inherent in a Hinckley-built vessel. The design, originating from Henry R. Hinckley, is widely regarded as that of a very fine boat, capable and seaworthy for offshore endeavors. The robust build, often highlighted in discussions, instills confidence for bluewater sailing. While specific common issues are not frequently cited, some owner discussions, particularly those comparing it to the similar Bermuda 40, occasionally mention the interior layout feeling somewhat constrained without the inclusion of a quarterberth, which might be a consideration for those seeking maximum sleeping capacity. However, the overwhelming sentiment emphasizes the boat's strengths as a reliable, comfortable, and well-performing cruising yacht.