Ocean Cruising 48 Information, Review, Specs

The concept for the Hinckley Ocean Cruising 48 emerged with a proposed production start year of 1979. However, it is widely understood that this model remained a blueprint, and no units were actually constructed. This makes the Ocean Cruising 48 a unique, theoretical offering from a period when Hinckley was already well-established as a leader in fiberglass yacht construction, having pioneered the material's use with their iconic Bermuda 40 in 1959. During this era, Hinckley maintained a reputation for building strong, durable vessels designed to withstand demanding marine environments, utilizing advanced composite materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The lack of physical production means specific design philosophies or variations in the production run are not documented for this particular model.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Based on its design specifications, the Hinckley Ocean Cruising 48 was engineered to be a capable and stable offshore cruiser. With a total calculated sail area of 1011 square feet and a displacement of 29,375 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) calculates to approximately 16.89. This suggests a moderate performer, well-suited for comfortable cruising rather than high-performance racing, likely delivering steady progress in a variety of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in heavy airs.

The vessel's Ballast to Displacement ratio stands at approximately 0.391, derived from a ballast of 11,494 pounds. This indicates a significant ballast proportion, contributing to excellent stability and stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up to a strong breeze and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. Its Displacement to Length ratio, at roughly 281.4 (based on a 36.0-foot waterline), places it firmly in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. Such a design typically prioritizes comfort, load-carrying capacity, and seakindliness over outright speed. The proposed design featured a centerboard keel, allowing for a variable draft ranging from a minimum of 4.83 feet to a maximum of 9.5 feet, offering versatility for navigating shallower waters while still providing substantial lateral resistance for upwind performance. Steering would have been managed by a single spade rudder. Due to the proposed nature of the model, anecdotal descriptions of its handling characteristics in various sea states are not available.

Accommodations and Layout

Given that the Hinckley Ocean Cruising 48 was a proposed model and not built, specific details regarding its interior accommodations and layout are not available. While Hinckley Yachts are celebrated for their luxurious finishes, use of high-quality materials, and thoughtful interior design, any description of the Ocean Cruising 48's potential living spaces would be entirely speculative. Typically, a Hinckley of this size (47.58 feet overall length with a 13.75-foot beam) would have been envisioned with a comfortable and well-appointed interior, likely featuring a spacious salon, a functional galley, private sleeping cabins (such as a V-berth forward and potentially quarter berths or an aft cabin), and a dedicated head. However, without actual production, these details remain within the realm of conceptual design.

Owner's Perspectives

As the Hinckley Ocean Cruising 48 was a proposed model and was never actually built, there are no owner's perspectives, reviews, or common maintenance issues to report. The experience of ownership, a hallmark of the Hinckley brand, was unfortunately not realized for this particular design.