Hinckley Yachts will expand its iconic Picnic Boat lineup with a new Picnic Boat 45. The announcement was made at the Palm Beach International Boat Show last week. For a brand whose identity is closely tied to the evolution of the original Picnic Boat concept, the 45 represents both a continuation of tradition and a notable step forward in design.
For more than 30 years, the Picnic Boat series has defined a particular style of Downeast cruising boat that emphasizes quiet propulsion, clean lines and a focus on effortless socializing. The new 45 builds on that legacy with what the builder describes as its most social layout to date, placing a clear emphasis on how owners and guests move through and use the boat.
A standout feature is the adaptable stern boarding system. The transom staircase functions as a boarding platform at the dock, then lowers into the water at anchor to create easy access to the water for passengers of all ages. It’s a thoughtful detail that underscores Hinckley’s focus on ease of use.
The aft cockpit can be configured in three ways. Each arrangement maintains an L-shaped settee and teak table to starboard, reinforcing the cockpit’s role as the primary gathering space. Forward to port, owners can select a sun chaise, a curved settee or grill.
Forward, the enclosed salon has curved seating opposite a galley. The helm station is to starboard. From there, the captain operates the boat’s twin Volvo D11 diesels paired with Hamilton waterjets and controlled by Hinckley’s JetStick 4 system. The setup reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to jet propulsion, which delivers shallow draft—just 2 feet, 7 inches—and precise handling, particularly in docking situations.
A bow lounge provides another social zone.
Belowdecks, accommodations include two cabins (the master is forward) and a head, making the boat suitable for weekend cruising.
With an LOA of 49 feet, 11 inches and a 15-foot beam, the Picnic Boat 45 will be the flagship of the series, but it won’t stray from the DNA that defines this line of boats. For longtime Hinckley owners and admirers, the 45 signals that even one of boating’s most recognizable designs still has room to grow.
