BackViking’s new 38 Open Billfish combines the best of their successful Billfish series with many of the features of Viking’s renowned Open models. Featuring the same popular amenities, quality and style found on Viking’s award-winning convertible models, the 38 Open Billfish stresses simplicity and ease of operation and maintenance and is an ideal choice for the owner/operator who wants to be close to the action whether backing down on a feisty white marlin or entertaining guests during a leisurely cruise. Geared toward day boating but with very comfortable overnight and living accommodations, the Billfish series offer simplicity and ease of maintenance as fishing machines equipped for inshore and offshore fishing trips as well as versatile cruising boats with reliable inboard diesel power.
The battle-ready cockpit measures 109 square-feet and is equipped to tame the largest pelagics thanks in part to a laminated mounting plate in the deck for installation of a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. Other features include in-deck insulated fish boxes to port and starboard, walk-through transom door with lift gate, bait freezer with upper tray and a transom fish box and live well. Rod holders plus ample tackle storage as well as fresh and raw-water wash down are additional “must haves” and are also standard cockpit amenities. Two-person mezzanine-style seats flank the centerline walkthrough, and there’s refrigerated drink storage as well as ample general storage throughout.
The command deck is available with a drop down enclosure to rear or fully enclosed with climate control and offers abundant seating thanks to comfortable port and starboard L-shaped lounges which also provide storage below. A raised centerline helm provides excellent 360-degree visibility. The standard fiberglass helm pod can be upgraded to luxurious teak and features power-assist hydraulic steering with stainless steel wheel and Palm Beach style controls. Palm Beach Towers, a Viking subsidiary, can design a custom tower with a second helm and buggy top while Atlantic Marine Electronics, another Viking subsidiary, can build and install a custom package of navigation, fish finding and communication equipment to meet your specific needs.
Accommodations below deck feature hand-finished, high-gloss teak and Amtico flooring that complement an elegant climate-controlled living environment. A private head located immediately to port of the companionway features a large shower and a Corian-topped vanity with sink and storage. Forward of the head to port, a fully appointed galley with Corian countertop, two-burner electric stove, microwave/convection oven, cabinet storage and under-counter drawer-style refrigeration with built-in ice maker provide all the necessary conveniences for an extended offshore fishing adventure or weekend getaway. The forward stateroom’s accommodations include a lower double bunk and an upper single plus a starboard-side hanging locker. Across from the galley a starboard-side sofa offers storage below and doubles as an additional bunk.
For ease of maintenance, each engine and other critical machinery is located beneath electrically-actuated hatches in the command deck. The 38 Open Billfish is designed and built with many of the same mechanical systems, components and technologies found on larger Viking models including the Delta-T engine room ventilation system and a fire suppression system that’s automatically or manually operated and tied into the main engine and generator ignitions. The engine room, lazarette and forward bilges are painted with Snow White Awlgrip for increased visibility and ease of maintenance. A large centerline hatch offers quick access to the engines, optional Seakeeper SK 6 gyro-stabilizer, water maker, and fuel tank fittings. Diesel power is provided by twin Cummins 550 MHP QSB6.7 engines.