Say the name, “Kadey-Krogen” in a yacht club and you’re bound to get several nods of appreciation. These full-blooded, full displacement motor trawlers are synonymous with long distance luxury cruising and excellent American boat design.
The Krogen 44AE (Advanced Ergonomics) came on the scene in 2012 to replace the Krogen 44 that had a successful run of 26 builds. The 44AE joins her larger sistership, the 48 AE, as a tweak to the successful 48 North Sea model. Meant to provide a luxury life aquatic for a couple and a few visitors, the 44AE is less concerned about getting to Point B in record time and more interested in having a comfortable and safe journey.
The 44AE looks like her Kadey-Krogen sisterships at a glance with traditional lines, conservative and sheltered deck aft, stately pilothouse, and towering mast. Starting from the top, a set of stairs both port and starboard lead up to the pilothouse that hosts the helm station, two captain chairs, and a modest family-style table with L-shaped seating. The dinghy with davit and other water toys will live up here, positioned aft of the mast.
Back on the main level, there’s bench-style seating forward on an open foredeck with deep-set walkways aft to the covered, uncluttered cockpit and swim step. An option exists to build out the cabin to port, sacrificing the walkway but giving the owner more interior space.
Inside, a defining feature is the commanding helm station forward. A solitary captain’s chair overlooks it all, mostly separated from the galley and salon save for a few steps connecting the two. Below, there’s a master suite in the V, complete with massive island-style berth for the cruising couple. A guest berth and enclosed head are also down, near the engine room access.
The single 160-horsepower John Deere engine should yield a consistent 6- to 9-knot cruising speed. Reportedly, combined with the 850 gallons of fuel, that direct-drive inboard diesel engine yields between 1,250 (9-knot) and 4,450 (6-knot) nautical miles of range. For reference, 4,000 nautical miles and some change is about the distance between the Panama Canal and the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. Categorize fuel efficiency under the advanced ergonomics-related features of the family.
All in all, the Krogen 44AE seems very conducive for safe and comfortable life at sea for both new and longtime Kadey-Krogen fans. If interested in more info or pricing, contact local dealer Stan Miller Yachts.
