According to Unfit for Command, Kerry took over PCF 94 in "early February."
Haven't read the book, and probably won't. But I suspect he took over the boat on Jan 29th on paper. Each boat needs an OIC. But if the boat is An Thoi just sitting there he was in charge of nothing. Since the first patrol wasn't till Feb 17th. So in a way both reports are consistant.
Of interest is that Kerry was a avilable right away to take over for Peck the next day. My guess is that Kerry was sitting on his duff. Why wasn't he still in command of the 44?