50 Years Strong: Hinckley and Awlgrip Continue Raising the Standard for Yacht Finishes
For five decades, Hinckley and AkzoNobel’s Awlgrip brand have worked side by side to deliver the premium yacht finishes that have become a hallmark of the iconic American boatbuilder. The Hinckley Awlgrip partnership recently celebrated 50 years of collaboration, a milestone that reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, consistency, and innovation.
Founded in Maine in 1928, Hinckley Yachts has earned a reputation for building luxury yachts with timeless styling and exceptional attention to detail (see our review of the Hinckley Picnic Boat 39).
For half of the company’s nearly 100-year history, Awlgrip coatings have been used in both new construction and refit projects throughout Hinckley’s service network, helping ensure every vessel receives the same high-quality finish regardless of where the work is completed.
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A Shared Commitment to Quality
The partnership extends beyond supplying paint products. Together, Hinckley and Awlgrip have developed a standardized paint program that aligns application processes across Hinckley’s service yards, improving consistency while enhancing technician training and application techniques.
Initially introduced throughout Hinckley’s East Coast service facilities, the program has since expanded into new boat construction, ensuring the same premium finish is delivered whether a yacht is leaving the factory for the first time or returning for a complete refit.
“They are not just a supplier to us; they’re a partner who understands our standards and helps us meet them, every single time,” said Scott Bryant, vice president of sales and marketing for The Hinckley Company. “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. Their commitment to delivering consistently high standards matters enormously to us, and to our customers.”
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Consistent Results Across Every Service Yard
The partnership relies on Awlgrip’s High-Definition Technology (HDT) coatings, which are designed to provide long-lasting gloss, durability, and color retention while meeting the expectations of discerning yacht owners.
Whether servicing a classic Hinckley or another premium yacht brand, the standardized paint program is intended to ensure owners receive the same finish and level of craftsmanship across the company’s expanding network of service yards.
According to AkzoNobel, the collaboration has helped establish a repeatable process that delivers consistent results regardless of location, giving owners confidence that future refinishing work will match the original quality.
“When you see a Hinckley on the water with an Awlgrip finish, you can see and feel the difference,” said Ned Jones, Awlgrip sales representative at AkzoNobel. “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.”
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Behind the Scenes at Hinckley
The long-running collaboration is also featured in Hinckley’s new behind-the-scenes video series, which offers an inside look at the company’s service yards and the craftsmanship behind each restoration and refinishing project.
The second episode, Chasing the Spray, highlights the techniques, expertise, and attention to detail involved in achieving the premium finishes that have become synonymous with the Hinckley name. The video also explores why the company continues to rely on Awlgrip products to meet the expectations of owners around the world.
As Hinckley approaches its centennial anniversary, the company says its decades-long relationship with Awlgrip remains an important part of maintaining the quality and consistency that have defined the brand for generations.
Watch the full episode of Chasing the Spray:
