Any input on a new kadey krogen 52. NOT EXPRESS Standard twin 160 hp deers with 9.5 knots max Really liking this boat and design alot next to a fleming 65. Just wanted to hear some input good or bad. Thanks James
Two boats that seem similar at first but are very different. I would have to ask what your intended use and purpose for the boat is and what is most important to you? Just a few big differences are speed capabilities (9 knots difference), length (13-14' difference), beam (17") height (if you're thinking of Erie or Loop, important), weight (35,000 lbs). Personally, I like Kadey Krogen. I like Fleming better. The finish quality and workmanship, I feel is better. If I was going to cruise around the world, I'd feel more comfortable with the Fleming 65. A huge price difference in the two boats though.
I am a fan and supporter of Kadey Krogen trawlers and believe in their sea-keeping capabilities. Owners have long ownership history and the lack of frequent turnover says a lot. Good boats, good history, good folks. Judy
Greetings O.B, I could not agree more concerning the differences between the two. Full vs semi displacement hulls and so forth. The dream boat will always be the Fleming 65. Have you ever read up on all the extra things that Tony Fleming incorporated into this boat? Wow is all I can say. With that said, yes sir the loops are still in the plans as well as some other destionatons. Not real sure on how locking through and anchorage would work out with the F65 and 2 people. The Krogen 52 fits better and gives a layout that is quite comfortable as well and from I have read quite sea worthy as well. Thank you for the reply and as always, looking forward to your wisdom and experience. Have a great week James
Hi Judy, Thank you for your input and I have noticed the things you spoke of a lot as I read through what owners have written. That sure says alot in my book. Have a great week James
They're both good boats and both drastically different. My choice would be the Fleming, but again at a much higher price. Based on looks and layout. Locking through all of the locks should be no problem on the Fleming with a bow thruster and 2 people. You'll need a 3rd person going up the Wellington canal on any boat, but can pick up someone there. I highly recommend YF member Rodger. I would think long and hard if speed matters, in the Great Lakes it would for me, sometimes you only get a days weather window. But other than that, most of the loop is done at 10 knots or below anyways. I would also think long and hard about what ammenities are a must have. The 52' obviously will be a lot cheaper to loop with between fuel and marina fees.
I've read most of Tony Fleming's articles. While we're planning to do the loop in a 65' boat (not a Fleming though), the KK 52 would be more in line with what most would choose and good for two people handling. The one thing we would do on the KK is get the mast and arch hydraulically or electrically capable of lowering so it's not a manual task. There are many places you'll need to lower them for bridges and automating that isn't a huge task relative to the entire task of a boat build.
Yea I was just talking about the mast and if you could have it both ways, just in case the motor quits on the wrong side of the bridge. Although some here are pushing for the arch. So what are your plans for doing the loop. I know speed and time are not a factor in here. Thanks again James
Nice to hear from you Capt J, Yea I like the lower center of gravity with the F65 for sure. Everything is still in the works and thinking hard on all of it. Now if it ends up 3 or 4 on this then the F65 shines brightly to me. Thank you and have a great week James
Well, we like speed. Our plans are to do the loop in a Sunseeker Manhattan 65. While the speed won't help in the Canals, it sure will on the Great Lakes as we'll be able to see many more areas in the same time. We'll leave NYC early May, leave Chicago late October, then keep the boat on the TN River for a couple of years while exploring the TN, Cumberland, MO and OH. Ultimately on down and home, then a couple of years later starting the loop all over again and hitting towns we skipped the first time. This boat will be our loop and inland river boat. It has WOT around 32 knots and cruises at around 26-27 knots. The coastal areas we will do quickly as we do them regularly. Very unconventional approach, but then we are very unconventional people. On a KK 52, your arch will have to come down. With Mast up it requires 24'8", Mast down only 15'9". Arch up is 21'6". Arch down is 16'6".
Hello O.B, Nice looking boat there and seems to have some nice space with it. For me I prefer the more traditional salty look. I have admired that look since the first ones I saw in Plymouth harbour as a child. At this stage in life, well if I have to lay over for awhile waiting for a better weather window, well GOOD. Lol I like the look of the mast alot but need to learn which would be more practical for my needs. As far as I know, Chicago and champlain canal have the lowest bridges and could hinder the situation. Make sure you post some pictures and videos for us all. James
No pictures, no videos...sorry Chicago is the lowest point you can't circumvent at 19'1" clearance. Champlain is not taken by most loopers, especially those with boats like you're considering. It's height limitation at normal levels is 17'. Similarly the west portion of the Erie has limitations of 16' under normal levels, which can be less in flood or heavy water seasons. Most take the Erie to the Oswego. That gives a clearance at normal levels of 21.1'. When we designed for the loop, our standard we sought was to be able to clear 20' easily at all times and to be able to clear 19'1" when necessary. We assumed always that we would not to the western part of the Erie or the Champlain. Here is a link to NY Canal bridge heights. http://www.canals.ny.gov/boating/bridgeheights.html Yes, we're fully aware most would not choose what we've chosen for the loop. It was a long, crazy saga for us to ever decide on a loop boat and we broke a lot of rules that we initially established for it.
I would also vote for the Fleming for their approach to engineering. I know that a 65 did the loop a few years ago and others have gone up to the lakes and back down the Oswego.
Thanks Kapn, They are built really well that is for sure but with the semi displacement hull and Bigger engines, well that fuel burn sure goes up. James
Yes. Both Can. Air draft of 55 is 16' and 65 is 17'11". Of course all subject to what electronics and how mounted and antennas, etc.
I was running a Fleming and the owner said that most of the masts installed on Flemings on the east coast are set up to hinge and clear that 19' bridge.
