Kraken 66 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Kraken 66 is engineered for comfort and directional stability in heavy seas rather than light-wind agility. With a displacement nearing 37 tons, the hull uses its mass to dampen motion, a characteristic often praised in editorial reviews for reducing crew fatigue during long passages. The sail plan is a versatile twin-headsail cutter rig, typically featuring a large reacher on the outer forestay and a dedicated staysail on the inner stay. This configuration allows the crew to transition seamlessly from light-air reaching to heavy-weather beating without leaving the safety of the cockpit, often utilizing electric hydraulic furling systems as standard.

Handling is further stabilized by the Kraken "Alpha" twin-rudder system. Unlike the unprotected spade rudders found on many contemporary cruisers, the Kraken 66 features rudders that are fully protected by substantial skegs. This ensures that the vessel remains steerable even after an encounter with floating debris or containers. According to technical assessments by Yachting World, the hull’s deep-V entry and significant rocker allow it to track exceptionally well, requiring minimal input from the autopilot even when running before a swell. While it will never be the fastest boat in a light-air regatta, its ability to maintain high average speeds in Force 6 conditions and above is its defining performance trait.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Kraken 66 is designed around the "Deck Saloon" concept, providing 360-degree visibility from the seating area, which is a significant safety and comfort feature for watches kept in inclement weather. The layout is typically configured with four cabins, though the semi-custom nature of Kraken Yachts allows for significant variation. The flagship model, White Dragon, showcased a palatial master suite aft with a private companionway, a VIP guest cabin forward, and additional bunk cabins for crew or children.

The joinery is characterized by heavy, solid woods—often teak or oak—finished to a high standard. Because Kraken aims for "zero-risk" sailing, the interior is replete with handrails and secure bracing points, ensuring safe movement through the cabin while healed. The galley is located in the passageway to the aft cabin, a "U-shaped" design that provides the cook with secure bracing in a seaway. Compared to the Kraken 50, the 66 offers significantly more technical space, including a dedicated walk-in engine room that houses the primary power plant, generator, and watermaker, allowing for easier maintenance during extended voyages.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Kraken 66 gained international visibility through the voyages of Dick Beaumont and his yacht, White Dragon. Much of the boat's development and its real-world testing in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans have been documented in Ocean Sailor Magazine, a publication founded by Beaumont to share blue-water cruising knowledge. The boat has also been featured in extensive video walk-throughs and sea trials by major yachting publications, highlighting its unique construction features like the Kevlar-reinforced "Scimitar" bow, designed to withstand collisions with ice or containers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Kraken 66 is built to a high standard, its complexity as a "systems-heavy" yacht requires diligent inspection of specific areas:

• Hydraulic Systems: The 66 relies heavily on hydraulics for sail furling and winches. A buyer should inspect all seals, hoses, and the central power pack for leaks or pressure drops, as these systems are critical for short-handed operation.
• Electronics Integration: Given its role as a global cruiser, the NMEA 2000 backbone and integration of satellite comms, radar, and navigation suites should be tested for interference or software lag.
• Teak Deck Condition: Many 66s are finished with extensive teak or synthetic teak decks. Check for signs of lifting or caulking failure, especially in boats that have spent significant time in high-UV tropical environments.
• Battery Bank Health: Because the boat is often equipped with high-draw appliances (induction cooking, air conditioning), the lithium or AGM battery banks should be capacity-tested to ensure they can still support the "silent ship" periods the boat was designed for.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for Kraken 66 owners and enthusiasts is the Kraken Owners’ Club, which facilitates communication between owners for technical support and cruising rendezvous. Additionally, the Ocean Sailor community serves as a technical wiki of sorts, where the specific design choices of the Kraken (such as the Zero Keel and skeg-hung rudders) are discussed in the context of global circumnavigation.

The Verdict

The Kraken 66 is a purpose-built tank of the oceans, designed for the sailor who values safety and structural integrity above all else. It is a niche vessel that excels in conditions that would force most production cruisers to seek harbor.

• Pros:
  • Unrivaled structural safety via the integral "Zero Keel" and Kevlar-reinforced bow.
  • Excellent heavy-weather tracking and motion comfort.
  • True 360-degree visibility from the deck saloon for safer watch-keeping.
  • Exceptional machinery access in a dedicated walk-in engine room.
• Cons:
  • Heavy displacement results in sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
  • Significant complexity in hydraulic and electrical systems requires a high level of maintenance.
  • The large 66-foot footprint may limit berthing options in smaller, traditional Mediterranean marinas.