Looking for insights and input

[Hardscrabble]

Thanks in advance for any and all insights as well as input.

Like so many here, we are beginning our search for a trawler, we have not narrowed our options down too much as we are still defining our mission and usage.

A starter question - I have really fallen for the Krogen 42, not totally but overall. What would you folks define as equivalent (or thereabouts) boats?

In general, we like utilitarian, rugged, multi-mission capable equipment. Like the idea of longer range, full displacement, "seaworthy", multiple redundant systems boats that give us the chance to change up our destinations and locations.

Thanks again................

 

[Codger2]

A starter question - I have really fallen for the Krogen 42, not totally but overall.

Damn good choice! (JMHO)

 

[Steve]

I agree with Walt. I've never owned one but they look good, have a good reputation. One to bring home to Mom

 

[Nomad Willy]

Very comparable is the Willard 40.

 

[Moonstruck]

I think the Krogen 42 is the consummate mid sized passage maker. That being said, like Eric I think the Willard 40 is a great boat. I would also look at the DeFevers in the 44-48' range. There are many good boats, but the Krogen 42 has always been one of my favorites. A lot of bang for the buck too.

 

[FF]

"In general, we like utilitarian, rugged, multi-mission capable equipment. Like the idea of longer range, full displacement, "seaworthy", multiple redundant systems boats that give us the chance to change up our destinations and locations. "

Take a look at the Navy getting kicked around in another post , and decide if a Krogan 42 would have survived.

Good redundant systems in a cruising boat are usually added by an owner , not part of most new builds.

 

[Hardscrabble]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, the tips regarding the "like" boats did help.

I am sure we will have other questions, using the search function in the forums allowed me to see a plethora of information.

Should we be looking at a twin engine boat or a single......... JUST KIDDING. Already have my mind made up there. I don't want to pour gasoline on that fire.

Thanks again.

 

[sunchaser]

All KK42s are not alike, older models have cored hulls. A friend of mine had a cored KK42 "pass" inspection, much to his surprise a year later when much of the hull was noted to be saturated when installing a new through hull.

There are many perfectly acceptable brands and models of non KKs out there so shop carefully, dock walk and attend as many boat shows as possible.

 

[Baker]

Be honest with yourself on how you will use the boat!!!...and choose a boat that will fit that mission. It is as simple as that......or is it????....

 

[CPseudonym]

Like so many here, we are beginning our search for a trawler, we have not narrowed our options down too much as we are still defining our mission and usage.

I'll echo Bakers sentiment. Do not go out looking for any specific boat yet and keep absolutely everything on the table at this point. The boat we now own is not even close to the boat we thought we would own.

There was a huge disconnect between what we could afford and what we needed for our mission. Once we where honest with ourselves about our current mission we downsized dramatically and couldn't be more pleased with our choice. Why swat a fly with a sledgehammer?

 

[Pack Mule]

Nice Boat, One of my favorites . A lot of boat for the money and easy on the eyes.

 

[Hardscrabble]

all good points

Thanks for the thoughts and input, all good at this point as we are just starting the process. I agree with the points that the Krogen 42 might not be the right boat as we have not completed defining the mission yet. Certainly it has its attraction, just seems like one of the several nice designs out there.

We lived in Alaska, and one of our thoughts is to return to the PNW for summers, then head south for winters. Nothing is for sure at this point and part of the fun in the way we have always lived our life is planning then executing our plans. So it is all grist for the mill at this point, lots of research and we will be looking at many boats.

Thanks again........ I am sure we will have other questions going forward.

 

[FF]

"Cored Hull "

For folks looking at a boat , remember "cored hull" can mean lots of things .

The worst is "Chinese Composite" a layer of GRP is placed over house plywood and its then called cored.

Then there is balsa which is fine , BUT ,

the core must be kept dry , so fittings and attachments would need rebedding every few years or the structure suffers.Instalation of items under load (windlass davits ) requires special skills , but even a waste pump out can not just exit thru a drilled hole.

The best is HIGH quality Foam core ($2.00 a sq ft to $20.00 sq ft) which does not absorb water .

My favorite is almost never used in stock boats , AIREX, as it is pricy.

Cored is like Hi Fi , descriptive , but with no real meaning.

Except cored can be a huge blessing or huge danger , knowledge is power.

 

[Hardscrabble]

Because of my deeply ingrained "trust but verify" nature I would want to know in looking at fiberglass boats - how does one (I will use a surveyor) determine the soundness of a fiberglass hull? How do you avoid the situation related above about a compromised core?

Steel, due to my background, is something I understand for the most part. Fiberglass is like composites on aircraft - a bit mysterious to me.

How does one, once the are looking a a particular boat, research and find the specs that the particular serial number (or hull number)? I get the one off boats, custom boats, out of business or short run manufacturers - but for Krogen as an example - any resource that breaks down model, year, hull number and particular specs? Or is it just case by case doing the best research possible on a particular boat.

Thanks again.

 

[FF]

How does one, once the are looking a a particular boat, research and find the specs that the particular serial number (or hull number)? I get the one off boats, custom boats, out of business or short run manufacturers

Many overseas builders would swop hulls with eachother to finish. Some were wedding presents to start a new builder in business.

That is why the "same" hull can have a variety of fits , finish and understanding/build quality in machinery , electric systems .

ALL the builders US and others went thru Quality hassles , so a listing of when the builders went into and out of bankrupcy is useful.

A broker specialist in the style vessel may have a cheat sheet , as many surveyors have of specific hull series to avoid.

Solid GRP boats , if thick enough seem to have the leas risk.

If too thin the many stress cracks will easily identify the poorly built hull or deck.