Here is a look at some of the men and women that had the greatest impact on the growth of Hinckley Yachts. From Benjamin B. Hinckley, the founder of Hinckley Yachts, to Martha Stewart who purchased a Hinckley Picnic Boat (Skylands II) and significantly boosted the company's marketing through her television show.
Benjamin B. Hinckley: Founder of The Hinckley Company in 1928. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
Henry R. Hinckley ("Uncle Hank"): Son of Benjamin B. Hinckley. Took control of the company in 1932. An engineering graduate who built the company's first boat and focused on high standards and custom parts. Sold the company in 1979. Is mentioned as possibly joining a discussion, indicating he is alive at the time of that conversation, and is referred to as "Uncle Hank" by one of the speakers. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia, Our History I Company I Hinckley Yachts, History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Bob Hinckley: Son of Henry R. Hinckley. Bought the company back in 1982 with Shepard McKenney. Played a key role in the development of the Talaria powerboat and the Picnic Boat, including pushing for the jet drive and marketing efforts. Is present in a discussion about the history of the Picnic Boat. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia, History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Shepard McKenney ("Shep"): Business partner of Bob Hinckley. Co-bought the company in 1982. A key figure in the conceptualization and development of the Picnic Boat, including advocating for Bruce King as the designer and pushing for the jet drive. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia, History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Haywood Hinckley ("Heywood"): Involved in the early inspiration and testing of the Picnic Boat, working with Shep and Bob. Participated in testing different propulsion systems, including the early jet drives. Is present in a discussion about the history of the Picnic Boat. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Richard Tucker: Purchased The Hinckley Company in 1979 from Henry Hinckley. Sold the company in 1982 due to economic conditions. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
William Moyer: Hired by Richard Tucker to run The Hinckley Company in 1979. Oversaw the development of the Sou'wester 42. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
William Bain: Part of The Bain, Willard Companies that purchased Hinckley in 1997. Took over operations. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
Ralph Willard: Part of The Bain, Willard Companies that purchased Hinckley in 1997. Took over operations. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
Alexander Spaulding: Part of The Bain, Willard Companies that purchased Hinckley in 1997. Took over operations. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
William H. Tripp, Jr.: Designer of the Bermuda 40 sailboat. (Hinckley Yachts - Wikipedia)
Bruce King: Yacht designer hired to design the Picnic Boat. Initially preferred designing larger boats but was persuaded to work on the project. Highly regarded for his lines. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Spencer Lincoln: Yacht designer who drew an initial plan for the Picnic Boat concept before Bruce King was hired. Also designed Duffy and Duffy boats built by Hinckley. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Chester Clemens: A boat builder who worked at Southwest Boat and potentially later, building early boats with a "right look" that preceded the Bunker & Ellis boats. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Bobby Rich: Potentially built a boat called Fran Boa admired during the development of the Picnic Boat. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Randy (Audience Member): A current Hinckley 55 owner who asks a question about seaweed issues with jet drives during a discussion. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Martha Stewart: Famous figure who purchased a Hinckley Picnic Boat (Skylands II) and significantly boosted the company's marketing through her television show. Her purchase and experience are discussed. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Barry: One of the speakers in the discussion about the history of the Picnic Boat, who introduces others and facilitates the conversation. Refers to Bob Hinckley as "Dad" and Henry R. Hinckley as "Uncle Hank." (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Steve: One of the speakers in the discussion about the history of the Picnic Boat. A former Hinckley salesman with experience selling both sailboats and powerboats. Shares memories of the Picnic Boat sales process and events. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Hank (Uncle Hank?): One of the speakers in the discussion about the history of the Picnic Boat. Possibly Henry R. Hinckley, although a speaker refers to him as "Uncle Hank" and "Dad's brother." Is involved in restoring a Picnic Boat hull number 54. (History of the Hinckley Picnic Boat)
Scott Bryant: Hinckley’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing at the time of the SilentJet technology announcement. Provides quotes about the technology. (SilentJet™ I Innovation I Hinckley Yachts)