The next Hinckley chapter - SilentJet technology
by Hinckley Yachts 6 Nov 2022 07:18 PST
The next Hinckley chapter: SilentJet technology © Hinckley Yachts
After nearly two years of innovating, testing, and tweaking, meet Hinckley's latest innovation: our trademarked SilentJet hybrid technology.
Combining diesel and electric power, this industry-first fosters pinnacle moments with those you love in places you cherish. Making its debut on the Picnic 40 S — the only boat available with SilentJet — our new control system allows a completely seamless experience. No plug-ins. No diesel fumes. Only you. The water. And freedom.
An A-ha moment, realized
Hinckley's take on the sound of silence? The ability to spend time on the water with friends and loved ones without the distraction of mechanical noise. Created in collaboration with Twin Disc, SilentJet was born from the desire of Hinckley owners. We know our clients want what's next, yet also value common-sense solutions. As such, we started developing a hybrid solution almost immediately after the 2017 launch of our all-electric Dasher.
Ongoing conversations with Twin Disc led to partnering on the project, and the team developed the final hybrid technology and trademarked it "SilentJet." The innovation of marine hybrid propulsion was integrated into Hinckley's JetStick 4 control system and features automatic, industry-first components.
The experience
Quiet propulsion and less time lost at the fueling dock make SilentJet the best way to spend time on the water. With SilentJet engaged, the Picnic Boat 40 S's cruising speed is seven knots. Its range? One hour (at seven knots, and up to 90 minutes at 5.5 knots). What's more, the Picnic Boat 40 S cruises at 35 knots (depending on load) under diesel power.
"With the SilentJet battery engaged, you glide away from the dock in total silence," says Scott Bryant, Hinckley's Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "After an hour or so, the diesel engine comes on automatically until the next time you anchor, and you won't have to run your generator because the battery has already been charged and you can run everything on it. You also don't have to manually charge the battery—the diesel engine will do it for you in just 30-45 minutes of running time."
Innovation as motivation
SilentJet is just the latest Hinckley innovation. Since 1928, Hinckley has pioneered beautiful, timeless, and industry-leading yachts. The company has a long tradition of innovation in pursuit of excellence. From the early use of fiberglass in the Bermuda 40 in the 1960s to the adoption of jet drives on the category-defining Picnic Boat, Hinckley has continually worked to combine the latest technology with cutting-edge naval architecture. We achieve, and deliver, what's next in the private yachting experience.
By the numbers
- 2 x 90 Kilowatt (kW) electric motors, 2x Cummins 550hp diesel engines.
- 1 x 80 kw/h battery which can be charged manually or while under diesel power.
- 7+ knot cruise under electric power for 60-90 minutes or more depending on speed and conditions.
- Batteries can support air conditioning and other systems at anchor overnight or longer depending on overall loading (without generator).
- 30-45 minute charge time while under way. 8-10 hours to charge on shorepower.