Kronos 45 (Wauquiez) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Kronos 45 in the early 1990s marked a pivotal moment for Wauquiez, a shipyard traditionally synonymous with high-quality monohulls built for serious sailing. During this era, Wauquiez's manufacturing ethos, as established by founder Henri Wauquiez in 1965, centered on crafting "extraordinary boats" with an unwavering emphasis on durability and meticulous construction, often featuring solid fiberglass hulls and decks. The Kronos 45, as Wauquiez's first multihull, applied this same rigorous standard to a catamaran platform.

The design, a collaboration between the French maritime architect bureau Groupe Graal and Henri Wauquiez himself, aimed to deliver a large, capable cruising catamaran. A total of 13 units of the Kronos 45 were built. Notably, the production run included variations in internal configuration; 11 of these catamarans were originally laid out as four-cabin "charter versions," while two were specifically built as three-cabin "owner's versions" to maximize private living space. One of the four-cabin versions was subsequently converted to an owner's layout, offering flexibility to meet different cruising needs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran, the Wauquiez Kronos 45 offers a distinct sailing experience compared to monohulls, characterized by its inherent stability and spacious deck. With a length overall of nearly 45 feet and a waterline length exceeding 41 feet, she is a substantial vessel. Her twin-keel design is a notable feature, contributing to directional stability and allowing for a remarkably shallow draft of approximately 3.94 to 4.24 feet (1.20 to 1.30 meters) depending on the load. This shallow draft provides significant advantages, enabling access to shallower anchorages and marinas that might be inaccessible to many monohulls and even some deeper-draft catamarans.

Equipped with twin Yanmar 4JH2E diesel engines, each providing 96 horsepower, the Kronos 45 benefits from excellent maneuverability under power, a key advantage for a multihull of her size, particularly in close quarters. While specific anecdotal descriptions of her performance in various sea states are not widely detailed, her substantial size and robust build suggest a comfortable motion, consistent with Wauquiez's reputation for seaworthy vessels.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Wauquiez Kronos 45 is celebrated for its "remarkable interior quality," a hallmark of Wauquiez's craftsmanship and attention to detail. As a catamaran, the Kronos 45 leverages its expansive 22.8-foot beam to offer generous living spaces across its two hulls and bridgedeck.

The typical layout configurations varied, with most units featuring four cabins, ideal for charter operations or larger cruising parties. These typically include four private sleeping cabins, offering comfortable berths for eight passengers, often with accompanying heads. A rarer three-cabin "owner's version" was also produced, providing a more expansive and luxurious private suite in one hull, usually encompassing a larger cabin, private head, and possibly a dedicated office or sitting area. While specific details on the galley, salon, and navigation areas require individual boat inspection, the reputation for quality suggests well-appointed spaces with high-grade materials, ample storage, and thoughtful ventilation, designed for comfortable long-term cruising.