Staterooms!

Though beautifully finished, staterooms on KKYs are pretty much the same.  While that is true, the guest stateroom and head on this boat are a bit different owing to the steps to the pilot house and the steps creating walk-in access to the engine room.

Since I will always have company while traveling, the guest stateroom is ready for you.  Two twin berths with a shared table in between and lots of drawer space underneath make having guests aboard effortless.   The wall lamps should make reading a comfy experience.

Should be able to fit quite a bit of gear in this room...  The desk is a real desk, with a drawer for hanging files.  It also doubles nicely as a spot for folding laundry.  The hanging locker is pretty roomy and has a shelf for storing extra bedding.

While visiting, you can throw in a quick wash without even leaving your room...

If these Bosch washers and dryers are as quiet as their dishwashers, you won't even know you're doing laundry!  I had a Bosch dishwasher in the house; for the first few days, I had to go over to be sure I had started it!  It was absolutely silent when operating.

The guest head was moved forward since there is no longer an access hatch to the engine room.  It was also "stretched" to accommodate the new door leading to the engine room.  KKY was considerate enough to find another area for the linen closet that vanished when the door arrived.

 The port lights above the vanity provide plenty of light and the vanity has enough room on it to really spread out those "must have" items.  Obviously, the new door is opposite the vanity.


The electrical panel is pretty much where it has always been.  As a former owner of a 48', I'm delighted with the location of this panel.  On Serenity, I had to go up the steps and sit on the floor to get a good view of the switches.  This panel is conveniently located at eye level.

Judging from the size of this panel. there are a ton of switches in there (gulp).


Looking down the hall, the master stateroom is forward as far as it can go.

In this picture, the bed is up revealing a glimpse of the cavernous storage space under the bed.  If there isn't too much rattling, I may store my golf clubs under there along with winter clothes once I'm living aboard.  I love the fact that the glass-fronted cabinet will light up the companionway very nicely at night.  The  electrical panel is beyond the guest head.


The forward location is what gives the master its unique shape.  I always feel as if I'm being hugged by the boat when in there.  It's the coziest, most welcoming spot in the boat, especially at night when the lights are on and the wood glows.  I have the perfect print to hang above the berth, between the 2 wall lamps.  I so loved certain things on Serenity, that it was a no-brainer to put those things on this boat as well.

Port view of master with a peek into the ensuite master head.  That hanging locker is quite spacious with a nice shelf to keep things organized.

Starboard and aft picture of master stateroom.  The vanity, berth and cabinet next to the hanging locker have wonderful drawers.  The ones under the berth are big enough to crawl into.  The hanging locker has 2 sets of shelves that run the length of the locker; there's even a port light in the locker for greater visibility.  The unique positioning of port lights and windows make this a very bright and airy boat.  My favorite type of living space!

Though the master head is not as large as the guest head, it is spacious and comfortable enough to get the job done.  I've never felt cramped in any of our other boats heads.  This head is bigger than the bathroom in our first apartment in Brooklyn!  I had the outlet recessed into the wall.  On Serenity, the outlet was mounted on the face of the cabinet - a nuisance when using an electric toothbrush or hairdryer.  Amazing how such small conveniences can make a difference.

These are the last pictures taken by Tom B. during his August trip to the yard.

The pictures in the next posts are the ones taken by the yard just prior to getting my girl ready to come home to me.  The cushions are on the settees and several other finishing details can be seen.  

The pictures will have to hold us until the big girl arrives in Stuart a month from now.  Personally, I think I will be losing my mind with excitement, but following her on her voyage will have to keep me sane.  I have quite a few folks helping me track her.  Now that she made a stop in South Korea and is on her way, we should be getting updates shortly.

Hang in there with me everyone!

Helm, Pilot House and Exterior Views

Now that my girl is on her way home, we will have to content ourselves with some pictures that were taken while Tom was in Taiwan.  I also have some pictures taken by the yard just before she was bundled onto Eris J.  So there will be a trickle of pictures before she is actually here.

I find the helm less scary than the engine room and actually do see myself standing there (with a "helper" glued to my side).  The 55's pilot house is quite nice and roomy, even with 2 helm chairs in residence.  The 360 degree view makes for a spacious roost in all weather conditions and the wing stations will be an enormous help when docking (gulp).

Tom had opted for the destroyer style wheel and actually ordered the largest size available.  Though the traditional wheel was beautiful, it wasn't practical.  It was difficult not to nick and scratch the finish and the wheel spokes sometimes got in the way.  I'm not sure if you notice, but the angle of the wedge where the chartplotters and other instruments will go is angled higher than it was on past boats.  Tom always had to stand on his tiptoes to get a good view of everything.  This helm is more like Serenity's than earlier 55s.
I chuckle every time I see the panel to the right of the wheel.  That panel wasn't covered on 55-001.  On a trip to the Rendezvous in 2012, I was swinging my leg in the starboard helm seat when all of a sudden it grew silent in the pilot house.  My swinging foot had accidentally turned off an engine!  After a second or two of stunned silence, we burst out laughing as the engine roared back to life.   Glad the panel is now covered.   There is more than ample space for paper charts, binoculars and other "stuff" on the 2 chart tables.

Now that there are steps to starboard inside of on the port side, the new access necessitated moving the settee further to port but still left plenty of room for that all-important cabinet hiding a fridge and ice maker.

A peek down the staircase eliminates the closed in, constantly curving steps of earlier models.  I love the open view of the salon from the top of the steps.  It really is like being in a traditional, land-based home.  They did a beautiful job of rounding the top and sides of the wall, no sharp edges to bang into when the seas decide to make a fuss.

The aft boat deck houses a davit capable of lifting 1200 lbs., more than enough to lift an 11' Boston Whaler Supersport, motor and full tank of gas.  The hatch access is safe and easy, thanks to the sturdy handrail in exactly the right place as one starts down the ladder to the aft cockpit.  I'm told that even with a Whaler on board, there will be room in the davit area for a kayak or stand-up paddleboard - maybe even both.


Ahead of this area is a lovely space to place a table and chairs where one can wait for dinner to cook on the grill while sipping a glass of something wonderful.  When finished, a huge cabinet stores the table, chairs and even a misbehaving guest if necessary.  If one so desires, an awning can be added so that it rolls out over this space.  There is even a small sink with running water to the right of the grill for quick clean-ups without having to go inside or haul out a hose.  That might not be true when BBQ ribs are served, but I'll deal with that when the time comes.

Coming around to the front of the boat, the huge and imposing bow creates another outdoor space.  In the immediate foreground are 2 bow lockers that are quite large and deep.  No problem stowing an extra set of lines, hoses and even an extra 50 amp power cord.  I'm in the process of selecting a Sunbrella fabric for 2 big cushions.  I'm all for being able to enjoy every square inch of this beautiful girl - and able to host a crowd of folks to share the enjoyment.

I had such a productive visit to Stuart last week, that I left much work for the commissioning crew to take on.  The 1" wooden blinds by Ocean Air (the model is called Skyvenetians) have been ordered in Honey Oak, an almost perfect match for the cherry finish throughout the boat.  They will have something called a continuous cord which eliminates the need for a wand.  One less thing to swing around and one less thing to break off.  The same folks who did the window treatments on both For Us and Serenity are doing the blinds.  They know their stuff.  I haven't yet figured out how to do the master ports and huge guest shower window, but that's no so urgent.  That can be taken care of in the next few months.

After Dave drew in the tiles I selected, I changed my mind - again.  I removed a border that consisted of tiles cut into small diamond shapes and decided to just do the tiles.  The mix of travertine and glass is enough of a design in their own right without adding more to the mixture.  In this case, less is best.

While I drive the name folks out of their minds (they sent 18 font styles to consider; on Friday afternoon, we were up to the 20th iteration), my attention is now turned to chairs for the salon.

Gotta sit somewhere and not just on any ordinary chairs.  I absolutely loved the chairs on Serenity and am giving serious consideration to those beauties for this boat.  Now that the hugest decisions are part of my past, I can start thinking of the fun things I need to focus on to create a beautiful and inviting living space.

More photos of the staterooms and heads will follow.  These spaces are not very different from the other KKYs, but are of interest due to the different configuration of the guest stateroom and enlarged head.  

In the meantime, I'll upload the pictures taken by the yard just prior to her departure so you can see the beautiful cushions on the settees and some other nice tidbits.

Hopefully I can get this done either later tonight or tomorrow after my afternoon pool party.  I just went through a mountain of KKY 55-005 folders and discarded a ton of notes that have been re-created into a beautiful finished product.  I still have the mountain of folders, but these contain stuff I'm working on now.  Building a boat is awesome - in every aspect of that word.  Lack of organization is the death knell for the newbie boat builder/owner, so if you are fortunate enough to build yourself a KKY, get out the color-coded tabs, highlighters, folders, paperclips and your wits!

Good night readers!

Loading Pictures Hot Off the Press!

Thanks for waiting.

This is Eris J, the freighter charged with the very important job of getting my girl home to her mama - safely and in one piece.

The following pictures show the big girl being eased aboard Eris J - very carefully.  "Don't drop her!" I prayed as I looked at each picture.  So pretty!  Notice that her pulpit is already affixed to the bow.

Typical of a woman, she's showing off both her port and starboard sides.

Soon this view will be displaying her beautiful name.  The gold leafing and shadow have already been selected.  Just waiting to look at some fonts and lettering styles.  What a posterior!! LOL!  Note her swim platform in place.  I can just picture myself poised there before going for a swim or snorkel.

I think she likes making sure both her views are photographed.  Unlike her mama, both her sides are gorgeous.  Looks like she caused some serious overtime hours!

Oh oh, she's on her way aboard!  Be careful folks!

I can't help but think of the movie, "A Star is Born" when I look at this picture.  She is the center of attention - and rightly so!  Don't know why, but this picture puts a lump in my throat.  I wish Tom was looking at this picture over my shoulder at this very moment.

Crazy, but I have a picture of Serenity in this exact position - taken in December, 2010.  In this picture, she makes my heart leap.  She's getting closer to her "bed" for her trip.

Well, she arrived on deck safely and is in the company of other boats.  At least she won't be lonely.

 She's secured and ready to come home.  Fair winds and following seas Eris J.  Please bring my girl home safely to me.  I've been waiting a long time for her and am counting the days til I see her.

So since there won't be any more pictures of my girl until she arrives in early October, I'll send pictures of the pilot house, helm, staterooms and heads.  If you're good, I'll send pictures of the tiles I selected and the way I hope to have them set into the back splash.  If you can't wait and want to know anything else (besides the name), just ask.

Big Happenings!

She's on her way home!!!!!!

The big girl was loaded aboard a Belgian freighter named Eris J on Friday, August 29th.  We believe she has a wonderful spot belowdecks but await confirmation pictures.

 The freighter left Taiwan the next day - Saturday, August 30th - headed for Ft. Lauderdale!
ETA in Ft. Lauderdale is October 5th!

Stay tuned for loading pictures.   I also owe you pics of the staterooms and pilot house.

I'm in Stuart posting this looking at at the ocean I will soon be traveling on. Yesterday I visited her new home at Sunset Bay Marina - I actually walked over to her slip.   Many things were accomplished during this trip:  picked & ordered gorgeous 1" wooden blinds, picked out tile for the stove back splash, finalized the electronics estimate, met with the folks who will put her name on the transom & Portuguese bridge, met the marine attorney who has been so kind & helpful & visited with the KKY folks who are family.  

Lest you think it was all work and no play, there were morning ( and 1 night) walks on the beach, al fresco lunches and dinners, a pool party and actually a half day spent on the beach.  Many of those activities involved Rum Runners, Bahama Mamas and other libations - so definitely not all work and no play.

It's been a whirlwind of productive and fun activity directed towards this dream fast becoming reality.

Thanks for coming along with me!

Okay...the Engine Room - Access & New Steps!

Guess I was dragging my heels about this post, but some readers are asking questions so....

For those of you still unfamiliar with the new interior of the 55, the steps have been re-located to starboard via the gorgeous staircase featured in the last posting.  Re-locating the steps allowed for the guest head to be enlarged enough to provide a door for walk-in access to the engine room.  Gone is the hatch just outside the guest head that one had to climb down into.

The following pictures depict the engine room from several angles, including a look down the steps from the doorway.  Since the door was not yet hung when the pictures were taken, you'll have to use your imagination for the time being (until October).

Starting from top to bottom, the design geniuses managed to put storage everywhere, including this space at the top of the engine room steps just behind you as you step onto the landing, then start down the steps.  This gorgeous cabinet was a total surprise to me - guess I got so scared of the engine room pictures that I never looked too closely.  You can see the doorway to your right and I think get a peek at the corner of the shower.

Here we are at the bottom of the steps looking aft.  The space is cavernous.  It reminds me of laboratory space at the CDC.  Leave it to me to make a medical comparison to an engine room for Pete's sake!

A good view of the steps with the bottom of the cabinet just above them.  The steps are nice and wide, not too steeply canted and have treads on the edges.

I know we're hanging out by the steps, but I wanted to give you forward and aft views of the immediate area around the steps.  As I said in the previous post, you won't get much commentary from me.  Those of you anxious to see these pictures know what you're looking at.

We're looking down the steps directly from the landing just inside the doorway.  Seems like such a long way down.

Looking back up the steps into the doorway with view of the shower.  Nice to have a light at the top of the steps.

Just inside the doorway leading down to the engine room.  Nice, solid railing.

Heading down to the engine room...  I'm so happy with the landing.  Gives me a chance to collect my wits instead of just heading down the steps directly from the doorway.

Nice picture of the workbench which includes a sink.  A fellow Krogenite tried to explain that since the plumbing is below the waterline, I have to pump something to get the water flowing.  As my eyes glazed over, he offered to just show me when the boat gets here.  Good idea.

Hope the crew did a good job cleaning up....

Well, at least I know this is an engine.  Big and powerful and utterly intimidating - and there are two of them!  This is the newest John Deere engine - more power and torque with less revs.  Very good reviews of this new engine (the little I read).

Head on view of the engine.

Looking aft in between the 2 engines.  Everything is easily visible and accessible.

Looks like the electrical hub.  Sure are lots of wires, plugs and other things I know nothing about.

Pretty impressive.


If you have any questions about anything in these pictures, ask away and I'll get answers.

I'm heading to Stuart to do boat things, so may not be able to post for a few days.  I'll try, but if I can't, you'll know why.

Take care everyone!

A chef (will be) born

I can tell you without reservation that when I opened the galley pictures, I gasped out loud.  The pictures of this boat have been gasp-provoking, to say the least.  Rare is it that I can say that the finished product has exceeded my expectations.  I'm thrilled just by looking at the pictures.  I cannot possibly seeing her "in the flesh"!

However, before I reveal the galley, I wanted to share an exterior view that Tom B. took that brought tears to my eyes.  We did see the first pictures of her from her starboard side with a bit of transom showing, but this one is really special.  I can actually see myself waving from the Portuguese bridge!

This girl is one beautiful boat, that is beyond a shadow of a doubt!  My Tom would have so ecstatic with the way the Forest Green sheer and accent stripes came out.  He had the most incredible vision for this boat.  The stripe will set her apart from her sisters and leave no doubt who she is when seen from the water.  I thought I wanted dark blue, but Tom felt it would always look black in most light situations.  The man was right on target!


So the cleaning is under way, the wrappings have been removed and machinery is being tested.  She is being readied for her trip home at the end of the week.  These pictures are really the first of the galley as it looks today.  What a knockout!

I can't tell you how long I've dreamed of a cherry kitchen with dark green granite counters!  Since the cabinets in the old house were so ridiculously expensive, we didn't change them when we did the kitchen for the second time.  I'm delighted with the open sweep of counter that allows a clear view of this gorgeous space while allowing for bar stools on the salon side for quick breakfasts or list-making.  The wine fridge is handily located - and large enough to limit trips to the wine store to once a week (LOL).  The faucet mentioned already is a perfect accent.

This galley would inspire even the most hardened non-chef to pick up a whisk and bowl.  I'm going to spring for a set of All Clad pots and pans.  How could I introduce anything else into this hallowed space, I ask you?  I'm happy I got to see this up close picture of the galley, so that when I head to Stuart, I won't have much of an issue selecting the tiles for the back splash behin the stove.  I can even envision my Waterford horse and dolphin twinkling in the glass-fronted cabinets!

Instead of a trash compacter (which nearly everyone I asked about it said NO, don't get one), I opted for the rolling cabinet housing 2 very generous recycling bins.  I had these on Serenity and really liked them.  I asked for an additional pull to be built into this door since I sometimes had trouble opening it and had to actually use 2 hands to open it.  Same with the big bottom drawer in one of the cabinets. When it was full (of plates, etc. in this case), it was very difficult to pull open.  The dishwasher will be a welcome "assistant" for big parties, but probably not used much when it's just me on the boat.


Can you appreciate the way the granite forms the most graceful curve at what could have been an awkward juncture?  This look was accomplished via a Sunday morning call from Tom B. as I was driving to the barn.  The astute granite installer foresaw a less than desirable situation about to occur with the half bullnose edge I had chosen.  It took me all of 5 seconds to agree with what Tom B. was telling me and agree to go with a full bullnose edge.  So glad I did!

One more interesting view from the galley.  Having an unobstructed view is priceless.  Even the walls are gorgeous to look at!

When I first saw this picture, I thought of the line, " a face that launched a thousand ships".  Holy cow is this incredibly gorgeous or what?!  The staircase never fails to elicit an exclamation from me - and anyone else who sees it for the first time.  I'm planning to put something striking on the cabinet we're looking at dead on - between the steps and starboard side - piece of sculpture, spray of flowers, etc.  I'll let it speak to me for awhile, cause whatever goes there will have to be fabulous.

Another picture of those steps that are art!

I'm also delighted with the placement of the electronics cabinet next to the steps.  This cabinet's placement - actually it's very existence - was the first decision I had to make when I decided to go ahead with the boat build.  I was feeling very overwhelmed, scared, shaky and in over my head.  Clearly, the KKY folks talked me off the ledge and guided me through every decision with patience and understanding.  Remember what I said about those plan views?   I needed Tylenol every time we discussed them!  Guess I understood them better than I thought!


The cozy salon just adds to the charm of the galley - and that's it in its unfurnished state - the cushions aren't even in place yet!

Another decision I'm happy with is the hi-lo table I insisted on (not pictured yet), even when Tom B. told me they had to first find another manufacturer, then run that past the yard, then find a way to make everything work.  My comment to that was, "and your point is?"......  The table will look absolutely perfect in this environment.  The stainless pedestal table just wouldn't have looked right.  My Persian rug will be the perfect centerpiece that ties everything in together.

Picture snuggling up with a good book (and glass of Malbec) during a thunderstorm in this corner...

So folks, I think you will agree that just from these few pictures, the KKY folks have outdone themselves yet again with a new design that incorporates owner suggestions and brilliant vision.
I couldn't be happier.

Next post will be the engine room - and as before, very little commentary.   At least everything is unwrapped, so we can see what's what.  As I looked at the most recent batch of pictures, I found myself cocking my head to 1 side, as if that would make the machinery more understandable (didn't help).  Boy, do I have a list of questions when I see Tom B. in Stuart.  Listen, I have to start at the beginning, so the time is now.

Stay tuned for more pictures.