The Quest Is On Hold....

The "Quest" for the right cruising boat has included many "possible candidates"  Of course I, (Craig), am more apt to "buy now" and Jan is the steadying force in this process.

Jan continually reminds me that  "the right boat is out there, we will know when we see her, and as of now I have not seen her"!   

What is really annoying is that for the most part Jan's instincts are always bang on!

I was ready for the KK42 - MV Chug from Anacortes; we actually first saw the boat in March, then in June when our son Andrew (visiting form Nova Scotia) and I  drove down and viewed the boat and many others!  Jan and I were once again on board MV Chug when we were recently in Anacortes (September)! 

Jan did not "connect" with this boat; as well there were "some concerns" about some outstanding issues we felt were too much for us to take on!  So, the decision was to pass on this KK42!

In our Quest for the right boat we have at times ventured away from the RPH, Full Displacement Trawler concept and considered other options (semi displacement hulls such as the Pacific Trawler, Sunnfjord, Ocean 40, etc).  But we both are continually drawn back to the full displacement hull; we love the safety, reliability and ride of these trawlers.

We also really want a Flybridge; this has been on our "want list" since before our Willard 30!  Therefore, the Krogen 42, for the most part, meets all of our "need and want" list! 

So, after many years of analyzing which is the right boat, evaluating our budget and cruising requirements, and by recently attending the September Krog-In; we have decided to focus on a Krogen 42 as our next boat.

Additionally in regards to a buying schedule, Jan still prefers we keep to our original plan!  That being to not buy a boat until the spring of 2013.  Of course, I am anxious to buy a boat now, really like yesterday!!!!

Unfortunately, our Boat Quest will have to be placed on hold for October and November; Jan has a long standing commitment for an extended vacation which will see her away from home for the month of October.  During this time I will be spending a week visiting my Mom, Sisters and Father in Alberta.

Mind you, there is still the Internet, Passage Maker and Pacific Yachting Magazines to keep my appetite whetted; helping me through these difficult times :)

The Quest Continues.....

It has been 10 months since we have update this Blog; mostly because the time has flown by so quickly.

We have been very, very busy with travel, family commitments, a few medical emergencies, and of course much more travel!  

We did manage to get in a number of trips to Seattle, Anacortes, Friday Harbour, and Victoria to do some dock walking and view a long list of boats!   

Our Broker, Dennis Lawrence, Kadey Krogen Yachts West Coast Seattle Office, has been a great resource; helping us immensely in our quest in findian a suitable replacement for Kozad!

At the beginning of September we drove to Anacortes in preparation for attending the PNW Krogen Rendezvous "the Krog-In" at Roche Harbour.  We arrived a few days early so we could walk the docks and do some "shopping".  

Interestingly enough, and unplanned, on Thursday we met Dave, of Dave & Carol N43 "MV Navigator".   Dave and Carol had recently sold their Nordhavn and were boat shopping!   Carol had found the boat she loved while Dave was away working!  Good for you Carol!

 

 Dave was closing the deal on a used N55! 

 

We had a nice visit and were pleased to see their new Nordhavn

On Friday, we met the owner a very nice KK42 mvwhich was in the North Harbour Diesel (NHD) Yard on the hard!  Although the boat had some issues of concern, we spent a number of hours on board and even time alone with our friends, Ki & Terri - KK42 Banyan" who join us to go over the qualities of the boat.

We were so engrossed in looking at the boat that we ended up being locked in the NHD Yard when they closed and padlocked the gate!  Jan saved us, as earlier she noticed a dog on one of the boats being stored on the hard!  Jan went exploring and found the owner who was on board and happened to have a key to let us "escape"!

 Jan, Ki & Terri

Terri already escaped by squeezing thru the gate!

MV Banyan KK42

On Saturday morning we departed early to catch the slack tide.  Departing from our old marina, Anchor Cove, on KK42 MV Banyan  we had an excellent cruise over to Roche Harbour and the Krog-In!

"The Boys"

"The Ladies"

Jan at the Krog-In

The Krog-In was excellent; we were able to view a number of KK39, KK42, KK44, KK54 & KK58 and also met a boat load of nice Krogen Owners.  The Krogen 42 still is Craig's favorite Krogen!

We had a great cruise from Anacortes/Roche return; Ki & Terri were wonderful hosts and we were able to experience cruising on a Krogen!  Surprisingly, or not so, the KK42 rides and handles just like a BIG Kozad! We both liked what we were seeing!

Returning to Anacortes on Sunday at noon, we drove to Seattle and met up with Dennis Lawrence to view a Nordhavn 46.  The N46 has been on our list of dream boats since we stepped on one when we were boat shopping 8 years ago! Jan was especially enamored with the Nordhavn.  

Well, we spent some time on board and to say we were disappointed was an understatement.  

The N46 is built to cross oceans and in reality we will want a boat which can comfortabley take us long distance coastal cruising.  The N46 is a beautiful boat with great features; although we found the living space, cockpit, engine room and pilot house to be wanting in size and livability in comparison to the KK42!

So all in all, the trip was very positive; as we can now focus on finding the right Krogen 42 which fits our price range and budget!  Difficult to say the least but a task Craig is definitely up for!

Decisions to be made!

Beautiful Sunset 

Seattle looking to Bainbridge Island