Hinckley Sou'wester 42/43 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sou'wester 42/43 is a quintessential example of a "sea-kindly" performance cruiser. Unlike the earlier full-keel designs, McCurdy & Rhodes utilized a modern underbody featuring a fin keel—often with a centerboard configuration—and a skeg-hung rudder. This combination provides a significant reduction in wetted surface, allowing the boat to excel in light-to-moderate air where older Hinckleys might struggle. As noted in editorial evaluations by Cruising World, the boat exhibits a balanced feel on the helm, with the centerboard providing a distinct advantage for gunkholing in shallow waters like the Chesapeake or the Bahamas.

With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "moderate" category, the boat carries its momentum through a chop with minimal pounding. The ballast-to-displacement ratio is high, ensuring the vessel remains stiff and upright well into the teens of apparent wind. While it lacks the sheer speed of a modern carbon-fiber racer, the Sou'wester 42/43 tracks exceptionally well, a trait often attributed to the skeg-hung rudder which offers both protection for the blade and a steadying hand in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Sou'wester 42/43 is a showcase of Hinckley’s master carpentry, typically finished in satin-varnished cherry or mahogany. The layout usually follows a traditional offshore arrangement: a functional U-shaped galley to port, a dedicated navigation station to starboard, and a main salon with settee berths. A hallmark of the 42/43 series is the flexibility of the forward cabin and the availability of two distinct salon configurations—a standard pilot-berth layout or a more social dinette arrangement.

The transition to the Sou'wester 43 brought subtle but important changes to the interior volume and ergonomics. The 43 often featured slightly updated galley configurations and improved storage solutions for long-range cruising. Throughout both models, the use of solid wood trim, dove-tailed drawers, and heavy-duty bronze portlights reinforces a sense of permanence. Headroom is generous, typically exceeding 6'4" in the main salon, a feat achieved without the use of an overly high or unsightly coachroof.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Sou'wester 42 has long been a favorite of the yachting press for its ability to bridge the gap between "yacht club elegance" and "blue water capability." The model was featured extensively in John Kretschmer’s reviews, where it was lauded as one of the best used offshore boats for sailors who value aesthetic beauty as much as structural integrity. While it may not have the YouTube notoriety of modern mass-production boats, it remains a staple in "best-of" lists in publications like Practical Sailor and Cruising World for its enduring resale value and build quality.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Sou'wester 42/43 requires a focus on age-related maintenance rather than inherent design flaws, as the hulls were built to exceptionally high standards.

• Centerboard System: The pennant (cable) and the trunk for the centerboard require regular inspection. The board itself can sometimes rattle if the bushings are worn, and the winch mechanism should be checked for corrosion.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like most yachts of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. Buyers should use a moisture meter or percussion hammer to check around stanchion bases, chainplates, and windlasses for signs of delamination or water ingress.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were typically aluminum or stainless steel; after 30 to 40 years, pinhole leaks can develop. Accessing these tanks often requires significant joinery work.
• Engine Access: While Hinckley provided decent access, the installation of modern ancillary equipment (like large alternators or watermakers) can make the engine compartment crowded. Check the insulation and the condition of the motor mounts.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Ensure the rod rigging (common on these performance-oriented models) has been periodically replaced or re-headed, as rod has a different fatigue profile than wire.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Hinckley Owners Association, a robust group that provides technical support and organizes rendezvous. Because Hinckley maintains meticulous records of every hull built, owners can often contact the factory directly for original wiring diagrams and specification sheets. Technical discussions and "refit diaries" for the Sou'wester 42 are also frequently found on the McCurdy & Rhodes design archives and various high-end sailing forums where the boat’s pedigree is discussed among traditionalists.

The Verdict

The Hinckley Sou'wester 42/43 is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the Hinckley line—offering more performance than the Bermuda 40 and more manageability for a couple than the larger Sou'wester 50+. It remains a premier choice for the sailor who wants a vessel that looks "right" in any harbor in the world.

Pros:

• Exquisite Craftsmanship: The interior joinery is among the best ever produced in American boatbuilding.
• Versatile Draft: The centerboard configuration allows for a deep-draft performance feel with shallow-water access.
• Resale Value: These boats hold their value remarkably well due to the Hinckley brand name and timeless design.

Cons:

• Maintenance Costs: Keeping a boat with this much exterior teak and high-end systems in "Bristol" condition is expensive.
• Complexity: The centerboard and rod rigging add layers of maintenance not found on simpler fin-keel coastal cruisers.
• Aisles and Ergonomics: The traditional narrow beam (compared to modern boats) means the interior can feel "cozy" rather than "cavernous."