Tortuga underway on the ICW
There are boats, and then there are boats that quietly change the way you experience the world. MV Tortuga, our 1987 Kadey Krogen 42, is firmly the latter.
She wasn’t built for speed or flash. She was built for something better—going far, going safely, and truly enjoying everything in between.
At 42 feet, Tortuga carries the unmistakable presence of a classic trawler: a high bow, sturdy full keel, and wide side decks that make you feel secure the moment you step aboard. Her white hull (a nod to her timeless 1980s heritage) turns heads in a quiet, understated way—less “look at me,” more “let’s go somewhere.” And that’s exactly what she was made for.
Powered by a single diesel engine, Tortuga moves at an easy 7–8 knots—the kind of pace that invites you to notice things. A dolphin breaking the surface. The subtle shift in water color as depths change. The way a waterfront town wakes up in the early morning light. On this boat, the journey isn’t something you rush through—it’s the whole point.
Inside, Tortuga feels like home in the best sense of the word. Warm teak surrounds you, softened by years of stories and miles traveled. The salon is where evenings naturally gather—good food, a drink in hand, and that easy camaraderie that only seems to happen on the water. The raised pilothouse quickly becomes a favorite spot, especially on early mornings with coffee in hand, chartplotter glowing, and the day’s route stretching ahead.
What makes Tortuga so special—and why she’s the perfect boat for America’s Great Loop—is her balance. She’s small enough to handle as a couple, yet substantial enough to feel completely at ease in open water. She’s efficient, capable of long stretches without refueling, and sturdy in a way that builds confidence mile after mile. Shallow waters, winding rivers, coastal passages—this is exactly where she shines.
But more than anything, Tortuga represents a shift in pace. A decision to trade urgency for intention. To choose anchorages over agendas, and experiences over schedules.
As we begin tackling the Great Loop in stages, Tortuga isn’t just our boat—she’s our home, our transportation, and our front-row seat to a constantly changing landscape. Every mile we travel adds to her story… and ours.
And if she’s taught us anything already, it’s this: you don’t need to go fast to go far—you just need the right boat, a little curiosity, and a willingness to follow the water wherever it leads.
Aboard MV Tortuga 