Krogen Express Yachts and Waterline Boats of Seattle have announced an agreement in which Waterline will handle sales of the Krogen Express 52 in the Pacific Northwest. Owned by John and Betsie Tegtmeyer, who bought the company in 2001, Krogen Express is an important player in the power cruising market but has lacked a West Coast Presence until now. The company is headquartered in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

In his announcement, Tegtmeyer praised Waterline owners Scott and Lisa Helker. “Krogen Express Yachts is pleased to announce it is expanding its presence in the Pacific Northwest market by appointing Waterline Boats as our agent,” said Krogen Managing Member John Tegtmeyer. “After years of looking for someone who shares the business qualities that Krogen Express Yachts is built on, I am excited to have found Scott and Lisa Helker.

“Through their company, Waterline Boats, they, along with their team, have proven to exemplify the integrity, passion and drive that we searched for to assist us in bringing Krogen Express back to the amazing cruising waters of the PNW. With their commitment to customer relationships, we know Waterline will be a perfect fit. We are pleased to welcome them to the Krogen Express family.”

The KE 52, the latest Krogen Express model, is similar to its predecessors in that it is a semi-displacement boat for those who want a little extra speed than a full-displacement trawler offers. Even between KE 52’s however, no two boats are completely identical, Tegtmyer said. The company is constantly adding new improvements, and even boats of the same model differ.

Waterline Boats will act as an agency as opposed to a dealership, Tegtmeyer said. The sales center will still be in Florida, with Waterline acting as an agent in the West.

“People are more comfortable in dealing with a company that has a presence on the West Coast,” Tegtmeyer said.

Scott Helker said Waterline’s role will be to make it easier to buy KE 52, which he says is a good fit for cruising the Pacific Northwest.

“We are committed to the passion and the strength of relationships that have defined the Krogen Express ownership experience,” said Waterline Boats President Scott Helker. “Waterline Boats was founded with a specific focus on trawlers and the cruising-under-power lifestyle. With devotion to the basic principles of integrity and attention to detail, we’ve seen it grow quickly in size and reputation. We’re confident of our capability to deliver the smooth purchase and rewarding ownership experience that Krogen Express customers have always enjoyed. The Krogen Express 52-foot is ideal for our Pacific Northwest waters. Why should such grace and performance be confined to the East Coast?”

More information can be found at http://www.krogenexpress.com and http://www.waterlineboats.com.