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Judy and Bill Sturgis put their beautiful Krogen Express to use in a way that many of us only
dream about – exploring the pristine, breathtaking waters of Alaska. Judy grew up on Vancouver Island and has been cruising the Pacific Northwest virtually her whole life. According to Judy, they bought their Krogen Express, “Free Spirit,” because she “is just the right size for me to captain with an all girl crew when my husband is not available” and “a perfect boat for the Inside Passage.”

Respect and admiration for the abundant wildlife in Alaska is a big part of what motivates Bill and Judy. When not aboard Free Spirit, Judy loves fly fishing any number of the many remote rivers for magnificent trout, steelhead, or salmon. It’s not unusual for them to be sharing their fishing grounds with bear, moose, wolves, beavers, eagles, and many more. And when cruising, encounters with any variety of whale, Humpbacks, Blues, or Orcas (Killer Whales), is not uncommon. It’s easy to understand why the Sturgis family keeps their Krogen Express up in Alaska and returns for adventures summer after summer. Hope I can join them next year!

Click here to see more breathtaking Alaska pictures.

Judy and Bill Sturgis put their beautiful Krogen Express to use in a way that many of us only
dream about – exploring the pristine, breathtaking waters of Alaska. Judy grew up on Vancouver Island and has been cruising the Pacific Northwest virtually her whole life. According to Judy, they bought their Krogen Express, “Free Spirit,” because she “is just the right size for me to captain with an all girl crew when my husband is not available” and “a perfect boat for the Inside Passage.”

Respect and admiration for the abundant wildlife in Alaska is a big part of what motivates Bill and Judy. When not aboard Free Spirit, Judy loves fly fishing any number of the many remote rivers for magnificent trout, steelhead, or salmon. It’s not unusual for them to be sharing their fishing grounds with bear, moose, wolves, beavers, eagles, and many more. And when cruising, encounters with any variety of whale, Humpbacks, Blues, or Orcas (Killer Whales), is not uncommon. It’s easy to understand why the Sturgis family keeps their Krogen Express up in Alaska and returns for adventures summer after summer. Hope I can join them next year!

Click here to see more breathtaking Alaska pictures.

With the addition of our new Yacht Controller, docking the KE52′ has become even easier and, in reasonable conditions, even the average yachtsmen should be able to single hand her. For those of you not familiar with this clever little device, Yacht Controller is a wireless remote that allows the captain to operate the transmissions and thrusters from anywhere on the boat. In the case of Daystar, our company show boat, this means that we can walk to the cockpit, gain unimpaired, close up views of the dock, and carefully maneuver the 52′ fore and aft, port and starboard, and guide her carefully into her berth. Daystar is equipped with both bow (standard) and stern (optional) thrusters from Side Power, and her twin Yanmar diesels move her with authority.

John is shown here bringing Daystar in on his first try with the new Yacht Controller. His initial impressions are that the system is very easy to use and operates exactly as expected. We’ve had many prospects ask about a 3rd station for docking, but John says that we’ll now be able to offer something much better because close quarters handling can be done from the very best vantage point, wherever that may be.

We’re often asked about the availability of pod drive systems like IPS and Zeus, and while we can’t offer joystick control, with twin engines and both bow and stern thrusters, maneuverability closely approximates those systems. Couple this with the Yacht Controller, which decouples the captain from the helm so he or she can move about the boat, and we think this is a very viable alternative that actually offers some real advantages over the pod drive.

Krogen Express 52s are getting around! Wilhelmina just spent two glorious weeks exploring the Exumas, and Resolute, left, is making her way up the coast after a brief stay at Windmill Harbour on Hilton Head Island. While there, she had her brightwork freshened while her owners ventured ashore for a side trip or two. They did have an opportunity on both ends of their visit to break bread with John and Betsie. After linking up with a cruising companion from “across the pond,” their trip has resumed and they’ve now made it up to Wrightsville Beach.

Meanwhile, Tiare continues her voyage north, where she’s now well up into the Chesapeake. Here are the latest links to the photographic journal her owners have so generously agreed to share with us. Once you click the “Watch” button, be a little patient, as it may take a little while for the show to load up. And be sure to turn up your volume to enjoy the music.
http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/gf5Zh5af
http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/wX7mT4YI
http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/XU9Wt4MW
http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/uw2NS3SA

In June, John and Betsie will head for the Keys with family aboard Daystar. Stay tuned as we chronicle their adventures.

Up next, we finally share our impressions of our new Yacht Controller (just installed!), and photographic results of the 2-boat Krogen Express Photo Shoot.

Fair winds and smooth seas, and enjoy a wonderful Memorial Day.

The annual Spring migration, when boat owners work their way north for the summer, is in full swing for 2008. This year, as in years past, several Krogen Express 52’s are participating, albeit not entirely in prototypical fashion.

At the head of the pack is Scylla, a classic Flag Blue Krogen Express. Her Dutch owners, Hans and Thea, often host family and friends from Holland for extended stays on board. This particular adventure started in Fort Pierce, FL and initially took them south to the Keys with one of Hans’ business partners on board. Later, Hans’ sister joined them for several days of cruising.

Hans prefers a leisurely pace to fully enjoy his surroundings and take advantage of the miserly fuel consumption of the 52′ at 9 or 10 knots. Hull speed on the KE52′ is 9.6 knots, so if her captain is mindful of throttle position, he or she achieve almost 2 mpg’s at nearly 10 knots. Only when schedule or conditions require does Hans cruise at the mid-to-upper-teen speeds that the KE’s semi-dispacement hull efficiently delivers. Today, Hans and Thea arrived at Great Bridge, VA, where they’ll have a few things addressed by the capable crew at Atlantic Yacht Basin.

Down the ICW a couple states to the south of Scylla is Tiare, another Flag Blue Krogen Express that arrived in Charleston yesterday. Peter and Louise began their voyage in their home port of Naples, first heading south to get around the Keys. In between they’ve enjoyed stops at Ocean Reef, Fort Pierce, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and most recently, Hilton Head.

As an aspiring travel journalist, Peter has assembled a multi-media slide show chronicling their adventures, which he has graciously agreed to share. Click this link to enjoy Peter’s fabulous photography, set to music, but be a little patient as it takes a little while to load.
http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/Uf5Sw6at

Peter and Louise recently met up with the owners of the first Krogen Express 52′, now known as Loose Stones. Bill and Jane had just returned from a little road trip to Charleston, where they had shuttled their trusty Suburban. Rumor has it that the cost to move the Suburban rivals that of the Krogen Express, if you don’t count dock fees. Land travel is a little quicker however, but the scenery isn’t quite as interesting.

You’ll recognize Loose Stones from virtually any of the official photographs you’ve ever seen, as she was our original photo subject. Formerly Daystar, this Flag Blue Krogen Express has completed the Great Loop and is now on yet another voyage up the East Coast.

Resolute, a beautiful Whisper Gray Krogen Express 52, will be leaving Palm Beach this week to make the annual move to her summer home in Cape Porpoise, Maine. Owners Robert and Jill have some stops planned along the way, but as their ultimate objective is to get their KE back north, they’ll be cruising at a bit quicker pace. They will arrive in Hilton Head by May 1, where Resolute will spend a couple of weeks while they take a side trip. Their flight plan is relatively open, allowing them the flexibility to enjoy whatever comes up. Our kind of cruising!

It’s becoming a tradition for Krogen Express owners to incorporate a stop at Windmill Harbour on Hilton Head Island into their itinerary, and this season is no exception. Located behind a lock, the docks are very well protected, making this an ideal location to lay up for a night or a month. This also happens to be the home port of John and Betsie Tegtmeyer, principals of Krogen Express, as well as the beautiful South Carolina Yacht Club.

As a benefit we believe to be somewhat unique, Krogen Express captains and crew are treated to southern hospitality and extraordinary personal support from John and Betsie when they stop by. Whether it’s a minor repair operation on a windlass, maintenance on the stunning teak brightwork, cleaning of hair strainers, or simply good conversation over a great meal, our owners seem to find spending time there worthwhile.

If you haven’t been on the Krogen Express website lately, be sure to drop in soon. You’ll enjoy a new interior tour video, the addition of both new and older magazine articles, and, if it’s really been awhile, an all new look. This week we expect to have a new Yachtcontroller system installed on Daystar, the company showboat, and will be sure to share our impressions with you on the next post. Until then, we wish you fair winds and smooth seas.

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.

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.

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.