Friday, March 21, 2008

Daystar (II) to Debut at Palm Beach Boat Show


Our newest Krogen Express 52', christened Daystar, will make her debut at the Palm Beach Boat Show next weekend. The show runs from Thursday, March 27th to Sunday, March 30th. You can find us in Slip 1051, which is on Ramp 10, the southernmost dock at the show. Click here for more show details.

Like her namesake, the very first Krogen Express 52', Daystar will serve as the company's showboat. Her Marine Blue canvas complements her stunning San Mateo Wheat hullsides and we couldn't be more pleased with the combination. In addition to her striking new hue, Daystar has superb Trac stabilizers and the latest Garmin electronics. She is also awaiting the installation of the Yachtcontroller wireless remote system, all firsts for Krogen Express.

Our experience with the new stabilizers is minimal at this point, but our early impressions are very, very positive. Most owners will find that with her hard chines aft, the 52' resists rolling motions so well that the tradeoffs associated with stabilizers won't be justified. But for those expecting to push the envelope and explore the deep blue on a very regular basis, with reduced regard for conditions, the investment might payoff well. Stay tuned to this blog site for more.

As her commissioning is just reaching completion, we haven't fully tested the Garmin electronics either. But her new GPS 5212 chartplotters, especially when augmented with the Vision card, has some terrific features. The Vision card enables, among other things, satellite imagery to display on land, which means that in our home port in Fort Pierce, the boat actually shows up floating in a marina instead of grounded high and dry as with other cartography we've used. The system also has the ability, once vessel water and air draft are entered, to accurately calculate a course to take us safely from our slip and right out the inlet. Very cool! We've also found her touch screen interface to be easy to use and intuitive.

Our new Yachtcontroller system will be installed on Wednesday in Palm Beach. The system will allow us to wirelessly control both transmissions as well as the stern and bow thrusters. This is a great alternative to an aft docking station, as it allows her captain the freedom to operate from anywhere on the boat. As a bonus, the new controller will also run the windlass remotely, which allows the anchor "handler" greater flexibility to move around the bow. We'll give you the whole skinny right here in a week or so.

If you're anywhere in the area, be sure to stop by and see us at the show. Betsie's been working hard to ensure that Daystar's decor complements her striking exterior and we think you'll love what she's done. We'll be happy to give you the grand tour, along with a demo of the great new Garmin electronics and Yachtcontroller system. With any luck at all, we won't need to engage the stabilizers at the show! Hope to see you there.

KrogenExpress.com Updates

In an effort to keep the Krogen Express web site fresh and useful, we've just added some great new content. Even if you're not a raving fan of Krogen Express Yachts (hard to believe, of course), I think you'll discover a few useful informational gems when you visit http://www.krogenexpress.com/. Here are a few details.
  • A NEW VIDEO TOUR. Krogen Express Studios is pleased to announce the release of new blockbuster docu-drama, aptly titled "The KE52' Video Tour." Produced by Yachting Magazine and shot entirely on location at the Miami International Boat Show, this Indie film includes extensive footage of the KE52' with insightful commentary by the star studded cast. While the movie is sure to be a hit at the box office, John, Betsie, and yours truly have decided to keep their day jobs.
  • PASSAGEMAKER MAGAZINE ARTICLES. The April issue of Passagemaker Magazine, which we read religiously cover to cover, captures the pick up of a Krogen Express 52' from the port where she arrived in late November. This is the first story written by Bill Jacobs since he was promoted to staff writer. Congrats to Bill for the well deserved appointment. We've also posted Bill Parlatore's review of the Krogen Express, which was the cover story in the April '05 issue. While it's a little bit dated, the article remains the most comprehensive work to date on the KE52'.
  • POWER CRUISING MAGAZINE ARTICLE. As one of his final stories before transitioning to a larger role with the publisher, Editor Pierce Hoover chronicles a day trip in a KE52' near Sebastian, FL. Printed in the February issue of Power Cruising Magazine, Pierce shares his impressions of the KE52' while describing the area's abundant avian delights. The piece ends with a demonstration of the speed capability of the Krogen Express.

Click here for an express ride to the virtual home of Krogen Express, where you'll find all of the above, and more!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Timeless, Classic Style

With her plumb stem, low profile, and painted hullsides, this James and Kurt Krogen design is sure to turn heads wherever she cruises. Taking her cues from the commuters of the 20s, she is certain to always be in style. This modern interpretation of a traditional coastal cruiser also has functional advantages as well. Her uncommonly low air draft provides improved stability and allows her owners to clear more bridges. And her raised bow and broad forward sections contribute to an exceptionally spacious master stateroom.

Legendary Krogen Livability

Krogen designs are well known for their livability, and the the KE52' is no exception. This begins with ease of boarding, with large boarding gates on both sides of the spacious, covered cockpit as well as a generous transom door. Double, weather tight aluminum doors lead to the airy saloon with her large windows, comfortable settee, and seven foot headroom. Her galley up layout with full size refrigerator, separate ice maker, and deep, wide sink make meal preparation a pleasure. Storage abounds, as access is provided to take advantage of every available space. Proceed forward to the raised pilothouse, where her captains is treated to a sumptious Stidd chair, a true chart table and drawers, and a fully equipped helm console. The watch berth is elevated to provide optimal forward viewing and converts to a sleeping berth when extra guests are on board. Generous accommodations are forward for both owners and guests. The center island berth in the master stateroom is a true queen and contains storage beneath. With an ensuite head, two hanging lockers, two dressers, shelf storage, and more, her owners will find storage and comfort for long distance cruising. The standard guest arrangement is a den/stateroom combination, with a nice desk, convertible L-settee, and a pullman berth. Include 360 gallons of fresh water, a stacked washer/dryer, easy access to systems, wide decks for easy line handling, and you'll find the KE52' to be an exceptional coastal cruiser.

Cruising Speed and Fuel Consumption

Designed by acclaimed naval architect James Krogen, the KE52's semi-displacement hull is a marvel of performance and efficiency. When conditions are perfect and time allows, throttle back to 8 knots and enjoy fuel consumption of only 3 gallons an hour. Or when you need to cover long distances, make a bridge, or get out of a storm, push her electronic controls forward and run her 480 Yanmars at 80 percent. You'll be rewarded with 16 knot speeds while burning just over 20 gph. With the KE52', the options are yours.

Semi-Displacement Seakeeping

The KE52' proves that you don't have to give up speed to enjoy a comfortable ride on the water. With her plumb stem and fine entry forward, her natural tendency is to slice through waves that would keep many owners of planing vessels at the dock. And with hard chines aft, her rolling motions are limited and controlled. As she builds speed, her hull begins to lift and her angle of attack will change, allowing her captain to further tune her ride for comfort. The Krogen Express is ideally suited for exploring the coast, heading for the islands, or circumnavigating the Great Loop. Krogen Express. Cruising Without Compromise.

Stand-up Engine Room

The engine room in the KE52' is an unexpected surprise, with nearly 6' of walk through headroom on the centerline and easy access outboard of the 480 hp electronic Yanmars. The 12kw Northern Lights genset sits at the aft bulkhead, on the centerline, and sight gauges on both fuel and water tanks provide a quick and accurate means of measuring levels. The standard Aquadrive system absorbs torque/thrust from the propellors so the engine mounts don't have to, allowing them to be soft mounted to reduce vibration transmitted into the structure. Dual Racors are provided for optimum filtration for both engines and the genset, while the Reverso system makes oil changes a breeze. Shelf space is provided for organizing your spare parts and surfaces above both water tanks are perfect for working surfaces or housing your tools.

Old World Craftsmanship

Approach a Krogen Express from any angle and you'll be struck immediately by the fine quality of her stainless steel and glasswork. Her beauty and grace is highlighted by just the right amount of teak brightwork, enough to demonstrate her traditional heritage but not so much that maintenance becomes a burden. Step in through one of her weather tight aluminum doors and her gorgeous cherrywood joinery confirms your first impressions that she's built for the long haul.

Raised Pilothouse

Krogen Express owners have the choice of captaining from up top in the covered flybridge or piloting their 52 from the fully equipped raised pilothouse. Mounted on the centerline, her sumptuous Stidd chair will ensure comfort for the long haul while the raised watch berth provides great views forward and converts to a bed when extra sleeping accommodations are needed. A table at the watch berth is ideal for eating a snack or planning the next voyage on a laptop. Two large chart drawers and storage everywhere make running there a thoroughly satisfying experience.