3/27/2003
Distinguished by sweeping lines reminiscent of Maine lobster boats, the Hinckley Talaria 55 MY and Talaria 55 FB are a masterful marriage of advanced materials and technology with the highest standards of old-world craftsmanship. The T55 yachts employ Hinckley's patented JetStick® handling system, water jet propulsion and DualGuard® composite construction.
For gracious entertaining at sea, the yachts feature dual staterooms, an elegant salon, oversized galley and two heads. Plenty of plush seating on deck and below, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, air conditioning and numerous other creature comforts make the yachts ideal for extended cruising with family and friends. Fully optioned, the T55 MY costs $1,970,000; the T55 FB has a base price of $2,100,000.
"The T55 represents the pinnacle achievement of the Talaria line of yachts," said Ralph Willard, President and CEO, of The Hinckley Company. "The yacht's design is a direct response to our customers' requests for a more powerful, more spacious yacht with everything discerning yachtsmen need for a home away from home while cruising waters in every part of the world."
The pioneer in semi-custom water jet propulsion yachts, Hinckley has introduced eight jet boat designs since 1994, when it launched its now-classic, 36-foot Picnic Boat®. In addition to the two T55 yachts, the company introduced the Talaria 44 Jet in 1999, Talaria 40 Jet in 2000, Talaria 44 Flybridge and Picnic Boat Extended Pilothouse in 2001 and Talaria 29 Center Console and Talaria 29 Runabout in 2002.
Designed by Bruce King and engineered by Hinckley, the T55 was more than two years in development. Several different models of the boat were critiqued by groups of Hinckley owners and prospective buyers, leading to dozens of small changes before the first boat was built.
Hulls and Decks Built To Last A Lifetime
For exceptional seaworthiness, the hull of the T55 is built with Hinckley's DualGuard composite construction. The space-age process bonds outer layers of Kevlar® to an inner skin of carbon fiber using the patented SCRIMP® process. The result is a fully integrated hull system that is stronger, stiffer and more resistant to impact yet weighs 14% less than conventional laminates. The deck is made with E-glass and also uses the SCRIMP process. Both the deck and hull are backed by Hinckley's Lifetime Warranty.
Twin 800 horsepower Caterpillar diesel engines connected to twin Hamilton 403 water jets power the boat. With a fuel capacity of 1,000 gallons, the yacht has a range of 411 nautical miles, cruises at 28 knots and tops out at 33 knots. A 1,000 horsepower engine is optional, which boosts the cruising speed to 31 knots, the top speed to 38 knots and the range to 406 nautical miles.
Designed and engineered for a fast, dry and comfortable ride, the T55 has a deadrise of 16.5 degrees amidship and beam of 17 feet, 9 inches. She has a draft of only 2 feet, 8 inches. This unusually shallow draft, coupled with the absence of propellers or other appendages to get tangled in underwater obstructions, opens up vast new cruising options for a boat of this size.
The T55 is equipped with bow thrusters and Hinckley's JetStick, the patented joystick-like device that makes it possible for novice and expert yachtsmen alike to maneuver the boat with a high degree of ease and accuracy. The computer-integrated system allows the captain to move the boat forward, backward and sidewise with one hand. The boat can turn on its own axis, make big spinning turns, slide laterally into a tight dock and stop within a single boat length.
The superior performance of the T55 is matched by sumptuous accommodations. The private master stateroom is so spacious that its centerline bed - notable for its ultra-comfortable mattress that takes regular queen size sheets - is easily accessible from three sides for exceptional convenience. Sheathed in satin-varnished cherry, the room also has two large closets, a pair of comfortable chairs and writing desk.
Four different plans for the second stateroom are offered. The standard configuration calls for a double bed to complement the queen bed in the master stateroom. The first option replaces the double bed with two twin beds. The second option converts the space into an office with built-in desk and sofa. The third option opens up the stateroom into a dinette that connects to the galley.
Salon Is Private Retreat For Entertaining and Relaxing
Wrapped in rich woods with Hinckley's distinctive teak and tulipwood sole, the yacht's salon is also a highly versatile area that adapts to meet the needs of every owner. A sliding window located at the aft end of the salon creates the open feeling of an express cruiser or the more enclosed comfort and security of a conventional motor yacht. For private dining and entertaining, electric blinds and curtains can be drawn at the touch of a button.
A plush wrap-around settee surrounds the signature Hinckley-crafted cherry dining table on the starboard side of the salon. The nook can be used as an elegant enclave for dining or an activity area for playing games or writing postcards. The table also can be lowered to create a double berth or a great place for children to gather to watch TV or videos. When the curtains and blinds are closed, the salon provides a very private retreat for relaxing.
With cherry cabinets and granite countertops, the roomy galley incorporates a Wolf four-burner electric cooktop, combination microwave/convection oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, trash compactor, double-bowl sink and wine rack. Completing the onboard appliance list is a washer, dryer and built-in vacuum system.
Storage aboard the yachts is also ample for a long-range cruising vessel. Large compartments are built under the beds and numerous compartments and lockers are found throughout to store items of all shapes and sizes. Port and starboard compartments in the side decks store lines and fenders and storage in the bow holds oversize items with easy access through hatches.
As are all Hinckley yachts, each T55 is hand-built to order, allowing owners to choose among myriad options. Most significant is the flybridge option, which adds an additional helm station and outdoor entertaining platform atop the pilothouse. The upper helm station has complete engine and steering controls, including full engine instrumentation, JetStick and navigational instruments. Aft of the two helm seats, a L-shaped settee provides comfortable seating for up to six people. A removable varnished teak table, water-resistant stereo system, weather covers and other amenities round out the package.
Legendary for its high level of customer service, Hinckley now offers all new yacht owners "The Hinckley Commitment." In addition to the DualGuard composite construction with Kevlar and carbon fiber and Lifetime Warranty on all hulls and decks, the program provides "24/7" service. Owners are given a private, toll-free number to call jet boat service technicians who are on call around-the-clock for troubleshooting. The Hinckley Committment also encompasses direct sales of all yachts so the owner is dealing directly with the builder, as well as unparalleled customer service.
The Hinckley Company, which is headquartered in Southwest Harbor, Maine and has boat yards in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and Stuart, Florida, was founded in 1928 and is considered to be one of the oldest yacht builders in the U.S. Hinckley is also recognized as one of the world's premier builders of semi-custom sailboats and jet boats, ranging in length from 29 to 70 feet. In addition to its boat-building operations, the company provides maintenance, repair and storage services and operates a yacht brokerage, charter service and retail business.
For more information on the new T55 MY and T55 FB, call The Hinckley Company at 866-446-2553, or visit hinckleyyachts.com and click the "Contact Us" link in the lower right hand area of the web site.
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