Scott - a couple comments from someone who owns neither (and probably never will buy either due to cost, not desire), but has done a lot of miles on similar boats: 1. Fuel efficiency. Claims of speed and efficiency (thus range) are notoriously inaccurate for all builders. When Nordhavn introduced the 40, they made some very optimistic claims, and they took a minor black-eye for it. Since then, their claims have been more realistic on new models. I would expect the two boats to be very close in both speed and fuel economy. Difference in range would be tankage. 2. Portuguese Bridge. It's kind of nice to walk outside the pilothouse doors and be protected. But it's not a huge item, just a nice thing. Typically though, this design ends up with some great deck storage for lines, fenders, anchors, cleaning supplies, chairs, scuba gear, awnings, canvas, etc. 3. Flybridge. My most vivid memories of open-ocean voyaging are from a flybdridge. Whether its sea turtles off Costa Rica or Gray Whales off Oregon, reefs in The Bahamas, or the transiting Panama Canal, I like a flybridge with a big bimini (could you imagine going through the Panama Canal from inside????). When in low latitudes, I stand many watches from a flybridge (day or night despite dampness). In a marina, it's too hot - but underway or at-anchor, a flybridge is nice. I will say, I tend to spend more time on a flybdige then other people aboard (crew, owners, friends). So maybe I'm a flybridge-kind-of-guy. As far as the weight differential, Krogens have traditionally had cored hulls and topsides. Not sure how you feel about these - usually cored hulls, if done properly, are fine. From the very little I know, Krogen does cored-hulls well. But some folks just don't like cored culls. Also, usually weight is given at half-load. With the extra fuel and water, the Nordhavn may gain weight pretty fast. I haven't been aboard the K44 yet, but my guess is it has a bigger interior than the N43. I spent a weekend on an N43 a month or so ago - I really liked the boat. Much as I like flybridges, I'd be tempted to order it without a flybridge because it looks a little awkward with the flybridge - the K44 has a "chariot" flybridge and is a little better looking. Bottom line - either boat will be great. If you're planning a circumnavigation or something very aggressive, the Nordhavn is probably a bit more 'proven' if recent posts on ocean crossings are any indication. But for coastal cruising (certainly through the Panama Canal and up the other coast), either would be fine. But then again, I am convinced the most typical recreational boat to transit the Canal is neither trawler nor sailboat - but a sport fisher, the last boat most of us would own. Peter www.SeaSkills.com