ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30 ft |
| LWL | 23 ft |
| Beam | 8.33 ft |
| Draft | 4.75 ft |
| Displacement | 10,000 lb |
| Ballast | 3,400 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
About the ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938)
S&S design# 164. An updated version was introduced in 1940 (S&S #316).
The Islander 30 (Hinckley-1938) is a rare, classic fractional sloop designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Henry R. Hinckley (USA) in 1938, with a total production run of 20 hulls. As a vintage vessel with a displacement of 10000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 36.56, it represents a significant investment in classic boat ownership that requires diligent maintenance of its aging structural components.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced classic boat enthusiasts and coastal cruisers who prioritize historical provenance and comfortable motion over high-performance racing, provided they are prepared for extensive restoration work.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.55 and a D/L ratio of 366.92, the boat possesses a heavy, stable hull form suitable for offshore passage making, though its age and critical structural vulnerabilities necessitate rigorous pre-voyage surveys.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other Sparkman & Stephens designs from the late 1930s and early 1940s, such as the Columbia 28 or early O'Day models, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and heavy displacement characteristics.
Direct variant of the ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 30ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
23 reported issues across 9 systems for the ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 23 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ISLANDER 30 (HINCKLEY-1938)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…