A Classic Picnic Boat, Made New Again
When Mark first took delivery of his Hinckley Picnic Boat EP in 2005, it was the fulfillment of a dream. “I’d always admired Hinckley’s design,” he says. “The 36 is just stunning — long, narrow, beautifully proportioned. It’s simple, easy to use, and perfect for both day trips and overnights.”
For nearly two decades, Mark cruised the waters of Lake Michigan and the North Channel, racking up over 1,700 hours. Heated storage and freshwater kept the boat in excellent condition, but after twenty seasons the original JetStick system had begun to wear. “It still worked, but it wasn’t crisp anymore,” Mark recalls. “I didn’t want to risk being out there and have it fail. It was time.”
The JetStick Upgrade
Hinckley’s service team engineered a new solution tailored to his EP. The results were immediate. “Aesthetically, it’s incredibly clean — just the joystick and a sleek new screen. But more than that, the handling was transformed. The hydraulics and steering were rebuilt, and the boat feels so much more reactive than before.”
One of the biggest improvements came with the upgraded GPS antenna. “The heading hold is phenomenal,” Mark says. “It’s like having autopilot built into the joystick. I used to rely on helm mode, but now I don’t even need it. Hands off, and the boat just tracks perfectly.”
A Renewed Boating Experience
The upgrade didn’t change how Mark uses his Picnic Boat — it made every outing easier and more enjoyable. Docked just steps from his cottage, he often takes it out once or twice a day, whether for a short harbor cruise, a swim at a nearby beach, or an evening cocktail run with friends.
“Anchoring is effortless, single-handed docking is a breeze, and the boat just feels brand new again,” he says. “That responsiveness and reliability — it makes me want to take it out even more.”
Confidence That Lasts
For Mark, the greatest benefit is confidence on the water. “In the North Channel, you go from 60 feet of water to three feet in a heartbeat. With a prop boat, you’re anxious. With the JetStick, you’re relaxed. That peace of mind is priceless.”
He adds: “Hinckley built an amazing product the first time around. The new generation just makes it crisper, safer, and even more fun to use. It’s like having a new boat without giving up the classic I fell in love with”
