Exterior and Pilot House Pics - Finally!

Hot off the press from Taiwan are a series of the newest pictures of the newest big girl!

Tom B. is good enough to send tons of pictures from every conceivable angle.  It would take me a week to upload them all, so I selected what I think is a representative sample of the group.  This post will be devoted to a few exterior views as well as pictures of the pilot house and specifically, the helm.

She looks like a full-grown 55 now, doesn't she?  She even has her davit in place for the tender I don't yet have.

Typical woman, making sure she is photographed from all her best angles.

The helm is already gorgeous - without one bell or whistle in place yet!

The huge windows will make the space bright and provide a fantastic vantage point to observe my neighbors - both at the dock and on the water.

My Tom had a big discussion with Tom B. regarding the position of the upright area for the chart plotter screens.  Our other boats required more of a "look down" when viewing the screens.  Tom recommended a different "tilt" so that one could see the screens head on.  I'm daydreaming about the charts I will be seeing on this boat.

When not at the helm, the pilot house seating area already looks inviting for R and R.  Picture a lovely neutral color Ultraleather settee, colorful pillows and a fridge full of good things to eat and drink.  Note the steps down to the main level on the left side of the picture (starboard side of the boat).

The steps are a work of art.  Wait til you see how the handrail at the bottom looks!  That will be in the salon post.

The 55 has an imposing bow and foredeck (I think that's what this is called).  Sure is enough clutter.  I'm glad I'm not the one who will clean up the mess.

More pictures will follow of each space.  I think it's more fun to post them that way and less craziness for me when I experience "technical difficulties" at ungodly hours.

I hope you enjoyed this long overdue peek at 55-005.  More to follow!

Pictures from Taiwan to follow

So sorry everyone!  Since I had so much trouble uploading the pictures sent from the yard, I sort of gave up trying in the few minutes of each night I have to myself.

Tom Button is on the way back from his latest trip to Taiwan and though I saw the first pictures while entertaining 9 friends from my bereavement group in my apartment last night, I haven't been able to do anything with them.  I'm babysitting Tuck for the night, so I have to work with one ear tuned.  I promise to share them with you this week, bad girl that I am!

Today was wild - I went into NYC for the day to visit the High Line.  For those of you not from the Big Apple, the High Line is an elevated public park above the city streets of the West side of Manhattan.  It used to be the elevated railway line for freight trains back in the day.  I think the last freight train rumbled through in the early 1960s, so the structure was in serious disrepair.  Rather than tear down what was rapidly becoming an eyesore, a photographer had the vision to create a park like environment.  The High Line Conservancy was born and raises funds to keep this space beautiful - a true respite from the hustle and bustle directly below, a space that incidentally houses the famed Chelsea Markets, a paradise of eateries and fabulous food.  I thought you might not mind a few non-boat pictures...

Looking towards the East side and East River from a High Line (10th Avenue) vantage point...

Then, with a mere turn of the head, a West side and Hudson River vista come into view.

There is even a real lawn to walk on (it was closed today so it could "rest").

...and some local artwork to feast one's eyes on....

Of course no trip to the city is complete without a wonderful meal and today was no exception!

After this idyllic morning/early afternoon adventure, I rushed home on the LIRR (it was on schedule today) to meet my son-in-law in the LIRR parking lot to take Tucker for the night.

Anyway, I do intend to keep my promise to get you pics, so please stand by for boat pictures.  Our girl is really taking shape and beginning to display the beautiful lines characteristic of this majestic model.  I'm going to hold off on sharing the engine room/machinery space pics since I have no idea what I'm looking at.  Once I get an explanation from Mr. B., I'll post those pics.  Oh BTW, since the yard needed to build the TV cabinet and lift, I had to make a decision on a model.  I picked (with some help from a 17 yr. old) a 46" Samsung HD Smart TV.  Figured it would be neat to see my computer screen larger than life on a TV screen since I'm not into TV.  Tomorrow morning (Sunday), Tom B. and I will be having a conversation (before noon) about bullnose counter finishes.  The yard apparently has a concern about where 2 counter edges meet since I'm extending the galley counter top to accommodate 2 barstools.  I guess at this time tomorrow, new words will have entered my vocabulary.  Who woulda guessed?

Back soon friends........

...not yet...

Very bad night of golf, lots of double pars.

 The frustration began when I realized I left my phone on my desk.  Since I no longer have a land line, this was not a good situation.  It took several tries to call the office to ask someone to put the phone in my desk drawer.  Then I had to make another call to be sure my key card would let me in later this evening.  Since no one was sure, I had no choice but to leave the golf course (after my round of course) and drive to my office while some people were still there.  My golf girls are a resilient group - instead of having dinner at the restaurant we selected near the golf course, we opted for another favorite closer to my office.  Aside from the horrific golf score, the night was not a total disaster.  We played and still managed to have dinner (and wine).

That said, the detour cost valuable time.  Now I'm trying to get done what normal people do after work - all before midnight.  So folks, no blog tonight.  I promise to try to get some pictures posted over the weekend.  Tomorrow night I'm boating with some friends after work - this is a late-night crowd, so I already know there will be no blog tomorrow.  My social life is great, but it does put me behind.  The scramble to catch up sometimes overtakes me.  Now, with all that, how can you even be a teensy bit annoyed with me?

You'll forget anything you're thinking now once you see the pictures.   I promise!

The Salon and Galley

Besides the engine room, the galley and salon are the most essential places on a boat.  A lot of thought and planning is going into making these spaces special, welcoming, homey, comfortable, cozy - all words that translate into - home.  Since I no longer have a real, forever home, this boat is going to be it.

Before leaving for Taiwan next week, Mr. B. was kind enough to send over some of the latest pictures from the yard.  I'm kind of impressed with myself, since many of the pictures don't need an explanation at this juncture.  In the beginning, I would turn the pages every which way while trying to decipher what it was that I was looking at.  I'm sure that will happen once pictures of the engine room begin to arrive.

I continue to be amazed at the level of detail the KKY folks manage to juggle.  If I didn't know better, I would think my 55 was the only boat in production at the yard.  This morning, Tom B. confirmed that the blinds on the windows would be installed stateside.  I almost forgot about them!  Very little if anything, escapes these folks.  A good thing to be sure.

If I uploaded the pictures right, this post will be devoted to the galley and salon.  For those of us who have owned other KKY models, these spaces are easy to figure out, even the new steps are intuitive (I like the way they look)!

This image is the galley looking into the salon and to port...

The open feeling is important when entertaining or preparing a meal for the family/crew.  Hopefully this galley will be the center of all things good.  The extended counter top will allow 2 barstools to cozy up to the galley while offering a place for a quick bite when on the go.  I opted for a high neck faucet so those all-important pots of Italian gravy (sauce) and boiling rigatoni can be accommodated without wreaking havoc on the place.  Talk about thinking ahead.

I just glanced at the clock and noticed that it is way later than I thought (what else is new)?  I spent a lot of time at the barn tonight after work.  I haven't seen Wiggles since Wednesday night last week, so I had a lot of explaining to do.

Today is also 9 months to the day that I lost Tom, so time was devoted to reflection, which is where I'm headed now.

I promise to be back with more pictures.  This lifestyle of mine is a bit much.

Was out of town

Hi everyone!

I just got back from a wonderful mini vacation visiting my sister in Wake Forest, North Carolina.  My body was screaming for time off from the relentless pace I've been putting it through.

I have some pictures of the steps and galley to share, hopefully before the weekend, but not promising.  A busy schedule is waiting.  Tom B. is off to Taiwan next week, so many more pictures will be in the wings.  We're only about 3 months from estimated completion date, so things will go fast, then slow, then wild.

I'll be back.  Thank you for waiting for me.

....Master and Guest Staterooms on Display!

I have to admit that when Tom B. emails me pictures of the boat, I print them for a scrapbook I hope to eventually have time to create.  That folder is growing quite large, a constant reminder that I really do need to slow down to do the fun things in life (actually I am, that's why I never have time for the other "stuff").  Without Tom's partnership, all chores fall on my shoulders, something I'm not at all used to.  I used to think (and argue) that I did it "all", but guess I was fooling myself all these years.  Too bad I can't admit I was wrong now.

On to happier events - stateroom pictures!  When I first look at some of the pictures, I have to flip them around a bit, since it's not always evident what I'm looking at.  I can honestly tell you that since I'm a relative novice boater, had I not had 2 other Krogens, I might be able to envision anything at this stage - not without an encyclopedia of explanations.  Wow, did I just date myself there!  I'll bet some of your children never used an encyclopedia!  LOL

The following 2 pictures are of the guest stateroom, one looking aft and the other looking forward to starboard and center (is that even a term)?  You can see how nicely the twin berths are nestled into the space with ample storage in the drawers-to-be below each berth.  The center table is convenient for each occupant to place a book, glass of something, clock, etc.  The 3 openings across the wall will be enclosed with doors, yet another storage spot.  You can just about see a small part of the desk to starboard in the foreground.  Amazing how many things can be fit into this space.

I had to look at the next picture a bit.  Thanks to the week I spent on a 55, I finally recognized the opening for the hanging locker and the space for the stacked washer/dryer combo.  I guess the dryer vent hose was a rather broad hint, huh?  I'm delighted that the desk is so generously sized.  I doubt I will be using it as a desk given the other wonderful spaces on this boat, but as I said in an earlier post, it makes a perfect spot to fold clothes.

Onto the master stateroom.  The nice thing about Krogens is that the master stateroom is fairly uniform among all the boats with the exception of size of course - and by not that much mind you.

In the picture below, you can see the bed and storage areas built into the hull sides.  I don't think I ever put anything into those enclosures, but then, we didn't keep either of our first 2 boats long enough or use them enough to accumulate too much stuff.  It certainly is a nice option to be able to tuck those essential bedtime items away yet have them close by.

Another view of the drawers-to-be that hold an amazing amount of clothes - and are deep enough to climb into!  Looking to starboard, you can see that necessary little step so essential for that final hop needed to get into bed.  The seat right above the step always intrigued me - does anyone actually sit on it??

Looking to starboard, you can see another set of 2 drawers-to-be above a small locker.  The top of this neat storage combo might be a cozy place for my cat Zoe to snooze when company is aboard and she wants her privacy.  That is of course, if she is not sprawled on the bed, which for her, is more likely.

You can see another one of those cute enclosures adjacent to the storage area.

As I excitedly look at all these pictures, I get the distinct impression that I would be wise to make a map of the storage areas and a list of what is in each one.  I'm already a bit mind-boggled and I'm not even aboard yet!

Yes, this is one picture I turned around a few times until I realized it is the starboard hanging locker.  Similar to Serenity, the port lights in the closet are a lovely feature.  No need to peer into a dark corner or use a flashlight to root around for a needed item.  The opening is wide enough to get into and I think access the AC filter.  At least that's where Serenity's AC filter was.  Boy, do I have a LOT to learn!

Another view of the hanging locker and drawer/cabinet combo....

Though not glamorous, I think this space in the hanging locker is for something AC related - you Krogen experts will know what this is all about.

So as promised a couple of days ago, I'm bringing you pictures in stages - more fun to look at and less time in the chair for me.  The next pictures will be of the galley.   I haven't been much of a cook during the past 10 years (I can cook pretty well, Italian after all); I never chose to since Tom was so proficient in that area.  Why struggle when a wonderful chef was in the house?  I am getting vibes however,  that this galley will inspire me to create some pretty tasty offerings.  If you're in town when I am, come aboard and see for yourself!

I'm excited to report that I booked a flight to Stuart in early August.  I hope to meet with my electronics gurus and the KKY folks to finalize my selections and lay out the helm - a HUGE accomplishment.  I know many of you are more than curious to know all about the gizmos that will go into this boat.  Your patience shall be rewarded in due time my friends.  I also plan to shop for the tiles that will go on the back splash behind the stove and perhaps have an initial meeting with the wonderful folks who will put the name on the boat.  They did such a magnificent job on For Us and Serenity, that I don't need to make any other comparisons.  

With the enormous amount of decisions and vision required when building a boat - complicated by distance, I consider myself extraordinarily fortunate to have owned 2 other Krogens and in the owning of those 2 boats, to have met the most wonderful people.  I have had to explain to some cynical folks here that I know I am being taken excellent care of and that everyone has my best interests at heart.  My own attorney thinks I've taken leave of my senses - but then she is not a KKY owner.  

So, with the pictures comes some philosophy - part of what makes this whole blogging experience so wonderful for me.  I feel as if I am chatting with friends - and in a way, I am.  By the sheer act of your interest in what I write, we would be friends if we met.   With that said, I will be aboard my new girl in Stuart in January, 2015 and in New York sometime in April, 2015 - so there's your invitation!

The Pilothouse in all its glory....

Okay, okay, I feel so guilty about not posting for a few days that I decided to send posts in small bites since my relentless schedule is not allowing for long stretches at the laptop.

Actually, my time is going to be spent on TV research: 40" or 46"?  Smart TV or just plain old HD?
Samsung, Sony, LG, - the choices are paralyzing.  Right now I'm leaning towards a 46" Samsung Smart TV, but more research is needed - including making sure that size will fit.  What a novel idea!  At some point, I'd like to pop into a PC Richards (Tom's favorite) or a Best Buy to charm a salesperson into telling me everything I need to know about the advantages of a Smart TV over other types.  Probably the most efficient way to save myself non-existent time and find out all that I need to know in one visit.  Besides, the build folks need to know so they can build the cabinet for the TV.  Just a bit of pressure to get this done.

Enough, on to the pictures.  The pilothouse of the 55 is one of my favorite spaces.  It truly gives the feeling of being the center of activity (which duh, it is), while seeming very much like the den of a cozy home.  I plan to promote that feeling with neutral tones, various interesting textures and happy colors.

The following picture is looking aft.  You can see a portion of the settee to starboard, the cabinet that will hold the fridge and a bit of the steps to port.  Love all those windows.  It's wonderful to be able to look at what might be behind you without having to go outside in driving rain.

I sure hope they do a good job of cleaning up their mess!  LOL

This pic is a more starboard view of the settee...

The helm with a view of the port cabinet/chart table...

The all-important home for the helm electronics, wheel (a large stainless steel destroyer wheel instead of the traditional spoked wheel we had on Serenity) and the other bells and whistles one must have...

Can't have a port cabinet and chart table without a matching starboard set, right?

So folks, this is all I have time for tonight; I want this blog to be fun, not an assignment.  I've grouped the next set of pictures into the galley, staterooms and steps.  They will follow shortly in succession.  Have patience.  Soon all will be revealed.  LOL

Got more pictures!

Tom B. sent more pictures from the yard.  Pictures are of the steps, galley, pilothouse and guest stateroom.  I will try to post them tomorrow if my schedule permits.  Bad cold tonight, so early to bed.