Boat Model: Convertible

The Viking 92 was arguably the greatest large sportfishing yacht of all time, with 21 boats delivered in seven years of production. The six-stateroom world-traveler merged convertible performance and fishability with megayacht luxury, proving that a Viking of its size could excel on the tournament circuit while providing the pinnacle of comfort.

Driven by its mantra to build a better boat every day, here comes Viking again with another example of excellence in boatbuilding design, engineering and innovation. The legendary New Jersey boatbuilder is proud to announce the all-new Viking 90, a yacht that will redefine the capabilities of the luxury convertible sportfisher and become the new benchmark in the genre.

“We’ve taken all the incredible qualities of the 92 – the interior layout, the accommodations, the style, the amenities – and merged them with greater performance, technology and versatility,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “The 92 was the Bentley. This is the Ferrari.”

Driven by our mantra to build a better boat every day, Viking’s commitment to develop fresh new models continues to be a primary reason for our industry-leading position. On the heels of the award-winning 54 Convertible, Viking is proud to announce the all-new 64 Convertible, the second-generation of this model that will make its world premiere at the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This four-stateroom, three-head fishing battlewagon is poised to become another best-in-class superstar on the tournament circuit and the new standard in luxury, accommodations and comfort.

The five-stateroom yacht proves again Viking is the leading builder of the world’s biggest convertible sportfishing yachts.

Raising the bar again, the Viking Yacht Company is proud to announce its latest large sportfishing yacht – the 82 Convertible. The five-stateroom, six-head world-traveler builds upon the tremendous success of the Viking 80, pushing the genre to new heights of excellence.

“We’ve taken a boat that has been proclaimed by the sportfishing community as the most successful 80-foot sportfish boat ever and improved upon it,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “We’ve been able to design and build a better boat by using our experiences on multiple Viking 80 demo boats and collecting a tremendous amount of feedback from owners, captains and mates. And like every new model, the 82 is going to be bad-ass – another industry leader.”

The Viking Yacht Company, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has delivered more than 110 convertibles over 80 feet. The first-generation 82 Convertible was introduced in 2009 during some of the toughest economic times in recent history, and still 27 boats were sold.

Viking’s largest-ever sportfisher – the 92 – premiered in 2014. Twenty-one 92s were delivered before misguided emission regulations forced the model to be discontinued. The Viking 80’s numbers are astounding, with 54 boats delivered. Our new flagship, the Viking 90, has been utterly unstoppable since its recent world premiere, with 16 boats sold and eight delivered.

And now here comes the 82, proving once again that Viking is the leader in the design, development and production of the biggest convertible sportfishing yachts in the world. The 82 will be offered in three different models – open bridge, enclosed bridge and sky bridge. Hull No. 1 will be an open bridge model with a Pamlico Blue gelcoat and a custom tuna tower from the Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers. The yacht will make its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 30-Nov. 3., and then serve as our demo boat.

“Like the 80 and our previous large sportfishing boats, the 82 will prove that a boat of its size can not only meet the demands of the tournament circuit – but also win,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “We’ve broken that barrier, and we’re doing it again with the 82, making refinements and improvements in every area – speed, performance, ride, maneuverability and fishability.”

Design/Performance

With a length overall of nearly 83 feet, our new convertible presents a long, sleek and strong profile. Her gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, double strakes and chines, deftly placed molded-in deckhouse and bridge style lines and swept-back black metallic mask are unmistakable Viking traits. The 82 features exterior stylistic refinements of the 90, including deckhouse window and hull portlights with chamfered edges and the latest hull-side engineroom vent design. The 82’s hull sides also boast a prominent feature line that appears to flow through the tinted port light.

The 82’s performance was optimized through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), software that allowed the Design and Engineering team to analyze the longitudinal center of gravity and pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness, and modify strakes and chines to increase running efficiency.

The Viking 82 will also be offered with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System (AVPS), which utilizes struts and rudders with modified or “twisted” shapes that minimize hydrodynamic resistance, improving performance. “The strut is designed to improve the in-flow of water to the propeller, while the rudder minimizes resistance in the flow of water from the propeller,” says Viking Naval Architect Joe Snodgrass. “These improvements allow us to use a larger propeller and gain speed.”

With twin 2635MHP MTU 16V 2000 M96Ls and the Advanced Viking Propulsion System, performance levels are expected to be in the same range as the latest Viking 80s – 42 knots at full load with a cruise of 36 knots.

“The 80 delivered an extremely smooth, fast and dry ride,” says David. “Built at roughly the same weight as the 80 and benefitting from an additional 2 feet in length, the 82’s ride quality will be even better.”

Fiberglass and carbon fiber/e-glass hybrid fabrics, resin infusion, Light Resin Transfer Molding and the use of a variety of core materials – with specific densities for their location – in the build process maximize strength and weight savings. A modified vinylester/epoxy resin is used throughout the hull for maximum blister protection and optimal structural performance.

“We review each component within the build to optimize the structure required to meet its purpose,” says Viking Vice President of Design and Engineering Lonni Rutt. “Every material and method of construction is chosen for specific reasons.”

Cockpit/Flybridge

The 82 gives you more cockpit space and a larger mezzanine that allows for increased storage and a new extended lounge to starboard. Just under 230 square feet, the cockpit is built with everything you need to make it to the Winner’s Circle, including a transom door and lift gate, a transom fishbox/live well and full-length in-deck fish boxes with split lids to port and starboard. The Viking 82 is engineered for the installation of a Seakeeper 40, easily accessible via a single cockpit hatch on centerline with optional electric actuation.

The mezzanine holds an abundance of storage, including a tackle cabinet, ice chipper storage box and a refrigerated step box to port. Access to the engineroom is via the centerline mezzanine steps, and there are two refrigerator and freezer boxes to starboard. The flybridge overhang is designed to keep guests cool and dry, and optional air conditioning is available for added comfort.

The flybridge, which applies many of the design concepts of the Viking 90, is anchored by a walkaround center console with a full-width helm platform that accommodates three Release Marine helm chairs with teak ladder backs. The 8-inch-high platform offers 360-degree visibility, a clear view of the cockpit deck and excellent access to all instrumentation. The console’s recessed black acrylic dash holds four 17-inch multifunction displays (MFD). The clean, streamlined and operator-friendly helm also features dual radio boxes with split lids housing instrumentation and controls, a teak helm pod, single lever electronic controls and a stainless steel steering wheel. Air conditioning can be added to the helm, as well. Hull No. 1 will feature a custom navigation, communication, fishfinding and entertainment package from Atlantic Marine Electronics, also a Viking company.

The 82’s center console features an integrated full-length forward lounge with standard air conditioning in the backrest and storage underneath that’s available as an optional freezer. Dual freezers forward allow you to store different baits separately. The forward flybridge is also home to a convenient sink and refrigerated drink box. Seating modules to port and starboard each hold back-to-back lounges that share a backrest.

Our enclosed bridge (EB) model offers a totally climate-controlled helm area and a luxurious second salon. Viking has been building enclosed bridge convertibles for 30 years, and this experience is unmatched in the industry, with constant evolution in design, ergonomics and comfort. Access to the enclosed bridge is provided by a ladder from the mezzanine to the EB’s aft deck or a staircase inside the salon. The salon is appointed with a raised L-shaped lounge with walnut table to starboard, a refrigerator, an HDTV and ample storage. An unobstructed one-piece windshield provides gin-clear visibility at the forward control station, which features a one-piece raised black wraparound electronics pod with integrated visor holding up to five MFDs. Two double companion chairs side the centerline Stidd helm chair.

If you like the salon-like features of an enclosed bridge but also want to run the boat from an open bridge occasionally, the 82’s sky bridge model is for you, providing the best of both worlds. The elevated bridge’s port-side console has a fully equipped helm with a recessed black acrylic panel for flush-mounted MFDs. Guests can enjoy the view from a forward L-shaped lounge (with underneath storage), with easy access to a forward refrigerated drink box and a sink.

Accommodations

The interior of this amazing yacht features a horizontal-grain natural walnut throughout, available in satin or gloss finishes, and interior doors with horizontal and vertical grains and ebony inlays. Enter the salon from the mezzanine through a port-side electric sliding door. You’ll immediately notice the abundance of natural light pouring in through the shapely salon windows. To port, there’s a convenient day head, making trips below unnecessary during fishing excursions. The open-concept design features three distinct gathering areas with a straight walkway that extends from the salon door to the forepeak, accentuating the sense of depth and space.

To starboard, a wraparound sofa – with storage below and accompanied by a walnut hi-lo table – provides an excellent view of the large port-side HDTV, which rises from the entertainment center cabinetry. Forward on the port side, the dinette easily accommodates five with plush seating and a walnut table. The dinette sits on raised platform, giving guests an excellent view outside while providing rod storage in a pull-out drawer below.

The fore-and-aft style of the galley maximizes useful space with two under-counter refrigerators and one freezer beneath a second dining area with a raised bar and three stools. The outboard counter accommodates a double-bowl stainless steel sink, electric cooktop and conventional oven and drawer storage. A microwave oven, trash compactor, dishwasher and upper and lower cabinet storage round out the conveniences. In the pantry forward of the galley, a bunk can be added for a third mate or extra guest.

The Viking 82’s larger size can also be seen in the forepeak, where you’ll find five generously appointed staterooms and additional space in the companionway for a dedicated rod and tackle locker as well as a laundry center. The latter features a full-size stackable washer and dryer with centralized control panel for easy operation. The rod and tackle locker can be customized to the owner’s liking. Beautiful walnut doors conceal both of these spaces.

The full-beam midship master stateroom is accessed via a private staircase off the companionway. This royally appointed suite boasts a king-size walk-around bed, end tables and an HDTV. Overhead LED lighting with dimmers, decorative indirect rope lighting and an upholstered headboard accent the space. Other highlights: port and starboard maple-lined hanging closets and credenzas, a vanity/desk area with stool to starboard and a seating area to port. The expansive head includes twin sinks with seven drawers of storage below, a large walk-in shower and an optional mirrored ceiling.

All staterooms include their own ensuite head with separate shower. The VIP stateroom forward and the guest cabin aft are both appointed with walk-around queen beds. A guest and crew stateroom are on the port side, each with upper and lower berths. The crew stateroom is immediately adjacent to the rod and tackle locker.

Engineroom/Mechanicals

From an engineering standpoint, the Viking 82 is peerless. Painted in a gleaming Snow White Awlgrip, the engineroom provides excellent visibility and ease of maintenance. There’s plenty of space to access all sides of the 16-cylinder powerplants and numerous components and controls. The engines are mounted to the stringers that are reinforced with integrated aluminum for a strong, clean installation.

The standard 32 kW generators are aft of the engines for center of gravity purposes; their location also provides outstanding accessibility outboard to the hull-side vents. The Murray Ventilation System utilizes six fans that push and pull a maximum amount of air through the engineroom.

Our Centralized Seawater System reduces complexity and increases reliability and component longevity throughout the boat. Always striving to improve maintenance, Viking has worked closely over the past several years with ElectroSea on the development of its CLEARLINE System and SeaStrong pumps. The 82 utilizes these pumps, which are seal-less, as standard equipment. The 82 is also offered with the game-changing CLEARLINE System, which uses chlorinated water to prevent marine growth in seawater plumbing lines.

The 82 utilizes many proven systems, including digital switching from Octoplex as well as the Optimus Electronic Power Steering system. The yacht is also equipped with composite seacocks, eliminating corrosion, increasing longevity and decreasing weight. In addition, the 82 is engineered for many systems previously provided as custom installations that are now offered as optional and standard components, such as omnidirectional sonar, multiple water makers and crushed ice machines, tuna tube bait systems and extensive refrigerated storage boxes.

The Viking YachtCompany is proud to announce another tournament champion destined for greatness – the second-generation Viking 74.“When you’re building a better boat every day, there’s no resting on your laurels,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. We just keep designing and refining to develop fresh new models for our owners.”The 74 Convertible follows the iconic Viking 72 – a 45-knot speed demon that saw an incredible 75 hulls built and sold. The goal with this new model was to design and build a 74-footer capable of similar top-end and cruising speeds. The team – which has been working together for more than 25 years – came through big time. “The 72 was the fastest boat in our 60-plus-year history, and the 74 will certainly become the next speed king of the Viking fleet,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “Our goal is to gain efficiency through studying a number of performance elements, including longitudinal center of gravity, hull resistance, trim angle and modifications to the running surface. ”Computational Fluid Dynamics software helps the team achieve performance goals through a series of refinements. For instance, the 74’s strakes and chines are particularly aggressive for increased spray deflection and lift, and the boat’s length-to-beam ratio was dialed in for excellent ride quality.In comparison, the Gen I Viking 74 – built from 2004 through 2008 –had a top speed of 37 knots with twin 2000HP MTUs. That jumped to40 knots when the 2400HP engines became available. Today’s 74 hast he advantage of more horsepower (2600HP MTUs) and hull design improvements. In addition, it’s available with the Advanced VikingPropulsion System (AVPS), which utilizes struts and rudders with modified or “twisted” shapes that minimize hydrodynamic resistance, improving performance. Building materials and methods are carefully chosen to maximize strength and weight savings. The hull, all tankage (fuel, water and waste) and structural bulkheads are resin infused, which optimizes the fiberglass-to-resin ratio to bring the build to its greatest strength.Other construction processes, such as Light Resin Transfer Molding, and the use of a variety of core materials (with specific densities for their location) and carbon fiber contribute to overall build quality and industry-leading fit and finish. Significant weight-saving gains have also been made with the use of specific interior woods. A modified vinylester/epoxy resin is used throughout the hull for blister protection and structural performance.

Convertible PerfectionThe Viking 68 Convertible Viking continues its dominance of the sportfishing yacht industry with the introduction of the Viking 68, a four-stateroom blue-water convertible with unmatched performance, bulletproof construction, luxury interior accommodations and advanced propulsion and boat-control technologies. “This boat is going to be a big hit,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “We were able to bring some of the attributes of our larger models to the 68 while maintaining the efficiencies of a smaller sportfishing boat.” The 68 C is designed and engineered to function equally as well as a tournament-ready offshore runner and a cruising yacht with all the conveniences and technology that you’ve come to expect from Viking. The optional Seakeeper gyro stabilizer heightens the level of comfort during both fishing and cruising activities. Anglers do battle in a 176-square foot cockpit, while guests can watch from an air-conditioned observation mezzanine. Running on Viking’s proven hull shape with a 12.1-degree transom deadrise, this beautiful battlewagon delivers a soft ride in rough seas, with a 35-knot cruising speed and a top end approaching 40-plus knots. An aggressively raked stem, gently sloping sheer, swept-back black-masked windshield and flying bridge brow present a powerful yet elegant picture. 

The 58 Convertible is the culmination of nearly 55 years of Viking design, engineering and manufacturing and the best the industry has to offer in sportfishing boat innovation.

Since its September debut, the second-generation 58 Convertible has received a plethora of five-star reviews from journalists, Viking dealers and captains who’ve raved about her bone-dry ride, nimble handling, large cockpit, free-flowing spacious interior and a host of other attributes. And as the first owners began to take delivery, word was spreading throughout sportfishing ports around the globe that the Viking Yacht Company has delivered yet another bluewater champion destined for greatness.

“We’re successful with every model we release, but there are times when you hit one right out of the ball park,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey.

The Viking Yacht Company sold more than 110 of its first-generation 58 Convertible from 1991 to 2000, helping build the New Gretna, New Jersey, company into a sportfishing powerhouse. “It was our largest boat at the time and a major milestone for us,” says Pat. Eighteen years later, Viking’s “Gen II” 58 C is once again leaving the competition in its wake and staking its claim as not only a tournament champion but the best high-performance family cruising yacht in its class.

Fishermen and cruisers alike are always hungry for new designs, new ideas and innovation—and Viking has been ringing the dinner bell for nearly 55 years. “We are not taking old concepts and knocking the cobwebs off of them,” says Pat. “Our Gen II 58 and all of our boats are new designs.”

An Evolution of the 55
Our new 58 C builds on the success of the Gen I 58, but its pedigree also includes two generations of the 55 Convertible. The latest 55 has dominated the mid-50-foot range since 2012, while the iconic first-generation of the 55 Convertible stands out as one the most important boats in Viking’s storied history.

“Our design, engineering, boatbuilding and tournament experiences over the past 18 years evolved into the 58 that we have today,” says Pat.

The 58 C is longer than our most recent 55 Convertible, but maintains the same 17’ 9” beam. “We believe we have optimized the length-to-beam ratio, giving the 58 C an enhanced ride and additional interior volume,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “This boat can run faster in the same sea conditions because the bottom is softer, more refined and efficient.”

The underbody hull form allows the 58 C, despite its greater size, to achieve the same top speed as the 55 C, and with more efficient 10-cylinder engines.

The performance of the new 58 C has been its most lauded attribute so far. The boat has exhibited an incredible ability to keep spray down, running clean with its molded strakes guiding the water to break just aft of the house windshield. These performance attributes are due, in part, to the aggressive positioning of the strakes as well as their downturned angle and radiused shape.

“It’s more than just the strakes, though,” says Dave. “Other critical factors include the speed and balance of the boat; its center of gravity; trim and shaft angle; and engine installation. All of these elements were scrutinized from the previous models and adjusted over the years. This is what we do—build a better boat every day.”

All areas benefit from the 58 C’s larger size, particularly the cockpit and the salon. The 58 C’s cockpit is 14 square feet larger than the 55 C’s while still providing a full-featured mezzanine with a shaded seating area and beautifully upholstered cushions; freezer, cooler, bait and tackle storage; and engine access.

The main difference in the interior layout of these two boats is that the galley-and-dinette arrangement has been reversed. The 58’s galley is on the port side, while the dinette takes the starboard position. The result: a more streamlined layout with a convenient companionway that extends in a straight line from the starboard-side salon door all the way to the forepeak. Below, the master stateroom is now on the port side with an athwartships bed that allows for increased walkaround and hanging locker space.

The Viking 54 sets new milestones of innovation while integrating ideas garnered from sales and owner feedback, as well as thousands of hours logged by our Viking demo teams on the tournament trail. “We’re in a constant state of refinement,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “Everything from interior and exterior design and accommodations to performance, fishability and ease of operation are evolving.”

The 54 presents an eye-pleasing profile that’s unmistakably Viking, with signature design traits such as a gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, aggressively raked stem, double chines, hull-side vents and deftly placed exterior feature lines.

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, the Viking Design and Engineering Department has optimized the 54’s running surface for maximum performance. Now an integral part of the design process, our in-house CFD allows us to run numerous virtual sea trials to fine-tune the shape of the hull bottom for increased efficiency. The hull is built with an engineered composite of fiberglass fabrics and coring that’s vacuum-infused with vinylester resin.

Building a better boat every day tells the story of each Viking yacht as it cruises along its evolutionary trail. When the first Viking 48 Convertible was launched in 1985 it was a powerful introduction that quickly went to the head of the fleet. Early models launched with J & T turbo-charged 6V92TA Detroit Diesels and were soon followed with 8V92TA making waves as the fastest in its class. The interior featured man-sized appointments, with a fashion plate of luxury details, rich teak joinery and opulent designer furnishings. This was a popular boat and we built it steadily for five years.  Another 48 Convertible appeared on the scene in 2002. It featured a completely different hull and topside, a newer fresher interior layout that was more accommodating for both fishing and cruising. Where the earlier 48C was a sharply defined and angular at every corner and turn, the second generation 48 Convertible was an ice cream smooth operator with endless curves that melded together in a singular statement of beauty. From the sheer to the bridge to the cockpit, there wasn’t a straight line on the boat. The flying bridge was twice the size of the previous 48C with more room fore and aft. The salon was even better with its U-shape galley, dinette, and a larger sofa. Frameless windows replaced the maintenance heavy metal frames of the previous boat. Two and three stateroom layouts made good use of space. Engineering improvements added more versatility like engineroom access from the cockpit, and with our subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers now part of the Viking organization, this 48C could be delivered turnkey ready.  Fast forward to today and totally new 48 Convertible has joined the Viking product line. The exterior is sleek and powerful and the boat makes an impressive statement even resting at the dock. The wraparound black metallic windshield mask, window lines and flying bridge feature treatments reveal how far we have come with this evolutionary theme. The resin infused hull is beamy and carries its breadth farther aft for more interior room and a wider cockpit. The raked entry and forward chine are designed to pierce through head seas and divert spray downward. Convex hull sections add curvature and form to the running surface, while molded running strakes accentuate lateral tracking and maneuverability. 

With the 44 Convertible, Viking delivers a tournament contender and luxurious cruising yacht equally capable of galloping hard to the East Coast canyons on gnarly weather days or blasting over to the Bahamas in air-conditioned comfort.

The 44 C runs on the same proprietary surface as our 44 Open, giving her the high performance of a Viking express fishing boat and the stylish deckhouse, expansive salon and the grand accommodations of a Viking convertible.

The 44 C carries a fierce aerodynamic profile, with a raked bow, sloping sheer and swept-back deckhouse with black-masked windshield. With nearly 6 feet of freeboard, the 44 C’s bow shoulders aside the seas with ease and throws down spray with authority. The boat’s wave-slicing entry gradually flattens moving aft where the deadrise provides lift and support for exceptional performance. The chines and strakes knock down spray, but also contribute to lift and stability.