Before James Krogen hooked up with Art Kadey to make some of the finest trawlers ever, he drew a few sail and motor designs himself. This 42' motorsailor combines the pleasing lines of a trawler with a simple and ample sail plan in one rugged package. Built by American Marine in Hong Kong, The Little Brother has an interesting history. She was originally owned by Harold Gray, the author and illustrator of the famed Little Orphan Annie comic strip. He evidently used to sail to Bermuda and write and draw aboard the vessel during extended vacations. Daddy Warbucks passed away in 1968 and his estate sold the vessel. Another owner owned a small marina in Ft. Lauderdale and had the vessel restored in 1988. At this time, new stainless steel standing rigging, new fuel tanks totaling 300 gallons, a new MWM Deutz turbodiesel engine (120hp) and new wiring were all installed. I believe more was done at this time but I lack the documentation.
When I purchased the vessel in 2009, she was owned by a woodworker who didn't have time for the boat. I would never had guessed the same would eventually apply to me. I began a cosmetic restoration and found some rot in the cabin sides and deckhouse. The rot was professionally removed and new mahogany was installed. Teak trim was installed around new glass in the wheelhouse. Below the sole, bilges and floor timbers were cleaned and painted out. The coach roof and cabin top were painted. The brightwork was done. The cabin was painted and the cockpit sorted out beautifully. I then began to upgrade systems. I replaced water pumps, reworked the A/C system, fired up the 6.5kw Onan generator, tuned the running gear and engine, and changed out batteries. Then I started to travel for work. With a young child entering school, a project house, a demanding work schedule and life itself, the boat became low on the priority list. She has subsequently sat unused for the past 18-22 months. Most of the paint and brightwork has deteriorated in the Florida sun. The birds have left their marks. She is looking neglected. Still solid and rugged, she needs a new owner with time and deeper pockets. I can no longer bear to watch her degrade, yet still have to pay the marina for storage. She now needs paint and varnish, batteries, bottom paint, the usual.
Reluctantly, she is for sale. I am currently accepting reasonable offers. I have over $75k invested in the boat and the replacement value is over $800k. She is ruggedly constructed of mahoghany, ipol, and teak. Her sportfish style cockpit is large and easily fished or great for entertaining. Her wide 13' beam and 4.5' draft make her comfortable and safe. Her watertight bulkhead design, standing headroom of 7', ratlines and crow's nest make for a unique and well thought out design. She is truly a worthy project that is solid and sound, just in need of some upgrades and cosmetics. Please contact for more information and photos.
