One Boat Enthusiast's Passionate Journey of Reviving the Glory of a 1997 Hinckley Picnic Boat with a £350k Overhaul

Stuart Robinson, a boat enthusiast with a profound love for both sail and power-driven vessels, embarked on an ambitious venture. After selling his cherished Palm Beach GT60, he found himself yearning for a smaller craft; one which offered a combination of speed, manoeuvrability, and a level of comfort catering to his family and friends. His hunt led him to a 1997 Hinckley Picnic Boat, aptly named ‘Picnic’.

The boat, even showing signs of wear both inside and out, delivered as expected. A short summer aboard helped Stuart identify the various aspects needing refurbishment, ranging from the varnishing to the helm and co-pilot seats. After settling on a comprehensive refurbishment plan with Vortec Marine, the UK Hinckley centre that sold him the boat, the hard work began.

The massive makeover commenced with a total overhaul of the internal machinery, replacing the engine and waterjet. Concerns about the aged drivetrain’s reliability initiated this decision, prioritising safety for those onboard. This was further followed by a full respray that brought Picnic back to ‘as-new’ condition.

The transformation of Picnic ended up costing Stuart a whopping £350,000, a splendid investment that would ensure the vessel’s longevity. By staying true to the original intentions of the boat design, while integrating modern enhancements, Stuart managed to create a superb blend of functionality and beauty. The successful revival of Picnic serves as a testament to the magic that can come from a combined love for sailing and refurbishment.