Kadey-Krogen 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Krogen 38 holds a special place in the Kadey-Krogen legacy as one of the few sailboats designed by co-founder Jim Krogen, who reportedly conceived it as a "labor of love" for his personal use. His design philosophy, influenced by living and working on Florida's Biscayne Bay, prioritized the ability to explore shallow waters—a concept embodied by the 38's innovative tandem centerboard system. Production commenced in 1980, with vessels built in Taiwan, primarily by Chien Hwa Boat Builders initially. True to Kadey-Krogen's overarching ethos, the 38 features heavy, hand-laid fiberglass construction, often utilizing a fiberglass-sandwich with a closed-cell PVC foam core for hull and cabin sides, providing strength, insulation, and a quiet ride. While some early Taiwanese-built vessels from that era could be prone to issues like "leaky teaky" decks, the Krogen 38's foundational design emphasized durability and seaworthiness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kadey-Krogen 38, while a capable sailboat, leans towards the heavier end of the cruising spectrum, designed for comfortable passage-making rather than outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.7, she offers sufficient sail-carrying ability for her displacement, performing reasonably well for a heavy cruiser but not excelling in light air. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 29% suggests moderate stiffness, a characteristic that, combined with her full-displacement hull and significant Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 325, contributes to a stable and seakindly motion, particularly in a seaway.

A defining feature of the Krogen 38 is its unique tandem centerboard system, allowing a minimum draft of just 3 feet 2 inches with the boards up, which expands to a maximum draft of 6 feet 8 inches with them deployed. This versatility makes her an exceptional "gunkholer," providing access to shallow anchorages in areas like the Bahamas or Florida Keys, while the deeper draft significantly improves upwind performance and stability when offshore. Owners often describe the Krogen 38 as "fun to sail," "quick to respond," and notably "stiff in a stiff wind," indicating a surprisingly engaging helm for a boat of her displacement. Her theoretical hull speed is around 7.59 knots, typical for a vessel of her length and design.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Kadey-Krogen 38 is praised for its generous and livable interior, reflecting Krogen's emphasis on creating a "home-like environment at sea." The interior typically features rich teak veneer joinery and traditional teak and holly soles, exuding a classic nautical ambiance. Owners frequently highlight the boat's well-thought-out layout, ample storage, and functional galley and staterooms, making it suitable for extended cruising or even full-time liveaboard use. Some layouts are described as having an "open plan" feel, which enhances the sense of space below deck. The design prioritizes comfort and practicality, ensuring a pleasant experience for those spending significant time aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kadey-Krogen 38 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels, frequently praising the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle various sea conditions with a comfortable motion. The tandem centerboard system is a particularly lauded feature, offering unparalleled flexibility for exploring shallow waters, a major draw for many cruisers. The robust build quality and seakindly nature align well with Kadey-Krogen's reputation for building capable passagemakers. However, like many boats of its vintage, recurring issues mentioned by owners can include the "leaky teaky" syndrome—leaks associated with the original teak decks, a common maintenance challenge for Taiwanese-built boats from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Additionally, the foam-cored hull construction, while offering advantages in insulation and sound dampening, necessitates a surveyor experienced with such construction when considering a purchase. Some owners have also noted needing to address issues with the centerboard mechanism over time. Despite these common vintage boat considerations, the Kadey-Krogen 38 maintains a loyal following among those seeking a sturdy, comfortable, and uniquely versatile cruising sailboat.