Kadey-Krogen 52

Beneath the sunshine, I walk out a long dock in Stuart, Florida, where the Krogen 52 awaits.

Having previously tested Kadey-Krogen boats, I know the company builds them to exacting standards and uses quality materials.

“The boats are designed to be serious long-range cruisers, but many owners also use them like second homes,” Bill Harris, one of Kadey-Krogen’s experienced yacht brokers, explains as we wander through the marina.

I admire the myriad of boats both sail and power lining the docks. A couple playfully washes down their boat. Reggae music fills the air as a man places an outrigger on sawhorses, which he has taken off a large sportfisher. The dock scene is pulling me in when we step up to the Krogen 52. My hectic week has already started to fade away. I don’t know if it’s the Kadey-Krogen’s ship-like profile, the relaxed nautical atmosphere at the dock or both, but something feels different.

Get comfortable

Stepping aboard through a side door into the teak-decked cockpit, the boat is warm and inviting. I can almost hear the laughter of a small gathering in this porch-like space under the overhang with sun shining all around. Inside the salon is equally welcoming, with twin leather-covered recliners opposite a U-shaped lounge surrounding a gorgeous cherrywood high-low table with folding leaves. The galley connects to the salon with a wide Corian counter ideal for meal prep, serving or staging appetizers when entertaining. The fully equipped galley has plenty of storage and household-size quality appliances like a JennAir three-door stainless steel fridge. A BlueStar propane range/oven is standard, but on this boat the owner chose a three-burner Wolf gas cooktop. The ambiance of the entire salon area is very comforting; it feels like the great room of a high-end home.

The abundance of finely crafted, book- matched American cherry is bright and airy with contrasting ceiling panels complete with recessed lighting and thoughtful nautical touches like wooden grabrails.

I head up to the pilothouse where the centerline helm has a single Stidd chair and a large polished wooden wheel. Gauges and controls are within easy access of the helm with three large Furuno NavNet MFDs. One screen has a camera aft, but I walk through the watertight side doors to one of the conveniently located wing stations on both sides of the Portuguese bridge for more direct visibility. The twin John Deere engines quietly hum as we disconnect shore power and untie lines.

As we ease out, Harris uses the thruster to move the bow slightly back and forth so I can hang our bow lines from the pilings — simple. Once we are clear, he uses both bow and stern thrusters to spin the boat on its axis, explaining that with twin keels protecting each prop aperture, the hydraulic thrusters work better for this type of maneuver than jockeying the twin throttles. The two of us easily handle the boat as could any couple. There is no panic as our displacement keeps us steady, even at the dock, and the layout and multiple steering stations keep dockside management stress-free. I walk around and pull up fenders as we exit the marina. The side decks are wide, making it easy to maneuver around the boat.

To starboard there are steps from the helm leading aft down to a covered side deck that goes all the way to the cockpit. Portside steps lead up to an open deck where port fenders, hanging from the rails, have long lines since the salon below is full beam. The boat deck has a Novurania 3.5 (11-foot, 10-inch) RIB with a 50-hp Honda outboard and a Steelhead ES-1000 crane davit for launching. There is additional open space, a barbecue, sink and substantial storage here. A few steps up, the flybridge helm is shaded by a hardtop. Two bucket helm seats with footrests provide excellent visibility and access to steering and controls. A porthole conveniently leads to the pilothouse for easy communication. The cozy L-shaped seating area with a table seems an ideal place for an afternoon cocktail or a great place to relax in the breeze away from any dockside bustle.

Slow but steady

Back in the pilothouse, I sit on the raised lounge as Harris drives. The lounge has great visibility forward and allows guests to interact with the driver. Another beautifully crafted cherrywood table here provides an ideal spot to eat while underway. This table lowers to create a pilot berth for overnight passages. With doors closed, I measure decibels that reach 66dB at cruising speeds — remarkably quiet. The entire vessel is climate-controlled with heat and AC, but opening the doors lets a gentle breeze flow through.

The Kadey-Krogen is not a fast boat — our top speed is 9.1 mph. I thought this would bother me, but as I settle in at the wheel the appeal becomes apparent. I feel completely at home as we run at 8 mph (1750 RPM) using around 5.5 gallons per hour, which gives us a range of nearly 2,000 miles. The boat is so steady and comfortable I just want to keep traveling out the inlet and go! A 50-foot motoryacht zips by and we slip through the large wake like it doesn’t exist. The Kadey-Krogen exudes confidence, as it is designed to go anywhere safely and comfortably, which I now understand. I say to Harris, only half joking, that I am thinking of heading to the Caribbean. He reminds me that we only have a quarter tank of fuel but that barely deters me since that is still 500 miles of cruising.

Reluctantly, I hand over the helm to Harris and explore the boat further, admiring the size, comfort and finish. Entering the accommodations deck there is a large desk that makes for a great onboard office and can double as a bar. A soundproof door leads to the engine room with well laid out machinery and good access around the engines.

Both cabins have queen beds, abundant cherry panels and cabinetry with impeccable joinery and ample storage. The forward centerline queen has an ensuite head. The other cabin’s head shares a door with the foyer, which also houses a full-size washer and dryer. Both heads have household-size sinks, generous medicine cabinets, storage and separate shower compartments.

This Kadey-Krogen has got me rethinking retirement. From sailing in my youth on Lake Michigan to running boats back and forth to the islands, much of my boating was a bit like camping with some added adventure thrown in. The Krogen 52 combines all the comforts of home with the ability to go anywhere. I could be happy sitting at the dock or finding some faraway island cove to explore. If you are looking for a home on the water, or just need a touch of island attitude adjustment, Kadey-Krogen has the formula.