Huckins just launched hull number one of its Sportsman 38 Hybrid, and the new cruiser topped out at 35 knots under diesel power and 7 knots under electric. The Sportsman 38 is modeled after the Sportsman 36 that Huckins first launched in 1936 (pictured above), and it still runs on Huckins’ iconic Quadraconic hull. Huckins also is offering the new 38 with outboard power from twin 350-hp Suzukis.
The new 38 Hybrid is the first production boat at Huckins, which was founded in 1928 by Frank Pembroke Huckins; his granddaughter, Cindy Purcell, runs the company, in Jacksonville, Florida, today. The latest Huckins is a blend of old and new, with retro styling but with state-of-the-art battery/electric power and a lightweight hull with Corecell, e-glass, Kevlar, carbon fiber and infused vinylester resin.
The boat is designed for weekend or longer cruising by a couple, with the diesels for speed and the electric power option for silent – and green – operating. Cindy Purcell says you can cruise around your harbor at a silent 7 knots under electric and then push a button, convert to the twin diesels, and cruise around at an easy 30 knots or so. (The outboards should provide even more speed.)
Whatever the power, the new Huckins will fit under the bridges in Florida and around the Great Loop. And the cruising will be comfortable. The forward cabin has a V-shaped settee that converts to a queen-sized berth at the touch of a button. The galley is down, but the overhead is open so it gets lots of natural light. It has Corian countertops, a single-burner cooktop, a double-drawer fridge/freezer and a convection microwave. The sole is teak and holly, and the joinery is mahogany.
The cockpit has a U-shaped settee on the port side and a table for five, a grill and a powered sun shade. The helm deck has an L-shaped settee, also for five, powered side windows and two electric sun roofs. Two Stidd chairs face the helm.
The Huckins Sportsman 38 Hybrid is scheduled to be on display at the Newport, Rhode Island, show in September. Meanwhile, hull number one is ready for visitors at the factory in Jacksonville.
Specs.: LOA: 38’3”; Beam: 12’6”; Draft: 2’6” Disp.: 18,000 lbs.; Fuel: 285 gals.; Water: 95 gals.; Power: 2×380-hp Cummins QSB 6.7 diesels and 2×20-hp Elco electric motors. Optional: 2×350-hp Suzuki outboards.
