Wauquiez Kronos 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Kronos 45 was conceived at a time when catamaran design was shifting from experimental to offshore-capable. The influence of Dubois Naval Architects is evident in its sleek, low-profile hulls and relatively low windage compared to contemporary deck-salon cats. Unlike modern performance cats that utilize daggers boards, the Kronos 45 features fixed, shallow-draft keels, which provide a compromise between windward tracking and the ability to explore thin-water anchorages.

With a displacement of approximately 10 to 11 tons, the Kronos 45 is not a lightweight "flyer," but it possesses significant momentum and a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners often report that the boat feels exceptionally stiff and secure due to Wauquiez’s robust construction methods, which utilized Balsa-cored laminates for the decks and solid fiberglass below the waterline. The rig is typically a powerful masthead sloop configuration, and the sail-area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that performs best in a breeze, maintaining high average speeds on reaching and downwind legs. Handling is described as predictable, with the wide beam offering immense primary stability that mitigates the "snappy" motion sometimes associated with lighter multihulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Wauquiez heritage, the interior of the Kronos 45 is where it distinguishes itself from its contemporaries. While builders like Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot were moving toward molded plastic finishes, Wauquiez employed extensive teak and cherry joinery, creating a warm, traditional atmosphere. The bridge deck salon is characterized by a panoramic 360-degree view, a design feature that has since become standard but was highly refined here with high-quality tempered glass.

The vessel was typically offered in two primary configurations: an "Owner’s Version" and a "Charter Version." The Owner’s layout often dedicated one entire hull to a massive suite featuring a dedicated office space, a large head, and a separate shower stall. The Charter version utilized four symmetrical cabins, each with its own en-suite head, a rarity for 45-foot cats of that era. Despite its age, the headroom remains generous throughout, often exceeding 6'4", and the galley is usually located "down" in the port hull or "up" in the salon depending on custom specifications, though the "galley-up" layout proved most popular for its social connectivity.

Popular Mentions & Media

Because of its limited production run, the Kronos 45 has a boutique reputation in the yachting community. It does not have a massive media footprint, but it is frequently cited in historical retrospectives of Ed Dubois's career as one of his few successful multihull ventures. The boat occasionally surfaces in long-distance cruising logs, notably in European "ARC" (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) archives, where its ability to cover 200-mile days in comfort is well-documented.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Kronos 45 must account for the complexities of a 30-year-old high-end multihull. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. Detailed moisture meter testing and percussion sounding are essential around the stanchion bases and hatches to check for delamination or water ingress.
• Bridge Deck Slamming: While the bridge deck clearance is reasonable for its time, it is lower than modern designs. Buyers should inspect the underside of the bridge deck for stress cracks or signs of repair from heavy pounding in head seas.
• Engine Access and Maintenance: The Kronos 45 usually features twin Perkins or Volvo Penta engines located in the aft of each hull. Access can be tight, and buyers should verify the state of the saildrive diaphragms, which require replacement every seven years.
• Rigging Loads: Catamarans do not heel to bleed off pressure, meaning the standing rigging absorbs immense loads. A rigorous professional rig inspection is mandatory, especially looking for fatigue at the chainplates.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Kronos 45 often find a home within the broader Wauquiez Forever community, a technical and historical association dedicated to preserving the legacy of the yard's builds. While there is no specific "Kronos-only" association due to the small fleet size, the Wauquiez Owners Info technical wiki remains the primary repository for original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics for these yachts.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Kronos 45 is a "connoisseur’s catamaran," offering a level of build quality and interior luxury that modern mass-market multihulls struggle to replicate. It is a robust offshore cruiser that trades outright speed for comfort and style.

Pros:

• Exceptional Joinery: Interior woodwork far exceeds modern production standards.
• Dubois Design: Elegant lines and a balanced hull form that remains seaworthy in heavy weather.
• Rarity and Value: Holds its value well due to the prestigious Wauquiez brand name and limited availability.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Systems and core materials require diligent oversight after three decades.
• Weight: Heavier than performance-oriented catamarans, requiring more wind to get moving.
• Limited Market: Finding one for sale is difficult, and sourcing model-specific spare parts may require custom fabrication.