Krogen 55
In this view from the engine room, the
watertight Freeman doors are open for access
to all belowdecks storage and machinery.
companionway, 66dBA in the guest
stateroom, 61dBA in the master, and,
finally, 58dBA in the pilothouse.
Acoustic engineering and a liberal dose
of Soundown noise dampening in the
engine room paid off handsomely.
I slipped out one of the two Freeman Dutch-style
watertight pilothouse doors and toured the upper deck,
taking a moment to appreciate the dual wing control
stations behind the full-width Portuguese bridge, then
wandered back to examine the gas grill and sink, and
the Nautical Structures Euro 1,200-lb. davit. The
foredeck is well protected with welded handrails and
an intermediate lifeline that extends to the end of the
bow pulpit, where two anchors can be stowed at the
ready. The big Maxwell 3500 has a dual-chain wheel and
capstan. A Freeman watertight deck hatch ensures that
the anchor locker will not flood accidentally in big seas.
Keeping watch from the pilothouse in one of the two
Stidd helm chairs, I enjoyed the luxury of 360-degree
visibility. The three big Exalto windshield wipers kept
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abundant storage with slatted door fronts, beautifully
matched cherry paneling, and a large en-suite head
compartment. Four opening portholes and two overhead
hatches ensure abundant natural light and ventilation.
The starboard guest cabin, configured as an office or den,
has a settee that converts to a double berth; the cabin
also houses the Asko washer and dryer. The day head
is across the hall to port, and, like the master head, it
features granite countertops, a separate molded-fiberglass
shower compartment, and a SeaLand VacuFlush toilet.
UNDER WAY
As we motored toward the St. Lucie Inlet, making 8
knots at about 1800 rpm, I prowled the interior of the
55 Expedition with my sound meter. I recorded 68dBA
in the saloon, 67dBA in the galley, 64dBA in the
