1988 Kadey-Krogen 42

Nirvana is a classic 1988 Kadey-Krogen 42—one of the most respected long-range cruising trawlers ever built. Designed by Jim Krogen, the Krogen 42 earned its reputation for seaworthiness, efficiency, and comfort, making it a favorite among serious cruisers and Great Loop adventurers. With her full-displacement hull, protected running gear, and legendary Ford Lehman diesel, Nirvana offers the kind of dependable passagemaking capability that has made the Kadey-Krogen name synonymous with offshore cruising.

Since 2022, her owners have invested over $150,000 in upgrades and preventive maintenance, addressing many of the major systems and structural components that prospective buyers usually encounter on vessels of this age. Contact the listing broker for a list of improvements.

Major improvements include a complete bottom restoration, with the hull media blasted, peeled, rebuilt with new fiberglass, and refinished to eliminate blisters. Deck areas with elevated moisture were professionally repaired using Coosa board and fiberglass, then finished with epoxy primer and Awlgrip topcoat. All exterior caulking was removed and replaced; portholes and cleats were taken out, rebedded, and reinstalled with new fasteners; and the deck prisms were rebuilt and resealed.

Handling and maneuverability were notably improved with the addition of a 24V Side-Power stern thruster, along with upgraded bow and stern thruster controls at both helms. The vessel also received a full Furuno electronics package, including radar, autopilot, AIS, integrated navigation systems, new network cabling, LED lighting upgrades, a remote-controlled spotlight, and a Siren Pro vessel monitoring system.

Mechanical upgrades include replacement of all engine, generator, and air-conditioning hoses, servicing of major systems, replacement of exhaust elbows (June 2026), cleaning and inspection of cooling components, installation of a three-zone Reverso oil change system, reinforcement of the generator foundation, rebalancing of the shaft and propeller, and replacement of all thru-hull fittings. Additional improvements include a new water filtration system, upgraded freshwater pressure system, redesigned chain locker drainage, improved gray-water management, and numerous structural repairs to eliminate moisture-related issues.

Nirvana offers a rare chance to buy a solid, extensively upgraded Kadey-Krogen 42 at a reasonable price. While there are still cosmetic projects a new owner might choose to tackle, much of the costly structural, mechanical, and system work has already been completed.

If you've been searching for a proven cruising trawler with solid fundamentals and recent substantial investments, Nirvana deserves your attention. Recently relocated from South Florida to Charleston, South Carolina, Nirvana was professionally washed and waxed upon arrival and is now available for inspection. Schedule your showing today.