My first boat show was in Seattle and it was in the 50’s and raining, but it okay because it was January- in Seattle. My second boat show was in Miami and to my chagrin it was 50’s/60’s and raining. Any guesses on what the weather was in San Diego? Mid-50’s and raining! I’m starting to think I bring it with me. Anyway, as Paul (one of our salesmen from Seattle) said, “the rain qualifies the people who attend”. And it was true. Most everyone that came aboard had genuine interest in the trawler lifestyle and it was evident they had done their research on Kadey-Krogen- and they didn’t let the rain keep them inside!
Storm rolling through the sky at the Kona Kai Marina.
For a while there it was looking like we weren’t going to have a boat at this show and that we’d be setting up a booth in the tent like last year. A few weeks ago the couple that owns 4804WB graciously decided to lend us their boat so that we could show people the beauty and livability that is Kadey-Krogen. This particular boat is a 48′ Whaleback, meaning it has no side decks and the living space is all one level with the pilot house atop a spiral staircase. For those of you who are familiar with this layout, it may seem reminiscent of our Krogen 55′ Expedition, and it is, as it was the inspiration for the larger model.
The stern and starboard side of Ocean Friend.
This couple went from owning a Krogen 42′ to customizing their own 48′ Whaleback in 1995 and, since they retired five years ago, have been cruising between Mexico and Alaska, living the dream. Or should I say, “cruising the dream”? It has been amazing to me since I’ve started working with Kadey-Krogen, the brand loyalty that our customers have. There are countless owners that trade in their Krogen and move up to a larger Krogen because they want to stick with a company and boat they know, trust and love.
This particular Whaleback had its share of customizations and renovations. Customizations such as the floor-to-ceiling pantry, the bathtub which Jim Krogen dubbed as “not boaty” in the master head, the “as-wide-as-you-can-make-it” bed in the master stateroom and the grand saloon where two L-shaped settees sit caddy cornered across the 17 foot beam. The main renovations were in the galley and that included upgrading to a Viking Range (which now come on all the larger Krogens), other stainless steel appliances, stern/bow thrusters and up next is the addition of granite counters and a new washer/dryer.
On the last day, we had to extricate ourselves from our slip so that the boats next to us could depart. All we did was go across the little harbor and then came back in to dock and I was impressed with how simple they made the whole process seem. With the hydraulic stern and bow thrusters, the boat glided through the water while she tied lines on both the port and starboard sides so that he had his options when he came in- and it was a good thing, because while it appeared as though we’d be tying up on the starboard side, last minute he realized it would be easier on the port side and we were prepared! I was also in awe of how they have gotten their docking process down to a science. It was a very manageable feat for just two people.
Sun peeking through the clouds over the water as we docked the boat.
As far as the TrawlerFest went, San Diego was a pretty small venue. It consisted of 18 boats ranging from 21′ to 70′, a tent full of exhibitors and seminars with impressive and knowledgeable speakers. And as I mentioned earlier, what we lacked in quantity was made up for in quality. It seemed as though both Dennis and Paul were constantly engaged in serious conversation about the Kadey-Krogens which was both exciting and promising.
Friday night PassageMaker had a cocktail hour followed by a Mardis Gras themed dinner where dealers, manufacturers, brokers and customers all intermingled. Saturday night there was another cocktail hour this time followed by a dinner, trivia and a raffle. Between the good eatin’, having our table win the trivia game (check out PassageMaker magazine for our victory picture), and winning a subscription and hat from Ocean Navigator- I made out like a bandit!
Our table-mate, adorned with mardi gras paraphernalia, who was robbed of the Mardis Gras Queen title.
As the new faces become more familiar to me, the more respect and understanding I am gaining for the marine industry and everyone involved. It is a great field to be involved in and to call my profession, especially here at Kadey-Krogen. All in all, another fulfilling and exciting experience with the promise of many more ahead.
Donning a mardis gras mask and having lots of fun!
