A partnership built on excellence
For nearly a century, Hinckley has defined what it means to build a truly exceptional boat. Founded in Maine in 1928, The Hinckley Company is soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary, having long-established itself as one of the most prestigious luxury yacht brands in the United States, synonymous with tradition, timeless design, extraordinary craftsmanship, and an uncompromising commitment to the highest quality of finish.
To maintain that standard, Hinckley has nurtured longstanding partnerships with like-minded industry organizations who share their commitment to excellence. For nearly 50 years, its preferred partner for premium topcoat finishes has been Awlgrip®.
What began as a supplier relationship has evolved into something far more strategic: a genuine partnership built on shared values, deep technical collaboration, and a mutual drive to push the boundaries of what a high-quality yacht finish can and should be.
Hinckley's purpose-built paint facility, where Awlgrip® coatings help deliver the premium finishes the brand is known for.
Where heritage meets high performance
Hinckley occupies a unique position in the yacht leisure market. With a similar status to the leading superyacht brands, it is among the most respected names in luxury boating, known for its meticulous build quality, iconic styling, and an ownership experience that extends well beyond the initial purchase.
Originally celebrated for its sailboats, Hinckley channelled that heritage and craftsmanship into power boats, and today its Picnic Boats and Talaria models are instantly recognisable as symbols of premium American luxury. Its customers are discerning, loyal, and expect nothing less than perfection.
That expectation runs through every part of the business. Hinckley operates across two distinct areas—new boat construction and a growing network of service yards along the US eastern seaboard—and Awlgrip products are integral to both.
For new construction projects, a flawless topcoat finish is part of the brand promise. Across the service yards, returning owners trust Hinckley to provide the highest quality finish year after year, whether they are based on the US East Coast or sailing the Mediterranean.
"They're not just a supplier to us; they're a partner who understands our standards and helps us meet them, every single time. From the technical expertise they bring to our yards to the innovation they've delivered through products like HDT, Awlgrip gives our applicators the very best tools to do what they do."
- Scott Bryant, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, The Hinckley Company
Building a best-in-class paint program
Consistently delivering such standards in quality across locations, applicators and varying conditions is where the depth of the Awlgrip partnership is most evident.
AkzoNobel and Hinckley have co-developed a standardized paint program, initially launched across Hinckley's service yards before expanding into new construction. The program is designed to align processes, enhance applicator capability, and ensure that a Hinckley finish looks and performs exactly as it should, wherever in the world the work is being carried out.
Focused on building technical capability from the ground up, the program equips Hinckley's painters with the technology, skills, knowledge and processes needed to achieve best-in-class results, regardless of location.
The introduction of Awlgrip HDT (High-Definition Technology) was a defining moment in that process, offering significantly improved application performance and a finish quality that aligned directly with Hinckley's own ambitions.
The result
The proof of the partnership is visible in every boat that leaves a Hinckley service yard.
Whether it's a new motor boat being launched for the first time or a cherished sport yacht returning for its annual service, the finish delivered by Hinckley's skilled applicators reflects the renowned standards of both brands—deep, lasting colour, exceptional gloss and durability built to withstand life on the water.
Premium boat owners can trust that a Hinckley service yard, backed by Awlgrip's industry-leading coatings, is the destination for a finish that protects and impresses, regardless of the vessel's make or model.
Watch Episode 2: Chasing the Spray
This story is now being brought to the screen.
Hinckley's behind-the-scenes video series invites viewers into the yards to witness the skill, passion and artistry that goes into every project.
Episode 2: Chasing the Spray showcases this unique partnership and explores why Awlgrip has been chosen by the Hinckley team as the only solution they trust to deliver the standard of finish they expect.
During the feature, AkzoNobel's Ned Jones commented on what the relationship means for both companies, and how a partnership that has lasted half a century is only getting stronger.
Awlgrip® coatings and Hinckley's standardized paint programme help deliver consistent, premium-quality finishes across every project.
"When you see a Hinckley on the water with an Awlgrip finish, you can see and feel the difference. It's been a privilege to work alongside their teams for so many years, and to play a role in building a paint program that's genuinely raised the standard across their business."
- Ned Jones, Awlgrip Sales Representative, AkzoNobel
A Hinckley motor yacht showcasing the premium finish achieved with Awlgrip® coatings.
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