The Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 MKII is a masterful blend of classic craftsmanship, modern engineering, and effortless style. Designed as an elevated day cruiser, this boat offers a unique combination of luxury, performance, and versatility that makes it perfect for everything from coastal adventures to social outings on the water. Its sleek lines and timeless aesthetic are unmistakable, while the intelligent layout and innovative features ensure that comfort and functionality are never compromised.

Unlike larger yachts, the Picnic Boat 37 MKII is nimble and approachable. It has earned a reputation as a day boat that feels like a floating retreat, offering both excitement behind the wheel and a relaxing environment for guests. With this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its specifications, handling, interior and exterior features, safety, potential downsides, and real-world ownership experience, helping you decide if this boat is the right choice for your lifestyle.

Intended Use / Purpose

The Picnic Boat 37 MKII is designed for those who want a luxurious day cruiser with outstanding performance. It’s ideal for quick getaways, weekend excursions, and coastal cruising, offering a blend of speed, efficiency, and comfort that makes every outing enjoyable. Its shallow draft and maneuverable design mean you can explore coves, harbors, and inlets with confidence, something larger yachts might struggle with.

This boat shines in social settings, too. Its open cockpit, integrated seating areas, and optional amenities allow owners to host friends and family in style, making it more than just a transportation vessel—it’s a floating entertainment hub. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at sunset or enjoying watersports with guests, the Picnic Boat 37 MKII provides both utility and elegance in a way few boats its size can match.

Who Is It For?

The Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 MKII is perfect for:

• Couples or small families who want a versatile day cruiser with luxury finishes.
• Experienced boaters who value smooth handling and the ability to navigate coastal waters easily.
• Entertainers who love hosting friends or family for relaxed outings.
• Luxury enthusiasts who appreciate classic craftsmanship combined with modern engineering.

It’s not intended for full-time liveaboard use or long offshore voyages, but for its designed purpose, it offers exceptional value, convenience, and style.

How Does the Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 MKII Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

Compared to larger offshore cruisers, the Picnic Boat 37 MKII stands out for its agility and social layout. While many day boats struggle to combine speed and comfort, Hinckley manages both. The MKII offers a higher level of interior finish than many boats in its class, with features such as teak decking, luxurious seating, and a well-appointed helm station.

Performance-wise, it may not match a sportfisherman or center console in raw horsepower, but its handling and seaworthiness make it feel confident in coastal conditions. Many owners say it offers a “yacht-like experience without the size or complexity,” which is a key differentiator for anyone seeking a day cruiser that’s both refined and practical.

Design & Specifications

The Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 MKII is designed to impress both visually and functionally. Here’s a closer look at the key specs:

• Type: Day Cruiser / Offshore Boat
• Length Overall (LOA): 37 ft
• Beam: 11 ft 6 in
• Draft: 2 ft 8 in
• Fuel Capacity: 180 gallons
• Engines: Twin Volvo Penta IPS 400 or optional IPS 500 diesels
• Top Speed: Up to 40 knots depending on engine configuration
• Cruise Speed: 28–32 knots
• Hull Design: Semi-displacement hull with integrated spray rails
• Seating Layout: Forward bow seating, helm chairs, aft cockpit lounge, sun pads

Layout Highlights:

• Open cockpit for entertaining and watersport preparation.
• Spacious helm area with ergonomically designed controls and excellent visibility.
• Forward lounging with sunpads and integrated seating.
• Luxury finishes throughout, including teak accents and high-quality upholstery.
• Optional cabin for overnight comfort on short trips.

Performance & Handling

Driving the Picnic Boat 37 MKII is an experience that blends thrill with refinement. As you accelerate, the twin Volvo Penta IPS engines respond with a smooth, immediate surge. Reaching top speeds of up to 40 knots, the boat feels alive, yet remains remarkably stable thanks to the semi-displacement hull and spray rails that deflect chop and reduce spray.

In turns, the boat maintains composure, leaning slightly but never unsettling passengers. Its shallow draft allows for confident navigation in shallow coves and nearshore areas, making stops and exploration effortless. Even in moderate seas, the boat feels composed and controlled, delivering a ride that’s both thrilling and reassuring.

The helm layout also contributes to confidence—ergonomically positioned controls, clear instrumentation, and excellent forward visibility make handling intuitive. Whether cruising at high speed or navigating tighter marina spaces, the Picnic Boat 37 MKII is easy to manage, even for those used to larger vessels.

Safety & Precautions

Hinckley has built the Picnic Boat 37 MKII with safety front and center:

• High gunnels and secure grab handles for moving around safely.
• IPS joystick control aids in precision docking and tight maneuvers.
• Well-placed non-slip surfaces across the deck to prevent accidents.
• Shallow draft for safe access to coastal waters and coves.

Owners should always exercise caution in rough offshore conditions; while the MKII is capable, it’s optimized for coastal cruising and day trips, not extended ocean crossings.

Potential Downsides

While the Picnic Boat 37 MKII is highly capable, there are a few considerations:

• Size limitations: It’s ideal for day trips, but overnight accommodations are limited.
• Price point: Hinckley craftsmanship comes at a premium.
• Storage: As a smaller vessel, onboard storage is more modest compared to larger yachts.

For buyers seeking a compact yet luxurious day cruiser, these downsides are minor compared to the overall experience and value offered.

Features & Benefits

Some of the standout features of the Picnic Boat 37 MKII include:

• IPS propulsion system for efficiency, quiet operation, and ease of docking.
• Spacious, open cockpit ideal for entertaining and watersports.
• Teak and high-quality finishes for classic luxury appeal.
• Customizable layouts with sunpads, seating, and optional cabin arrangements.
• Exceptional helm ergonomics and visibility.

The benefits are clear: this boat combines performance, comfort, and style in a way that maximizes enjoyment on the water without sacrificing safety or handling.

Reviews & Testimonials

Owners and boating enthusiasts consistently praise the Picnic Boat 37 MKII for its balance of speed, comfort, and style. Reviewers highlight its “yacht-like experience in a day boat package” and its capability to handle both casual cruising and spirited runs along the coast.

Some feedback notes that while storage and overnight accommodations are limited, the overall lifestyle and boating experience far outweigh these considerations, making it a highly sought-after model in the premium day cruiser segment.

Storage & Ownership Costs

Owning the Picnic Boat 37 MKII requires consideration of the usual maintenance and operational costs:

• Fuel: Twin IPS engines are more efficient than traditional stern drives, but fuel planning is essential for high-speed excursions.
• Maintenance: Routine servicing for engines, hull care, and deck systems.
• Dockage: Compact enough to fit in most marina slips, but prime locations may carry premium fees.
• Insurance: Premiums are reflective of the high-end craftsmanship and engine setup.

The boat’s efficiency, size, and design make it easier to manage than larger yachts while still delivering premium experiences on the water.

Bottom Line

The Hinckley Picnic Boat 37 MKII is a timeless day cruiser that offers a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality few boats in its class can match. It delivers exhilarating speed, stable handling, and elegant comfort for both short coastal cruises and entertaining on the water.

For buyers seeking a day boat that offers yacht-quality craftsmanship, responsive performance, and social-friendly layouts, the Picnic Boat 37 MKII is an excellent choice. It’s an investment in lifestyle, capable of creating memorable experiences for family, friends, and fellow boating enthusiasts.

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