About two years ago, the owner of a Hinckley 44 approached Chris Hood of C.W. Hood Yachts in Marblehead, Massachusetts with a request for a custom boat. He wanted something larger than what he had, and while he briefly flirted with the idea of a Palm Beach 60, he soon realized that he wanted something completely different. In the end, he got it: a Hood 57 LM.
This wood-composite flybridge design is one of a kind, as it is the result of a collaboration between three reputable firms. Partnering with Hood Yachts on the project was Stephens Waring Yacht Design and Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, both of Maine. As you might imagine, a boat conceived by this team has strong examples of modern and creative engineering. Among them are an origami-inspired cockpit table, a disappearing commuter-yacht-style lounge in the bow and a hidden grill in the cockpit. There’s also a “systems room,” so the owner has easy access to all major systems, each labeled in a space that is roomy and easy to work in.
There’s more good engineering in the engine room. Access is impressive thanks to a hydraulic cockpit sole that lifts and makes it possible for the owner to walk down into the space. Power is a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 1350s that push the boat to 40 knots at WOT; best cruise is in the mid-20-knot range. Volvo Penta worked closely with the team on this build, running the 3-D-modeled hull through its simulator to provide feedback on the final shape.
The owner took delivery of his 57 in late 2020. Will there be a Hull No. 2? That’s tough to say since this is a custom boat, but there are plans to expand the line of Hood Yachts in the future, starting with a new 35 to launch this year.
This article was originally published in the March 2021 issue.
