Am I Crazy for Considering a Hinkley Pilot Sloop?

[mjdoane]

Any thoughts on whether I would be crazy to buy a 1965 35 ft Hinkley Pilot Sloop? I would be sailing in the San Francisco Bay. Anyone know how easy the Hinkley would be to sail? expensive to upkeep?

Thanks!

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by mjdoane

Any thoughts on whether I would be crazy to buy a 1965 35 ft Hinkley Pilot Sloop? I would be sailing in the San Francisco Bay. Anyone know how easy the Hinkley would be to sail? expensive to upkeep?

Thanks!

Expensive to purchase, too!!

I've always liked them - from a distance. But nicer examples are still fairly expensive for their age and size -- pedigree notwithstanding. I saw a flyer for one FSBO earlier in the week, I think it was in the $135K range. That's a lot of nickel for a nearly 45 year old boat, especially one that is "smaller" on the inside than a typical modern 30-footer.

That said, they sure are pretty, and said to sail very well. They would probably do well in the SF Bay conditions.

[mjdoane]

Thanks for the input. This would be my first boat so I'm struggling. I saw a nice one, but your right they are expensive. So I've been thinking about a new boat for the same nickle. But I like the look and I heard the sail well. Are they really small on th inside? I've only seen pics so far. I'm going to sail one next weekend.

[Plumper]

I think it is a bit of a leap for a first boat. I would be sailing on everything I could get a ride on before dropping $135K. I love the Hinkley but there is a lot of competition.........

[fullkeel7]

MJ, Sounds like you've been bitten. Ordinarily I'm not particularly fond of the pilot house, but Hinkley sure has a way with a shear line and the house isn't obtrusive at all. Gorgeous boats. Saw one in transit at Titusville Marina and she stopped everyone in their tracks as she was docking. The owner must have had a fortune in her, she WAS beautiful! I wanted to lick her, but felt unworthy!

I'm sure if you wanted to keep one in pristine condition, they could eat all the money you could throw at 'em. As far as ease of sailing one, they do not command those prices for noth'n and it would be most appropriate for the Bay or just about anywhere for that matter. They're beautiful and well mannered, so if you can afford it, I say go for the 'ring'!

Oh yeah, Don't know how much they are asking, but I did see one recently in the Fla. boat trader in Miami for under 50k IIRC. So their out there. Good luck with the search.

Bob

[mjdoane]

Bob,

You're right. I saw one recently and it made me think twice about another (much newer) boat I'm considering. Now I've got the bug. But I don't want to go for it if it wasn't well mannered, so your input is much appreciated. I'm taking it for sail next week....

[Jeff_H]

I have been sailing on Hinckley Pilots since they were new boats back in the 1960's. While these are beautiful boats to look at they are miserable boats to sail in the kind of big winds and short chop for which San Franscisco Bay is famous. They are high maintenance if you intend to keep one in the kind of pristine condition that is required to maintain resale value and even more expensive if you let one go and take a depreciation hit. They would make a miserable first boat as well, well down near the bottom of my list of recommendations.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[Stillraining]

Originally Posted by Plumper

I think it is a bit of a leap for a first boat. I would be sailing on everything I could get a ride on before dropping $135K. I love the Hinkley but there is a lot of competition.........

I have to agree with plumper on this one...

Dont be smitten by the first beautiful lady at the ball...there are a lot to dance with before the nights over..

[mjdoane]

Jeff H,
Thanks for the reality check... I What would be your recommendation? I've been struggling witht he first boat issue... I know I should try to be somewhat practical, but the look and feel is important to me too.

Thanks.

[seabreeze_97]

Best bet is to crew on different style boats. That way you can experience the sailing qualities an have a better idea of what you like and dislike.