New Kadey-Krogen 55 Heads to the Bahamas
The Kadey-Krogen's 55' Expedition
is being built by Asia Harbor Yacht Builders, the exclusive Taiwan builder of all
Kadey-Krogen Yachts. The new 55' is every inch a classic Kadey-Krogen vessel, but she also shows some new design influences that take the vessel beyond the Robert
Beebe-influenced roots of the Kadey-Krogens that date to 1977 when the company was founded by Jim Krogen. All current production Kadey-Krogen trawler yachts are proven
bluewater passagemakers, and the Krogen 55' should be no exception with a range
of well over 3000 miles at 8 knots. At 9 knots she can travel nonstop from Annapolis
to Antigua. She carries 1800 gallons of fuel and is powered by twin John Deere
6068 TFM M1 Tier 2 engines, each rated at 158 HP.
 Hull# 1 of the new Kadey-Krogen 55 was introduced to the world at the Stuart Trawler Fest and at the Miami Boat Show, and is the Bahamas as you read this. |
The underbody of the 55 has twin counter-faired skegs –
which are a Kadey-Krogen innovation – which are design to maximize efficiency and
to protect the props. "The hull form and hydrostatic data for the 55' fall right
in line with our other pure displacement trawler yachts -- the 58', the 48', the
44' and the 39'," says John Gear, president of Kadey-Krogen Yachts. "But the crowning
achievement of this yacht, I believe, is the way the entire design--a comfortable,
friendly and superbly capable long-range bluewater traveler-embodies our company's
core values of capability, liveability, family and value.
 With an 18’ beam the 55 is able to have a large salon area for live aboard comfort. The master and an office can be seen below. |
Kadey-Krogen has built more than 500 yachts over the last 30 years and was one of
the early pioneers in production fiberglass long range cruising boats.
In conceiving the 55 Krogen began with in-house talent including staff naval architect
Jimmy Krogen (son of the founder) of the naval architecture firm James S. Krogen
& Co. The Kadey-Krogen team worked together with Tom Fexas Yacht Design, Inc.,
to integrate and refine the new design concepts to ensure that the vessel remained
true to Kadey-Krogen structural principles. Throughout the development stages they
conferred with owners of current Krogen models to refine arrangement and detailing.
 The bridge can be made dark for night running. Note large boat deck with plenty of room for entertaining and gear. |
"Our boat owners' input and cruising experience is key to this company," says Larry
Polster, vice president. "They keep us focused on designing and building yachts
for liveability. And in this case, thanks to our customers, we've created a truly
superior bluewater traveler in a very reasonable size."
 A peek into the cozy pilothouse. Note port wing docking controls. |
Characteristic of all Kadey-Krogen yachts, a roomy, comfortable and highly functional
pilothouse serves as navigation area and living space. Abaft the pilot house is
a large boat deck with davit and tender and plenty of space for lounging, sunning
or entertaining.
 The 55 has a large and unusual galley. |
On the main deck
the boat has a large salon and a particularly large, rectangular-shaped galley which
must be one of the largest in its class. It features a large, extra wide Jennair refrigerator/freezer,
a Viking propane gas range with four burners, and
more counter space than you’ll
find on nearly any 55-footer.
Moving below and forward, the interior space of the 55' Expedition allows both two-cabin
and three-cabin arrangement options. Each features the master stateroom forward.
The master has a full head en suite that includes a large shower stall. A second
head is opposite the starboard stateroom(s). Those familiar with Kadey-Krogen will recognize the natural flow and comfortable look and feel of the living quarters.
 Looking forward in the main salon with a wide-angle lens. |
When considering this layout, remember that the builder has 30 years of experience
building expedition-type yachts, and so should have discovered which layouts are
both popular and practical.
The engine room and machinery area offer ready access to all equipment, plumbing
and wiring – something that Kadey-Krogen is proud of. "We don't believe you should
have to remove a panel to find what you are looking for," says Tom Button, vice
president of operations with Kadey-Krogen. "You can identify and respond to any
maintenance need quickly and easily."
 There is plenty of room in the engine room. Note water-tight doors in bulkhead in background. |
The Krogen 55' Expedition is being offered with introductory pricing of about $1.8
million for a few select owners.
For more information about
the 55, the rest of the line and to see the boats’ list of standard and optional
equipment…