Innovation
Since its founding in 1928, Hinckley has been known for its innovation of yachting culture. Three of Hinckley’s greatest introductions are the JetStick, Dual Guard composite material, and the use of fiberglass. Hinckley is the pioneer of fiberglass use. The first experiments with it began during the 1950s and concluded with the creation of the B40 in 1959. Despite much criticism such as the comparison of fiberglass to “frozen snot,” Hinckley transformed the world of boatbuilding with the use of the strong material. To further develop the strength of its yachts, Hinckley created Dual Guard technology in 1999. Dual Guard material is a composite composed of a Kevlar center encompassed by carbon fiber to create the strongest, most efficient hull.
One of the biggest design components of Hinckley yachts is the JetStick. Designed by Control Engineering, Inc., the JetStick was first used in 1998. The computer-integrated design allows the skipper to control and dock the boat through the use of a joystick. To use the JetStick the driver pushes a button to engage docking mode, this in turn disengages the wheel while a computer determines the amount of bow thruster and jet needed to move the boat sideways.
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Famous quotes containing the word innovation:
“Both cultures encourage innovation and experimentation, but are likely to reject the innovator if his innovation is not accepted by audiences. High culture experiments that are rejected by audiences in the creator’s lifetime may, however, become classics in another era, whereas popular culture experiments are forgotten if not immediately successful. Even so, in both cultures innovation is rare, although in high culture it is celebrated and in popular culture it is taken for granted.”
—Herbert J. Gans (b. 1927)