Hinckley 42 Competition Information, Review, Specs

The hull of the 42 was later utilized for the Hinckley Sou'wester 42, which featured a more cruising-oriented deck layout and interior. These siblings share the same sea-kindly lines, but the Competition variants typically feature a taller rig and a more streamlined deck profile designed to facilitate efficient crew work.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hinckley 42 Competition is widely regarded for its balanced helm and exceptional tracking abilities. Unlike the Bermuda 40, which utilizes a full keel with a cutaway forefoot, the 42 features a modern fin keel—often with a centerboard—and a skeg-hung rudder. This configuration significantly reduces wetted surface area, allowing the boat to accelerate more quickly in light air and point closer to the wind. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio in the moderate range (approximately 260) and a substantial sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat feels powerful yet predictable.

Owners and testers from the era noted that the McCurdy & Rhodes hull shape handles offshore conditions with a "long-legged" feel, slicing through chop rather than pounding. The centerboard design is particularly effective; with the board down, the boat draws nearly 9 feet, providing the lateral resistance needed for competitive upwind work. Conversely, with the board up, the draft is reduced to approximately 5 feet, offering a level of versatility rarely found in performance-oriented yachts of this size. The boat is known to be stiff, thanks to a high ballast-to-displacement ratio, which allows it to carry full sail longer than many of its contemporary rivals.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Hinckley pedigree, the interior of the 42 Competition is a masterclass in traditional joinery, typically finished in satin-varnished Philippine mahogany or cherry. The layout is a classic offshore arrangement designed for safety and functionality at sea. Upon descending the companionway, one usually finds a high-capacity U-shaped galley to port and a proper forward-facing navigators' station to starboard. The main salon features port and starboard settees—often with pilot berths above—providing excellent sea berths for offshore passages.

The forward cabin offers a traditional V-berth with ample hanging locker space and private access to the head. While the 42 Competition was focused on performance, it did not sacrifice the amenities required for extended cruising. Many hulls were customized to the original owner's specifications, resulting in variations such as "A" or "B" layouts that altered the cabin configurations or the placement of the wet locker. The Sou'wester 42 sibling, by comparison, often featured a more "European" style interior with a dedicated aft cabin, whereas the 42 Competition generally maintained the open, airy feel of a traditional American yacht to prioritize weight distribution and access to the cockpit.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Hinckley 42 Competition should prioritize a professional survey focusing on the following technical areas:

• Centerboard Assembly: The pennant, pulleys, and the board itself require regular maintenance. Buyers should inspect for "thumping" in the trunk, which may indicate worn bushings or a swollen board.
• Deck Coring: Like most yachts of this vintage, Hinckley utilized balsa-cored decks. While Hinckley’s construction quality was superior, 40-year-old hardware beddings can leak. A moisture meter and "percussion testing" (tapping with a hammer) are essential to check for delamination around stanchion bases and the mast step.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are robust but should be inspected for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, a common point of failure on older offshore vessels.
• Engine Access and Maintenance: Many of these yachts were originally powered by Westerbeke or Perkins diesels. While reliable, access in the engine compartment can be tight, and buyers should verify if the exhaust elbow and heat exchanger have been recently serviced or replaced.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original Monel or stainless steel tanks are generally high-quality, but the deck fills and vent lines should be checked for age-related cracking that could allow water ingress.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for owners of this model is the Hinckley Yachts service network and the various regional yacht clubs where these vessels remain active. While no standalone "42 Competition" association exists, the broader community of Hinckley owners is highly active. Information regarding original build specs and design drawings can often be sourced through the Sparkman & Stephens archives (for the earlier 41 models) or by contacting Hinckley Yachts directly, as they maintain meticulous records of every hull built in Southwest Harbor.

The Verdict

The Hinckley 42 Competition is a "gentleman’s racer" that has aged into one of the most respected classic cruisers on the secondary market. It offers a rare combination of Maine-built elegance and legitimate offshore capability.

Pros:

• Exquisite build quality and timeless aesthetic.
• The keel-centerboard provides exceptional draft versatility.
• Superior upwind performance compared to earlier Hinckley models.
• Strong resale value and brand prestige.

Cons:

• Higher maintenance costs associated with extensive exterior brightwork.
• The centerboard system requires more mechanical oversight than a fixed keel.
• Internal volume is less than modern, beamier 42-footers.