About This Vessel
This 1988 Kadey-Krogen 42, measures 42 ft, and is located in Charleston, South Carolina, powered by Ford Lehman 135.00HP.
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. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is
Measurements and Range
The following measurements and ranges are estimates and must be confirmed by the Buyer. Source: Kadey - Krogen 42 brochureMeasurements:Bridge Clearance Mast Up: 22' - 9"Bridge Clearance Mast Up: 14' - 0"Shipping Height (including cradle): 17' - 6"Shipping Length: 45' - 10"Shipping Weight: 34,000 lbsRange:8 knots: 2,500 Nautical Miles7 knots: 3,200 Nautical Miles6 knots: 5,000 Nautical Miles
Interior
Nirvana features the highly desirable forward owner's cabin with a centerline queen berth, a spacious head with a separate stall shower, a guest cabin/office, a pilothouse, a functional U-shaped galley, and a bright, comfortable salon. Large windows throughout the vessel provide abundant natural light and excellent visibility, while the covered aft deck, foredeck, flybridge, and pilothouse create inviting spaces for cruising, entertaining, or extended liveaboard comfort.Washer/Dryer: 2100XL Splendid vented clothes washer/dryer (2017)Two CruiseAir reverse-cycle air conditioning unitsSalonThe salon is warm, inviting, and designed for comfortable long-term cruising. Large windows, rich teak joinery, and parquet flooring create a classic trawler atmosphere.Double teak entry doors with screens from the covered aft deckTwo swivel recliners to starboardComfortable sofa with two end tables featuring integrated electrical outletsTwo opening windows with screens and two large fixed windowsUpgraded cordless zebra blinds (2023) offering adjustable light control and privacyTeak window valances throughoutParquet wood flooringGalleyLocated forward of the salon to starboard, the U-shaped galley provides excellent storage, secure footing underway, and all the amenities needed for extended cruising.(2) 120V/12V Tundra refrigerators with freezer compartmentsThree-burner Galley Maid electric range with ovenMicrowave ovenToaster ovenDeep double-basin stainless steel sinkMoen faucet with sprayerDedicated filtered drinking water faucet (2023)Ample cabinet and drawer storageOwner's CabinThe forward owner's stateroom features the sought-after centerline queen berth arrangement found on only a limited number of Kadey-Krogen 42s. Natural light, excellent ventilation, and abundant storage make this an exceptional owner's retreat.Centerline island queen berthMemory foam mattress (2023)Large storage compartment beneath the berthMultiple drawers under the bedDouble-door hanging locker with shelvingAdditional forward lockerVanity with drawers and a storage cabinetLarge mirrorTwo-deck prismsOpening overhead hatch with a screenOpening portholes for natural ventilationGuest Cabin / OfficeLocated to starboard, forward of the galley, the guest cabin serves equally well as a private cabin or office. Settee berth with memory foam mattress (2023)Pullman berth on the forward bulkheadBuilt-in desk/workstationLarge hanging lockerCabinets, drawers, and bookshelvesOpening portholesTwo-deck prisms provide natural light and ventilationHead:The head is located opposite the guest cabin and includes a separate stall shower.Large separate shower stallUpgraded Raritan Marine Elegance toilet with SmartFlush electric system (2023)Bidet sprayerVanity with storageOpening porthole and deck prism for natural light and ventilationPilothouseThe pilothouse is one of Nirvana's standout features, providing excellent visibility, secure all-weather operation, and comfortable accommodations for overnight passages. Large windows, opening center windshield, and Dutch side doors create exceptional ventilation while underway.Expansive helm station with excellent sightlinesNew custom wood helm chair with swivel and armrestsSecond matching helm chair included and ready for installationDutch doors to port and starboardOpening center windshieldComfortable settee that converts to a double sea berthMemory foam mattress on pilothouse berthFuruno navigation suite with radar, AIS, autopilot, and integrated charting systemsDual monitor navigation workstationEasy access to side decks for line handling and dockingIdeal setup for long-distance passagemaking and overnight watchesFlybridgeThe flybridge offers outstanding visibility, comfortable seating, and a fully functional secondary helm station. Whether navigating coastal waters, entertaining guests, or enjoying the view at anchor, this space is a favorite gathering area aboard.Custom six-person lounge with storage beneathFull engine controls and instrumentationBow and stern thruster controlsFuruno multifunction displayRemote autopilot controlICOM VHF radioRemote depth sounder with sea temperature displayIlluminated compassPlexiglas windshieldBimini top and covers (2023)Fybridge canvas cover (2023)Deck lightingFishing rod storageSteadying sail with running riggingDirect access from the covered aft deck
Construction
Solid hand-laid fiberglass below the waterline. Closed-cell P.V.C. sandwich core used in the topsides and superstructure. End-grain Balsa cored pilot house and decks. Marine-grade plywood bulkheads with mahogany stringers and frames. Source: Kadey-Krogen 42 brochureAll through-hull fittings replaced (2022)AC through-hull fitting diameter increased to support the future installation of a 3rd AC unit (2022)The new bottom (2022) included removing the old fiberglass and reglassing, along with replacing all through-hullEntire boat removal of all old caulk and recaulkingRemoved all portholes and cleats (inner and outer flanges), re-bedded with new screws
Electronics, Navigation, and Entertainment
RADAR: Furuno DRS4D-NXT 36NM Radar, 3.9dH beam, Solid state, Doppler (2023)FLYBRIDGE MFD: Furuno NavNet TZtouch3 TZT12F is a 12.1-inch, Hybrid Control Multi-Function Display (MFD) (2023)PILOTHOUSE MFDs: (2) Furuno FI-70 4.1" color LCD instrument displays (2023)PILOTHOUSE DISPLAYS: (2) Displays connected to the Flybridge MFD (2023)PILOTHOUSE VHF: ICOM M510 w/DSC, +GPS, AIS, loud hailer with HS4800 Remote unit for flybridge (2023)VHF Antenna: 2 x Shakespeare 4018 VHF antenna (2023)AIS: ICOM MA-510TR AIS Transceiver with 4.2" color display in the pilothouse (2023)Loudhailer/HornAUTOPILOT: Furuno NavPilot 711c-711C control with hydraulic pump drive. Controls in the pilothouse and flybridge (2023)Wind Direction: FI70BW+FI70 Navpod Wind package with FI70 display (2023) ICOM 3.5" color withSirius/XM Satellite Weather receiver (2023)Furuno FI5001 wind speed/direction sensor (2023)525T-LTD112 Bottom Contour Transducer, Bronze 12 degree (2023)DT800 Depth transducer (2023)Radio: Fusion RA770 AM/FM, BT, AUX, USB, SiriusXM, WiFi in the pilothouseSpeakers: (2) JL Audio speakers in the pilothouse and two Fusion MS-OS420 Box speakers (2023)Speco camera in engine room (2023)Garmin GC14 boom camera for backup (2023)GoLight 2007 GT Spotlight (2023)Lumitec Caprera LT - LED Flood lights for spreader (2023)Siren-3Pro Alarm system (2023) - Siren sensors connected to shore power, motion sensors, battery sensors, big pump sensors, and high water alarm A USB GPS and Inverter for 12V operation are included.Search light w/ remote control in PH (2022)Q-Beam Blue Max handheld spotlightDanforth Constellation compass 5Rudder angle indicator
Mechanical
ENGINE: Super Ford Lehman 135 Hp (5,218 hours)Replaced all hosesReplaced fluids, filters, transmission dipstick, stop solenoid, and cleaned the heat exchanger raw water intake nipple. Engine Work in July 2026: Removed and rebuilt the transmission, replaced two engine mounts, and adjusted the packing on the prop shaft.Spurs line cutter on the shaftReplaced the engine zinc (July 2026)GENERATOR: 2017 9KW Cummins Onan Generator in sound shield (557 hours)Uninstalled the generator to replace the generator baseReplaced the generator exhaust mixing elbow (2026)Replaced the generator raw water pump (July 2026)New generator battery (July 2026)The engine, generator fluids, and filters were changed in 2026The fuel was polished in 2026RUNNING GEAR: Removed and rebalanced the shaft and propReverso Oil Changing Systems - Installed a 3-zone oil changing system for the engine, transmission, and generator (2023) Duel Racor filtersBow Thurster - 24V Sidepower bow thrusterStern Thruster - 24V SidePower stern thruster with an isolated battery bank and charger (2022)Bow and Stern Thruster controls in the pilothouse and on the flybridge (2022)Maxwell 3500 anchor windlass with new anchor chain (2022)New foot switches for up and down, and a separate remote in the pilothouse
Plumbing and Electric
Water Heater: 12-gallonsFlojet (no surge) fresh water pump (new 2022)Bilge Pumps: 2 Auto/manual electric bilge pumpsEngine-driven emergency bilge pumpWater Filtration System (2023)Electric Toilet: Raritan Electric toilet (2023)Sanitation hoses replaced in 2023Bidet sprayer (2023)(6) golf cart house batteries switchable port/starboard/both (2019)Engine start battery (2020)Generator start battery (2026)Thruster AGM batteries and charger (2021)Mastervolt Powercharger 40 amp, 3 bank, 3 function battery charger50 amp and 30 amp power cords and miscellaneous adapters
Notes and Misc. Equipment
Miscellaneous fenders, life preservers, and dock linesForedeck/anchor washdown (2022)Maxwell 3500 anchor windlass (2022). New foot switches for up and down, and a separate remote in the pilothouseAnchor Chain: 200' x 3/8" G4 Galvanized anchor chain (2022) - chain marked every 25'Primary Anchor: 75 lbs DanforthSecondary Anchor: 30 lbs CQR with 300' 5/8" rode Fortress FX-85 storm anchorApprox 150' of 3/4" lineMantus storm bridle and chain hookHighfield Hypalon UL260 RIB (2019)Honda 2 1/2 HP (2019)Weaver davits transom mounting system for the RIBSunbrella window coverings for pilothouse (2021)Cushion for the foredeck seat with a canvas cover (cover new 2021)Fore-deck lifelines (2021)Spare parts, fittings, hoses, paint, and varnishBinocularsCharts, guidebooks, and manuals
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated.
