Hinckley Sou'wester 59 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Sou'wester 59 is characterized by its remarkable balance and a "big boat" feel that provides immense confidence in heavy weather. The hull features a moderate displacement and a traditional sheer line, but the underwater profile is sophisticated. Most Sou'wester 59s were equipped with Hinckley’s signature keel/centerboard configuration. This allows for a relatively shallow draft of approximately 5' 10" with the board up—ideal for the Bahamas or the Chesapeake—while extending to over 12' with the board down to provide exceptional upwind tracking and reduced leeway.

The McCurdy & Rhodes design philosophy emphasizes a hull that tracks straight without constant helm correction, a trait frequently praised in editorial retrospectives by Sail Magazine. While the boat's displacement-to-length ratio suggests a heavy vessel, the Sou'wester 59 is surprisingly nimble in light air due to its tall masthead rig and high-aspect sail plan. The steering is typically described as "silky," a result of Hinckley's meticulous attention to the mechanical steering linkage. Because these boats were often fitted with hydraulic furling systems and electric winches, the physical effort required to trim the massive genoa is significantly lower than one might expect for a 60-foot yacht.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Sou'wester 59 is a showcase of Hinckley's legendary woodworking, typically finished in semi-gloss hand-rubbed varnish. The builder offered two primary deck configurations: an aft-cockpit version and a center-cockpit version. The aft-cockpit layout prioritizes a sleek profile and a more traditional sailing experience, whereas the center-cockpit variant allows for a sprawling, full-beam master stateroom aft with private head and shower.

In either configuration, the salon is characterized by wide-open spaces, high-grade cherry or teak joinery, and the inclusion of "pilot berths" outboard of the main settees—a classic Hinckley feature that provides secure sleeping quarters while underway. The galley is almost always a deep, U-shaped affair located in the passageway or tucked into a corner of the salon, designed to be usable in a seaway. High-authority editorial reviews from the era note that the Sou'wester 59's engine room is particularly well-engineered, often featuring walk-in access or large panels that facilitate the maintenance of the auxiliary diesel (typically a Westerbeke or Yanmar) and the generator.

The Sou'wester 59 also saw a "sibling" evolution in the Sou'wester 61. The 61 utilized the same basic hull lines but often included an integrated swim platform or a slightly extended transom, further refining the boat's aesthetics and providing easier access to the water.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a pre-owned Hinckley Sou'wester 59 should focus their survey on a few specific technical areas inherent to 1990s Hinckley builds.

• Centerboard Mechanism: The hydraulic or manual winch system for the heavy centerboard requires scrutiny. The pennant (the cable that lifts the board) is a wear item and should be replaced regularly. The board itself can suffer from "thumping" if the bushings in the trunk have worn down over thirty years.
• Teak Deck Longevity: These yachts were almost universally delivered with thick teak decks. While Hinckley used high-quality timber, the fastener-based installation method of that era eventually leads to water infiltration if the bungs fail or the caulking shrinks. A moisture meter test of the core around the deck fittings is essential.
• Composite Integrity: Hinckley was a pioneer in using Kevlar and Carbon Fiber reinforcements. While the hulls are incredibly strong, some early SCRIMP (resin infusion) or vacuum-bagged hulls from this era can experience localized delamination if they have suffered hard impacts or if through-hulls were not properly sealed.
• Aging Systems: Many 59s are equipped with complex hydraulic systems (for furling and winches) and intricate DC electrical panels. After three decades, these systems often require a total overhaul or modernization to ensure reliability for offshore cruising.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Sou'wester 59 benefit from one of the most robust support networks in the maritime world. The Hinckley Company maintains an active presence and offers "Certified Pre-Owned" programs and factory refits at their service yards in Maine, Rhode Island, and Florida. Technical documentation and original hull blueprints are often still available through the Hinckley service archives. Additionally, the Hinckley Owners' Association provides a platform for owners to share maintenance tips and participate in exclusive rendezvous events along the U.S. East Coast.

The Verdict

The Hinckley Sou'wester 59 is a connoisseur’s yacht, offering a blend of Maine craftsmanship and offshore capability that few modern "production" luxury yachts can match. It is a vessel for the sailor who values aesthetics and sea-kindliness over maximum interior volume.

Pros:

• Versatile Draft: The keel/centerboard design provides access to shallow anchorages without sacrificing deep-water performance.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The McCurdy & Rhodes lines remain some of the most beautiful ever produced in fiberglass.
• Exquisite Build Quality: The interior joinery and structural engineering represent the gold standard of American boatbuilding.

Cons:

• High Maintenance Costs: Keeping a 60-foot yacht with extensive teak and complex hydraulics in "Hinckley condition" requires a significant annual budget.
• Heavy Displacement: While steady in a blow, it lacks the surfing potential and high-speed planing capabilities of modern carbon-fiber cruisers.
• Complexity: The density of systems (hydraulics, generators, multiple heads) can be daunting for an owner-operator without significant technical experience.