Another feature incorporated by Krogen is the Poseidon drive system, a Dutch-built drive train that includes a vibration-damping coupling to the reduction gear, a shaft log with pre-installed bearings and a nozzle/rudder combination at the propeller. The most efficient and vibration-free propulsion is theoretically achieved with a large propeller and lots of clearance between the prop tips and the hull bottom. The downside of that, of course, is excessive draft and exclusion from many desirable cruising destinations, so again, an intelligent compromise is in order-in this case, the Poseidon drive. With the nozzle around the propeller maintaining high propulsive efficiency at displacement cruising speeds with a smaller diameter prop, the Poseidon drive also enables mounting the assembly with virtually zero tip clearance to the hull, so draft can be kept to a minimum. Poseidon also claims enhanced close-quarters maneuvering because the nozzle is steerable to direct thrust.
While the Krogen 77's engineering will make her a safe and efficient passagemaker, it is her layout that will endear her to owners. As Kurt Krogen notes, the on-deck master stateroom is "perhaps the crowning achievement of this yacht's design. The spacious cabin is light and airy, thanks to a pair of large windows above the sheerline to starboard. It is convenient to the galley and saloon, both also with large windows, and to the aft deck, yet still provides privacy to its occupants. A king-sized berth includes an en suite head with shower, and a walk-in closet that is exceptionally spacious for a yacht of this length. The stateroom's location amidships and its separation from the engineroom assure that it will be quiet and comfortable at sea.
Forward and down is a VIP stateroom that rivals the master for amenities. Here, too, is a king berth and en suite head, but the hanging locker is smaller. Another guest cabin, with choice of twin berths or double, lies abaft the VIP to starboard, across the passageway from a head that serves as a day head as well.
While this yacht is well within the capabilities of many owner-operators, some will prefer having a crewman along for longer voyages. For this eventuality, there's a single cabin nestled into the hull below the master stateroom. Adjacent to a utility/laundry room, the cabin is reached via a stairway from the main deck passageway. It also has quick and direct access to the engineroom through a centerline passage between the fuel tanks continuing through the engineroom to the workshop and auxiliary machinery room beyond. All bulkheads are protected by watertight doors, dividing the hull into eight watertight compartments for enhanced survivability.
Many cruising owners enjoy a bit of fishing along the way, so Krogen and Fexas have provided an especially spacious aft deck/cockpit. For the serious fisherman, a fully functional fighting chair can be mounted; the upper deck, while shading most of the aft deck, is set forward a bit from the transom so it will not interfere when the rod tip is brought up to set the hook. The arrangement plan even shows a flats skiff on the foredeck, adjacent to the centerline crane, though a RIB will be equally at home. The tender, up to 17 feet, is mounted to port, clear of the escape hatches from cabins below. Twin anchors, with separate windlasses recessed for easy cleanup, are deployed over rollers at the bow.
From the foredeck, it's only a few steps up the centerline ladder to the Portuguese bridge and pilothouse. There's a second outside ladder from the aft deck, and an inside stair leads from the galley to the pilothouse as well. The pilothouse is fitted with an enclosed toilet, a small sink and refrigerator, a spacious L-settee and table, and a companion/watch berth. Abaft the pilothouse, a snack bar and dinette area lie under a fixed top, while the after portion of the deck is open for sunning or relaxing in the optional hot tub-to which I'd say yes.
Contacts: Kadey-Krogen Yachts, (772) 286-0171, www.kadeykrogen.com; Fexas Yacht Design, (772) 287-6558, www.tomfexas.com; Poseidon, (011) 31 180 629009, www.poseidon-pde.nl
