Viking – Yachting https://www.yachtingmagazine.com Yachting Magazine’s experts discuss yacht reviews, yachts for sale, chartering destinations, photos, videos, and everything else you would want to know about yachts. Mon, 08 Jan 2024 01:55:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/favicon-ytg-1.png Viking – Yachting https://www.yachtingmagazine.com 32 32 Viking Yachts 44 Convertible For Sale https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/brokerage/viking-44-norden-dame-for-sale/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61703 This low-hour Viking 44 Sportfisherman has a two-stateroom layout and is asking $1.65 million.

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Viking Yachts 44 Convertible
This Viking Yachts 44 Convertible has accommodations to sleep five and a 38-knot top hop. Courtesy Seattle Yachts

For angling enthusiasts, Seattle Yachts currently has Norden Dame, a Viking Yachts 44 Convertible, listed for sale at $1.65 million. The 2019 build has a two-stateroom, two-head layout with accommodations to sleep up to five.

Vikings are built to fish, and with Norden Dame it starts in the dance-floor-size,119-square-foot cockpit. This 44-foot fishing machine is rigged with angling amenities such as Rupp outriggers, an in-deck freezer, an Eskimo ice maker and a transom box, plenty of space to stow your yellowfin and bigeyes. The cockpit’s mezzanine seating gives the crew a nice perch to keep an eye on the trolling spread. This sportfisherman’s primary mission is fishing, but add a few loose chairs and a table to the cockpit and there’s alfresco dining for family and friends.

Viking Yachts 44 Convertible
A two-stateroom layout includes the ensuite owners’ space with this queen berth. Courtesy Seattle Yachts

Inside, the salon creates a relaxing scenario after a day on the salt with an L-shaped sofa and ottoman to starboard with a bar and bench seats forward. Another L-shaped sofa is to port with a fixed table and flat-screen TV.

Forward and to starboard is a galley-down arrangement. which has a sink, stowage, a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave and an electric cooktop for easy meal prep for a hungry tournament crew.

Viking Yachts 44 Convertible
Power for this Viking Yachts 44 Convertible is a pair of 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels. Courtesy Seattle Yachts

Belowdecks, the master stateroom is to port with a queen berth and an en suite head. The guest stateroom has over-under bunks and access to the head aft.

Power for this Viking 44 Convertible is twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13 diesels, which give Norden Dame a 38-knot top hop and a cruise speed of 33 knots. The engines currently have just 300 hours on them.

Viking Yachts 44 Convertible
Mezzanine seating creates a great spot to keep an eye on trolled baits. Courtesy Seattle Yachts

The yacht has Garmin electronics, including two 7612 Displays, a 25 kw radar, sounder, an AIS transceiver and autopilot. There’s also an Airmar PM411C LWM transducer, a Furuno RD 33, two Icom 506 VHFs, a Fusion stereo system with four JL speakers, two subwoofers and two amplifiers, a SeaKeeper SK6 gyrostabilizer and a FLIR M232 thermal camera.

From the Archive: Viking Yachts 44 Convertible Impresses

“Last February in Miami Viking debuted its new 44 Convertible, and the pocket-sized sportfish wowed the crowds. The boat is highly versatile, and can be kitted out to be tournament ready, or simply act as a speedy and stylish two-stateroom cruiser.

Viking Yachts 44 Convertible
The 44C’s salon layout includes the galley down a few steps. Courtesy Seattle Yachts

The 44C comes on the tail of the 44 Open, and shares many of the same attributes, particularly when it comes to a smooth ride and quick acceleration out of the hole. However, since the yacht is a convertible, it expands upon the Open’s creature comforts, and has a true salon and a luxurious interior that make her even better for spending time on board, particularly if you want to do overnights or cruise where weather is regularly inclement.” – Yachting, 2018

Viking Yachts 44 Convertible
The flybridge has this Palm Beach helm with single-lever throttles and Garmin multifunction displays. Courtesy Seattle Yachts

Where is Norden Dame located? The yacht is currently lying in Palm Beach, Florida.

Take the next step: contact the listing agent, Glenn Runyan, 954-797-0030, seattleyachts.com

Quick Specifications:

  • Length Overall: 44’
  • Maximum Beam: 16’4”
  • Fuel Capacity: 825 gallons
  • Draft: 4’

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Reviewed: Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/yachts/viking-90-sky-bridge-reviewed/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=61187 The feature-filled, 38-knot Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge is ready to take adventurous anglers anywhere.

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Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge bridge
The expansive single-pane windshield at the enclosed bridge creates a crystal-clear visual field ahead. Courtesy Viking Yachts

Viking Yachts built 21 of its 92-foot convertibles in less than seven years, so the New Gretna, New Jersey, boatbuilder knew there was strong demand for supersize sport-fishermen. But a pending change in emissions regulations involving selective catalytic reduction would have forced the addition of costly, heavy equipment to the engine rooms, decreasing performance and efficiencies. As a result, Viking ceased production on its 92-footer (and its 93 Motoryacht) and developed a 90-foot convertible that would fall just under the required size for the rule.

Now, that Viking Yachts 90 has arrived. Hull No. 1 is a Sky Bridge model in what the builder calls Kingston Grey. Convertible and Enclosed Bridge versions are also available, with at least seven more hulls in production or ready for the molds as of this writing.

When I stepped up to the 24-foot-high perch on the Sky Bridge, I felt like I could almost see the Earth’s curve. Triple multifunction displays and twin covered consoles for radios and switches flanked the Palm Beach faux-wood helm. The Sky Bridge also offers a great vantage point for eyeing baits behind the boat.

Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge
The Sky Bridge on the Viking 90 is perched 24 feet above the sea. Courtesy Viking Yachts

Below, at the enclosed bridge’s helm, five multifunction screens wrap toward the captain’s position, creating a true glass-helm setup. Every navigation, fishing and operational function can be monitored here. There’s room under the screens for additional engine monitors and radios, as well as space on the console for more electronics. To aid the skipper’s visibility, the forward windshield is one piece until it reaches the corners. There are three beefy wipers, and no mullions to block the view. Flanking the captain’s chair are two double bench seats so guests can also enjoy the commanding views.

Running to and from the fishing grounds can take time—well, not too long at a 33-knot cruise speed—but for those longer runs, this yacht’s all-weather enclosed bridge provides the comforts of home. This space has the same high-gloss walnut woodwork, fabrics and features found throughout the yacht. Dual fridge drawers are in an end table, reducing trips to the galley. An L-shaped settee with a wood coffee table is to port, and an interior curved staircase is nestled into the after corner, leading to the main deck.

Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge salon
High-gloss walnut adds elegance in the salon. Super-soft seating is welcome after a long day in the cockpit. Courtesy Viking Yachts

One might think that getting a 90-foot yacht up to speed would take a minute. Not so. Hull No. 1 is powered with optional twin 2,635 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L diesels, which provide a 38.2-knot top hop and the aforementioned 33-knot cruising speed, with a range of approximately 600 nautical miles. Standard powerplants are twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C32A diesels.

In addition to having solid speed, this hefty 90-footer (with its 193,000-pound displacement) is nimble and responsive to wheel input in real time. Backing down, the 90 runs true and is agile, with the ability to spin in any direction on a dime. I noted limited splash and overflow into the cockpit as we ran several backing-down scenarios.

Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge
In addition to the Sky Bridge version seen here, the Viking 90 can be ordered with an enclosed bridge or as a convertible. In all versions, the ready-for-battle 224-square-foot cockpit is standard issue, as is the dual-level mezzanine. Courtesy Viking Yachts

As I stepped into the main salon off the dual-level mezzanine, my eye was drawn to the wraparound galley to starboard. It has a backlit stone countertop and every appliance needed for formal meals or pre-fishing snacks: a four-burner electric cooktop, Sub-Zero fridges and freezers, and a dishwasher. Five fixed stools ring the L-shaped counter for casual dining with family and crew.

The 42-by-78-inch dining table to port is on a raised platform with an artfully crafted walnut-veneer centerpiece. An opposing walnut band separated by polished chrome inlays is ringed by high-gloss black paint.

Guests can relax after dinner in the U-shaped settee aft and to port, across from the 65-inch HDTV. Walnut and teak woods add a warm feeling to the interior spaces. Ultraleathers and fine fabrics are used on furnishings to create seating that’s soft, supple and tough to leave.

Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge galley
For the traveling angler, the Viking 90’s galley is ready for fast or formal meals, from the four-burner cooktop to the Sub-Zero fridges and freezers. Courtesy Viking Yachts

Outside is a serious setup for angling aficionados. The 224-square-foot cockpit (same size as on the Viking 92) is ready for battle with mammoth-size marlin, thanks to a fighting chair, a rocket launcher, a table or some other combination of an owner’s choosing. Twin 103-gallon in-deck refrigerated fish boxes can keep the bigeye cold, and a 203-gallon transom livewell is ready for the baits to stay frisky.

Many times, sport fishing is a spectator sport, and the Viking 90 accounts for that. The two-tiered mezzanine has three areas that allow the crew to keep an eye on the spread and for guests to watch the action. The lower section has a sofa on centerline. The upper area has an L-shaped settee to port with a teak table, and there is a cushioned bench to starboard. The latter two spaces are under the flybridge overhang, protected from the elements. Under each seat is stowage, either for fishing gear or cold drinks. Backrest air conditioning is available in the seating.

Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge engine room
Designed by fishermen for fishermen, the engine room offers walkaround space to spare, even with twin 2,635 hp MTU diesels resting inside. There is unimpeded access to all regular service points. Courtesy Viking Yachts

There is also a dedicated watertight hatch in the deck for a Seakeeper 35, allowing for easy maintenance or equipment swap-outs.

The Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge is an impressive vessel. All at once, it’s a bluewater-ready sport-fisher that can chase pelagics around the planet, a tournament contender that can accommodate a sizable crew, and a true yacht that offers a high level of luxury and relaxation when the day’s fishing is done.  

The Comfort Equation

According to Viking, each of the 90’s five guest staterooms and the crew quarters were analyzed inch by inch to maximize functionality. An elegantly appointed full-beam master stateroom is amidships with a king berth, a Jack-and-Jill head with a central shower stall, a vanity, a sofa, a maple-lined walk-in closet and a 65-inch TV. The forepeak VIP is en suite, with three more en suite guest staterooms between the VIP and the master. Crew quarters are aft.

The Hull Story

Enhanced lifting strakes, redesigned prop pockets and refined driveline components (custom struts and rudders) all add to the performance I experienced on board the Viking 90 Sky Bridge. Viking’s engineers got here via computational fluid dynamics that let them visualize the flow of water under the hull to optimize its form. This technology lets the builder’s team test multiple permutations much faster than traditional tank testing. 

Systems Management

The Viking 90 Sky Bridge’s power management and electrical controls are handled via an OctoPlex digital-switching system, which reduces wiring and allows for multiple displays throughout the yacht.

Take the next step: vikingyachts.com

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13 Best Sport Fishing Yachts of 2023 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/yachts/top-sport-fishing-yachts/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:52:01 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=60823 Our experts review 13 of the top sportfishing yachts, from owner-operator-size angling platforms to superyacht-level sportfish boats built to hit the billfish tournament trail and travel the planet in search of world-record gamefish.

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It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for mahi-mahi off the beach in South Florida or campaigning a pro-level crew from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back pursuing billfish during tournament season. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling, and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits fresh; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch stowed and cold; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, sometimes north of 40-plus knots. Sportfish yachts are also known for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and en suite staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina

The Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina falls in the middle of the New Bern, North Carolina, boatbuilder’s three-model GT lineup, which also includes a GT59 and GT70. This sportfish yacht has a solid-fiberglass hull bottom built for blue-water duty and comes with a variety of diesel engine options, which starts with twin 1,622 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels.

Like all Hatteras GT models, the GT65 has notable bow flare to beat back tempestuous seas as well as a high freeboard to keep decks dry in the slop. The Hatteras GT65 also represent a design evolution for the series with a “stepped-back flybridge” an element found on in earlier Hatteras models, as well as a new window treatment and hull-side vents. With yacht-level luxury on the inside and a fishing-mission design on the outside, the Hatteras Yachts GT65 is a formidable sportfish boat.

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina
Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina Thomas Spencer

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:65’2”
Maximum Beam:20’
Fuel Capacity:1,900 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:270 Gal.
Draft:5’
Displacement:103,000 lb.

Viking Yachts 64C

With its 180-square-foot, dance-floor-size, teak cockpit, options for a fighting chair or rocket launcher, a mezzanine perched perfectly for spotting prey in the spread and enough livewell space to keep a gaggle of goggle-eye baits frisky, the 42-knot Viking Yachts 64C is built for battle with big fish.Its impressive speed, which comes via optional 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels, ensures that the Viking 64C is likely to be first boat with lines in the water. Cruise speed: 36 knots at 80 percent engine load. (Base powerplants are twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels.) For the traveling tournament crew, the Viking 64C has four staterooms, including three en suite guest staterooms, plus a crew cabin with upper and lower bunks.

Viking Yachts 64C
Viking Yachts 64C Courtesy Viking Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:63’10”
Maximum Beam:18’11”
Fuel Capacity:2,201 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:302 Gal.
Draft:5’7”
Displacement:99,738 lb.

Royal Huisman Project 406

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck, Royal Huisman’s Project 406 is. The interior and exterior design of Project 406 is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack. Vripack calls the vessel a “sportfisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight.

Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines for Project 406. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Royal Huisman Project 406
Royal Huisman Project 406 Courtesy Vripack

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:171’
Hull & Superstructure:Aluminum
Design & Architecture:Vripack Yacht Design
No. of Decks:6

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat, designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels

The owner of II Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside.  “Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.”

Rybovich 94
Rybovich 94 William Smith

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:94’
Maximum Beam:22’
Fuel Capacity:4,400 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:600 Gal.
Draft:5’
Displacement:165,000 lb.

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish is the builder’s entry point to its diesel-propelled sportfish boats. An owner-operator-size angling platform, the 38 Open is powered with twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, which gives the sportfish boat 36-knot speed. Notable angling features on board the 38 Open include a 109-swqure-foot cockpit, complete with a mezzanine seating flanking the centerline stairs to the bridge deck as well as a laminated backing plate foe either a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. For overnight canyon trips, there is a forepeak stateroom with a double bunk as well as a single above it. Additionally, the salon’s sofa converts to a berth for guests or crew. The galley is outfitted with Corian countertops, two-burner electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven and drawer-style refrigerators and freezers. Some options include a Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and electronics packages from Atlantic Marine Electronics, both are Viking Yachts’ subsidiaries.

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish
Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish Courtesy Viking Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:38’8”
Maximum Beam:14’
Fuel Capacity:460 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:69 Gal.
Draft:3’4”
Displacement:30,453 lb.

Bertram 61 Convertible

Bertram’s 61 Convertible leads the builder’s offshore series, which also includes a 35 Convertible and the express-style 50 Sport. Like its 50 Sport sistership, the 61 Convertible has a stepped sheerline, a nod to the legendary boatbuilder’s earlier designs. It also creates an instantly recognizable profile. The 61 Convertible is ready to run out of the box thanks to its twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels. Top hop is 44 knots.

When it comes to chasing fish, the 61 Convertible has 188 square feet of fish-fighting space. A 100-gallon in-transom livewell is accompanied by twin in-sole fish boxes as well as rod stowage to port and starboard. A tuna door to starboard makes bringing in that bigeye on board a breeze. (Fish not included.) The accommodations layout belowdecks includes three staterooms. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships.

Bertram 61 Convertible
Bertram 61 Convertible Courtesy Bertram Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:61’1”
Maximum Beam:18’3”
Fuel Capacity:1,700 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:280 Gal.
Draft:5’
Displacement:88,000 lb.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X

The Hatteras Yachts GT45X express sports twin 1,150-horsepower Cat C18 ACERT diesel engines that deliver 40-plus-knot speeds. During our sea trial, the GT45X showcased remarkable handling, gracefully leaning into turns without any loss of power from the props. Hatteras has equipped the GT45X with a custom-engineered, sound-deadening system. This feature reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a relatively quiet ride for all aboard. Inside, the yacht has a luxe sensibility with its wood sole, sumptuous leather seating, a fully equipped galley and a spacious forward stateroom. On deck, there are two comfortable helm seats, an undercounter fridge, an ice maker, an inviting L-shaped settee and a table, creating the perfect entertainment area for relaxing after a successful day of fishing. The integrated hardtop enhances visibility with its one-piece windshield and large side windows, offering optimal views of the surrounding waters. To adapt to changing weather conditions, simply install clear curtains across the bridge deck aft, transforming the GT45X into an all-season sport-fisherman. Personalization is key with Hatteras Yachts, and the GT45X offers a variety of optional features. From a bow thruster and additional stateroom to teak accents and a flybridge option, you can customize your yacht to meet your specific needs. With a simple ala carte ordering process, just select your must-have options, start the engines and have your next angling adventure.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X
Hatteras Yachts GT45X Courtesy Hatteras Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:47’7”
Maximum Beam:16’6”
Fuel Capacity:800 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:100 Gal.
Draft:4’
Displacement:49,700 lb.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman

The Huckins 45 Sportfisherman starts with the Florida boatbuilder’s patented Quadraconic hull. The Huckins’ Quadraconic name derives from four conical projections that make up the bottom surface shape. The sport-fisher has a deep forefoot and some measurable flare above the waterline for good buoyancy and dry running. A single chine rises from the waterline and then descends quickly to optimize spray control. The deep-V shape forward warps to a flat running surface far aft for efficient planing and excellent roll resistance.

Power is twin 480 hp Cummins diesels, which give this sportfish boat an easy 28-knot cruise. Top speed is 35 knots, so a 30-knot cruise is easily an option. The owner of the 45 Sportfisherman we got aboard is an avid stand-up angler and set up his boat with three flush-deck insulated fish boxes with macerators, a Dometic ice maker, two 28-foot Rupp outriggers, six gunwale rod holders, saltwater and freshwater washdowns, and a four-rod rocket launcher in lieu of a fighting chair.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman
Huckins 45 Sportfisherman Bill Doster

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:47’7”
Maximum Beam:16’6”
Fuel Capacity:800 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:100 Gal.
Draft:4’
Displacement:49,700 lb.

Jarrett Bay 46

Originally named Persistence, this Jarrett Bay 46 was built for fishing enthusiast and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. When creating his fully custom sportfish boat, Burton noted that his vessel would be both a fishing boat and a family boat. Fishing features include an in-transom fish box, a sailfish pod, insulated fish boxes and a tuna door (sans bridge) in the cockpit. Jarrett Bay installed three rod holders in each gunwale and six more across the flybridge rail, plenty of rod room for setting up a trolling spread.
With upper and lower helm stations (the latter being an owner request), the Jarrett Bay 46 also gives the skipper options if the weather goes south. The Jarrett Bay 46 has ZF pod drives with underwater exhaust paired to twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels. At a comfortable 2,000-rpm cruise, this sport-fisher makes about 26 knots while those diesels consume 41 gallons per hour. Dial it up to a top-end speed of 35 knots and consumption goes up to 58.3 gph.

Jarrett Bay 46
Jarrett Bay 46 Courtesy Jarrett Bay Boatworks

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:45’8”
Maximum Beam:15’4”
Fuel Capacity:620 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:100 Gal.
Draft:4’4”
Displacement:37,000 lb.

Viking Yachts 92

The Viking Yachts 92 is the largest sport-fisher the New Gretna, New Jersey-based boatbuilder has ever constructed. Offered with an open- or enclosed-bridge setup, the hefty sportfish boat (displacing around 205,000 pounds) hits 37-knots-plus when powered with optional 2,600 hp MTU diesels. At 2,100 rpm, this battlewagon cruises easily at 31 knots at 78 percent engine load. Dial it back to 28 knots, and engine load is a mere 70 percent. The 92-footer is also agile thanks to the Viking Independent Programmable Electrohydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system, a fly-by-wire setup that lets the helmsman control each rudder individually.

From an angling perspective, the 92 has 55-foot Rupp outriggers, fish stowage large enough for a wolf pack of bigeye tuna, space for a season’s worth of baits, secured gaff stowage and enough tackle drawers to handle all the lures and terminal gear an owner could ever buy. The Viking 92 also has six staterooms to accommodate owners, guests and crew for tournament season and long-haul adventure angling.

Viking Yachts 92
Viking Yachts 92 Courtesy Viking Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:93’3”
Maximum Beam:24’1”
Fuel Capacity:4,015 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:485 Gal.
Draft:5’11”
Staterooms:6

Merritt 72

Like some of the other names on this list, Merritt is an iconic Pompano Beach, Florida-based, custom sportfish builder with a current model lineup that includes 66-, 72- and 86-foot convertible designs. The Merritt 72 is a model that has stood the test of time, and one that owners flock to year in and year out, for its fishability, seakindly nature and the ability to tailor the layout to an owner’s angling needs.

Because these boats are custom-built, the specifics can change from one 72 to another, but 30-knot cruise speeds and nearly 40-knot top-end speeds are common in all 72s, as are massive cockpits for fighting Hemingway-worthy marlin, stout construction for chasing those fish in the blue water and superyacht-level finishes inside and outside.

Merritt 72
Merritt 72 Courtesy Merritt Boat & Engine Works

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:72’
Maximum Beam:19’10”
Fuel Capacity:2,280 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:400 Gal.
Draft:5’6”
Top Speed:39 Knots

Bertram 35

The entry point into Bertram’s three-model Offshore Series⎯spanning from 35 to 61 feet length overall⎯the Bertram 35 blends a familiar profile with modern power and technology to create a 36-knot angling juggernaut. This owner-operator-sized, Michael Peters-penned, flybridge sport-fisher starts with a wave-slicing, deep-V hull form with 22 degrees transom deadrise. The form is supported by a solid fiberglass hull bottom with cored hull sides for added strength without added weight.

The 35 has a 126-square-foot cockpit ready for any fish-fighting fanatic. Bertram sets up the 35 with rod holders, a livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a transom door for the big ones. Optional teak decking and covering boards add a custom look. Inside, the salon is accented with teak and maple Amtico soles and overhead dimmer lighting. A wainscot-style ceiling houses rod stowage for big-game gear. Power is twin 500 hp Caterpillar C7.1 diesels matched to ZF drives. At a comfortable 27.5-knot cruise at just 68 percent engine load, the Bertram 35 has a 253-nautical-mile range, making it easily canyon-capable.

Bertram 35
Bertram 35 Courtesy Bertram Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:35’1”
Maximum Beam:12’2”
Fuel Capacity:310 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:50 Gal.
Draft:2’2”
Displacement:20,800 lb.

Viking Yachts 54 Open

Many anglers like open- or express-style sportfish designs as they enable the captain and crew to keep in close proximity, and the Viking 54 Open, which also is offered in a Sport Coupe or Sport Tower, does just that. The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.

With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch the spread. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door. Power is either twin 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. For owners who prefer a three-sided fiberglass enclosure to a clear-plastic setup—but still want an open after bulkhead—Viking offers the 54 in the Sport Tower version. The 54 Sport Coupe model closes the after bulkhead, completely protecting the bridge deck from the elements.

Viking Yachts 54 Open
Viking Yachts 54 Open Courtesy Viking Yachts

Quick Specifications

Length Overall:54’6”
Maximum Beam:17’8”
Fuel Capacity:1,535 Gal.
Freshwater Capacity:198 Gal.
Draft:4’11”
Displacement:75,026 lb.

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Viking Yachts’ Revolutionary New Sport-Fish and Motoryacht Models are Turning Heads Around the Globe https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/story/yachts/viking-yachts-revolutionary-new-motoryachts/ Fri, 14 Dec 2018 07:21:41 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=51840 Climb aboard to see why Viking Yachts stand out in the crowd.

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The Viking Yacht Company is not in the business of doing anything second-rate. There is no compromising on quality. Period.

So, when Viking decided to re-enter the motoryacht segment, not only would it be chasing the big competitors, it also would be playing catch-up on 17 years of motoryacht innovations and advancements. Fortunately, this is not a big stretch for Viking. The company is constantly pushing the envelope on its legendary sport-fish vessels, looking to build a better boat every day, with continuous improvements in everything from hull design to engine-room layout to cabinetry materials to electrical systems. It would be no different with its motoryachts.

Viking last delivered a motoryacht — the 60 Cockpit Sport Yacht — in 2001, and it was a big part of a motoryacht line that achieved tremendous success from the mid-80s to 2001. Viking no doubt could do it again, but should it? The answer from leadership was a resounding yes. Just like with its battle-tested sport-fish boats, Viking recognized the fact that in today’s marketplace, there is strong demand for high-quality, American-made motoryachts and sport-fish/motoryacht hybrids with an emphasis on style, performance, comfort, luxury and engineering excellence.And Viking’s production setup gives it a clear advantage in something as complex as starting a new line. Ninety percent of the parts and pieces are made on site. And with subsidiaries such as Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers providing crucial components, all are turnkey ready.

When it comes to selling these masterpieces, Viking relies on its industry-leading network of distributors, none more so than its top dealer and undisputed sales leader, HMY Yacht Sales.

HMY has sold the legendary brand for 26 years and is the leader in Viking sales. In 2018, HMY will sell more than 100 new and pre-owned Vikings, driven by its expertise, close relationships with Viking and the largest network of Viking customers compared to any other firm.

HMY has more Viking Yachts experts on staff than any other firm, including several who were captains with Viking, and many more who regularly fish Viking sport-fish yachts in some of the biggest tournaments around the world.

As Viking boldly re-enters the motoryacht market and continues to redefine the sport-fish market, HMY is uniquely positioned to educate buyers about the newest Viking creations and help them find the perfect vessel for their lifestyle and tastes.

Here’s a brief look at four of Viking’s latest motoryachts and sport-fishers — 93MY, 92 Enclosed Bridge, 82 Cockpit MY and 75MY.

Viking Yachts 93-Foot Motoryacht

The newest addition to Viking’s motoryacht fleet is also the biggest. In fact, it’s the largest Viking ever built, marking the successful completion of a two-and-a-half-year journey to build the largest-ever yacht since the company was founded in 1964, and continuing the Viking tradition of building revolutionary boats.

The tri-deck motoryacht combines the performance of a convertible sport-fisher with the luxurious accommodations of a motoryacht. The 93MY is fast without sacrificing seafaring distance. Powered with twin state-of-the-art 1,945 hp MTU diesels, it tops out from 26.5 to 27.5 knots and cruises from 21 to 24 knots, with a range exceeding 400 nautical miles at cruising speeds.

Viking Yachts 93-Foot Motoryacht
Combining the performance of a sportfish with the luxury and accommodations of a motor yacht, the Viking 93MY effortlessly cuts through the water. Powered by MTU diesels, she can take you to destinations unknown with a 400+ nautical mile range at cruising speeds. Forest Johnson

And it’s big, accommodating and comfortable. With a 24-foot-4-inch beam, the 93 holds five staterooms and seven heads, two expansive salons and aft decks, a huge forward galley, 12 televisions, storage for a tender, and crew quarters for three.

The exterior profile is both sleek and timeless, and perhaps most importantly, it looks and feels like a Viking. The impressive helm offers outstanding visibility.

Viking 93MY
The aft deck of the tri-deck Viking 93MY is built for entertaining. With bar stool seating, an L-shaped dinette, grilling area, and ample open space for lounges, and deck chairs, the 93MY has been designed with the most discerning clients in mind. Viking Yachts

On the main deck, remarkable stainless-steel-framed electrically activated sliding glass doors lead you to the equally outstanding salon, where you’ll find a leather-appointed lounge, a cocktail table, occasional chairs and a formal dining table that seats eight.

Viking Yachts 92-Foot Enclosed Bridge Sport-fisher

With its two-level mezzanine and 238-square-foot tournament-ready cockpit with fighting chair, the Viking Yachts 92-foot Enclosed Bridge thrives as both a luxury cruising yacht and bluewater sport-fishing convertible, seamlessly combining the expected luxurious accommodations of a premier motoryacht with the guile and hardcore fishing setup of Viking’s best battlewagons.

Yes, the enclosed bridge is visually striking, but it’s also amazingly functional, combining all the visibility benefits of an elevated control station with the weather protection and comfort of a Viking enclosed bridge. Owners have the option of choosing from either a sky-bridge arrangement or a tower.

Viking 92
The Viking 92 Enclosed Bridge is a showpiece of elegance and luxury with an emphasis on high-performance. With an optional Sky Bridge available, her functional design offers the best of both worlds with all the visibility benefits of an elevated control station while offering the comfortable amenities of a Viking enclosed bridge at the same time. Viking Yachts

The sky-bridge command station shares many of the design traits of Viking’s open flybridge convertibles, such as the walkaround center-console with raised teak helm pod, and recessed and protected areas for multifunction displays, engine and steering controls, and electronics controllers. The enclosed bridge has a forward wraparound console that includes a Stidd helm seat and flanking companion seating.

Once inside this beauty, you’ll instantly understand why Viking describes this spacious interior as a “showpiece of elegance and luxury.” The 24-foot beam allows the salon to transform into a stately, expansive living room. The L-shaped galley offers plenty of storage for provisions, with two walk-in pantries, while a formal dining area can accommodate up to eight guests.

Viking 92
Below, Viking masterfully arranged five en-suite staterooms plus a day head. The full-beam master suite features a king-size walkaround bed, a walk-in closet, a dressing table and his-and-hers private facilities. Crew quarters are aft, with access from the cockpit. Viking Yachts

Below, Viking masterfully arranged five en-suite staterooms plus a day head. The full-beam master suite features a king-size walkaround bed, a walk-in closet, a dressing table and his-and-hers private facilities. Crew quarters are aft, with access from the cockpit.

Viking Yachts 82-Foot Cockpit Motoryacht

Consider the bar raised again for luxury and seagoing excellence. The follow-up and sistership to the 75MY, the Viking Yachts 82-foot Cockpit motoryacht is offered with either an open bridge for more outdoor enjoyment or an enclosed bridge for climate control.

The 82CPMY effortlessly transitions from a luxurious cruiser to a bluewater battlewagon, creating the ideal platform for tournament fishing one day and heading on a three-week vacation the next. It features the cockpit space of a large convertible (108 square feet), along with plenty of room for relaxing, maximized by the versatile deck design that features an observation mezzanine, aft-deck dinette with U-shaped settee, and a 9-foot-wide lounge molded into the mezzanine that features loads of amenities.

viking 82
With the bar raised yet again, the sleek and stunning Viking 82 CPMY offers the performance of an offshore battlewagon with the accommodations of a luxury cruising yacht. As a true dual purpose yacht, the 82 CPMY offers guests a cruising experience like no other. Viking Yachts

The open-bridge layout is all about connecting with the open ocean, friends and family, with a centerline helm forward flanked with casual seating areas. Behind the helm, a family-size dinette, wet bar with refrigeration, sink and electric grill allow the party to start and stay on the bridge if desired. Farther aft, there is a sun pad, room for lounge chairs and a teak-planked staircase to the lower aft deck.

The climate-controlled enclosed bridge adds the convenience of a second salon, with plush seating, an entertainment center and the utility of a fully protected upper command station. A sliding glass door opens to the aft deck, with a wet bar and room for lounges.

The stylish main deck keeps the entertaining rolling, whether outdoors or in, with forward and aft deck lounges and 8 tons of chilled-water air conditioning providing a climate-controlled environment where a lavish walnut salon, formal and casual dining areas, and a world-class galley set a festive mood. Standard amenities in the low-profile open galley include engineered-stone countertops, under-counter refrigerator and freezer units, high-gloss walnut cabinetry and a starboard-side pantry. Viking also offers a closed-galley design.

Viking 82
Intelligently designed to deliver the cockpit space of a large convertible, the Viking 82CPMY has the room you and your fishing buddies will need to raise fish when the mood strikes. Ideal for fishing, diving or just enjoying the extra space, the Viking 82 CPMY’s cockpit opens up a whole new world of possibilities not usually found aboard a motor yacht. Viking Yachts

Below deck, four luxuriously appointed en-suite staterooms exquisitely balance elegance and practicality. Natural light streams in through the large hull-side windows and foredeck skylight.

Atlantic Marine Electronics outfitted the 82 with custom-designed navigation and entertainment systems, meaning it’s turnkey ready for its new owner.

Viking Yachts 75-Foot Motoryacht

As much as Viking’s announcement that it was re-entering the motoryacht market sent tremors through the yachting industry, the unveiling of the breathtaking, speedy Viking Yachts 75MY was met with 10.0-magnitude earthquake shock waves.

Recognizing the strong demand for a high-quality, American-made motoryacht with an emphasis on style and performance, Viking answered by introducing a true masterpiece.

viking 72
The gorgeous tri-level Viking 75MY offers a smart fusion of design and space for comfort and practicality on your cruises. Elegance and power have seamlessly combined to create the perfect experience. The Viking 75MY maximizes space to the fullest, offering ample room for entertaining and relaxation both inside and out. Viking Yachts

Like its sport-fishing brethren’s pedigree, the 75MY is a performance-oriented design, with a sleek, curvy exterior profile and other style cues taken from Viking convertibles, including the signature molded feature lines on the hull and superstructure, teardrop salon-window design and more. This sport-fishing heritage is one of the key differentiators between a Viking motoryacht and the competition.

Its new owners will be blown away by the 75’s performance, maneuverability and seagoing prowess. The hull features a brand-new design that maximizes space and power to accommodate the optional twin Caterpillar C32-A engines pushing a smooth 1,925 hp each. This level of power and range makes it possible to travel even farther and longer in Viking’s most luxurious models.

viking 75
The lavish interior of the 75 MY offers ample room for entertaining friends and family. Whether descending from the bridge or entering from the aft deck’s electronic sliding glass door, you’ll be greeted in the salon with beautiful teak joinery and cabinetry that adorns the interior. With rich furnishings, throughout, the natural lighting pouring in through the salon windows provides for the perfect setting to relax or entertain. Viking Yachts

In addition to the incomparable high-end performance, the 75 includes everything you’d expect from a luxury motoryacht, including four en-suite staterooms (including a full-beam master suite), crew quarters with private access, a fantastic helm and bridge layout, open galley and dining area, Seakeeper stabilizer, shallow draft, sky roof and an engine-room layout that is unsurpassed. The gorgeous tri-level layout showcases a smart fusion of design and space for comfort and practicality. Spacious accommodations provide family and guests with an undeniably elegant experience.

For more information on these or any other Viking sport-fishers or motoryachts, contact HMY today at 561-331-5200.

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Viking’s 68C is a Tournament Lock https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/viking-68c-reviewed/ Mon, 15 Oct 2018 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=54967 The 68C from Viking is ready to take down serious gamefish.

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Viking’s 68C is a Tournament Lock

The one safe bet you can make in Atlantic City, New ­Jersey, is that there are few safe bets to make. However, on a recent trip to the coastal gambling mecca, I did find one way to increase my angling odds. She was docked in the marina adjacent to the Golden Nugget casino, and she appeared to be as close to a sure thing as they come. The 68 Convertible is a quintessential Viking. She’s sweetly sized for the tournament scene or overnighters in the canyons, but not so ostentatiously imposing that she becomes cumbersome. This is a vessel that can cruise or fish, and that can do both in style and comfort. Viking Yachts, which is a behemoth in the fish-boat industry, had already sold 18 of these boats as of mid-August, just six months after the 68C’s debut at the Miami International Boat Show. (That demo boat, even before the show, had already won the Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament in Palm Beach, Florida.) A lot of people, it seems, agree that this boat is a good bet. As with most Vikings, the 68C’s story starts with her ride. As I pushed her throttles forward in choppy 2- to 4-footers off the New ­Jersey coastline, the yacht got up and out of the hole with ease, thanks in large part to a hull with a fine entry that flattens to 12.1 degrees of deadrise at the transom (a design that also helps with stability on the hook or when drifting). The 68C has a Viper steering system, meaning her rudders are independent of each other, a setup that gives the captain a high level of control. As I carved S-turns through the slop, there was no doubt as to the system’s efficacy. She cruised easily at 35 knots at 2,150 rpm, and when I dropped the hammer, she climbed briskly up to 41 knots — a speed that any fisherman trying to beat the clock back to the docks for a weigh-in will appreciate. And even at that speed, she remained dry, with the spray coming off her hull just abaft amidships.

viking 68c
Viking’s styling, with a sleek, unbroken sheer line and dark visor, makes the 68C instantly recognizable as a member of the family. While primarily built for fishing, the 68C has creature comforts for guests too. Note all the indoor seating and tables to port. Viking Yachts

I manned the 68C from her flybridge, where the helm had a slick-looking, highly varnished teak pod that I’d personally consider to be a must-have option. Three Stidd helm chairs provided sturdy and comfortable seating for the captain and mates while a crisp-sounding JL Audio system helped to keep everyone in buoyant spirits. Florida-based Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics had installed triple 17-inch Aydin screens, while another Viking subsidiary, Palm Beach Towers, had provided the tuna tower, which stood out with smooth welding.

The Viking’s 176-square-foot cockpit had all the amenities I expected to find aboard a fishing machine of this caliber. There were two in-sole fish boxes as well as a livewell in the transom. A beefy fighting chair made by Release had been installed for battling the big ones. A starboard-side tuna door was designed to let fishermen get their catches on board more easily. Mezzanine seating was a pleasant touch, creating a good perch for keeping an eye on baits, or for using as a place to hang while the 68C headed out to the fishing grounds.

viking 68c
(Clockwise from top left) The galley has a three-stool bar setup for breakfast time or cocktail hour; The cockpit has in-sole fish boxes, a transom livewell, a tuna door and rod stowage; The 68C is a fishing boat at heart, though her salon is set up well for living aboard with creature comforts; The master stateroom has a hanging locker as well as stowage beneath the berth. Viking Yachts

The boat’s salon comes in satin-finish or high-gloss walnut, and the joinery was tight on my test boat. A day-head to starboard meant nobody had to tromp all the way down to the accommodations level for a break. An L-shaped settee to port had a good view of the ­forward-situated TV.

The galley was forward with an island counter and three bar stools, making it an excellent place to pop a cold one after a long day of fishing. The island counter was a useful design choice for a fishing boat. As opposed to a traditional U-shaped ­counter, which hems people in, the island makes it much easier to drop the turkey sandwich and get out to the cockpit fast should the bite start.

Viking built a stowage room forward in the salon, good for extra rods, bedding or other bulky items. Down below is a standard Bosch washer and dryer amidships; it should prove useful on longer sojourns.

Accommodations are laid out for comfort on weekend or longer fishing and cruising itineraries. The en suite master is also amidships, though it’s not full-beam. Instead, it’s to port with an athwartships island king berth; a 6-foot-8-inch-tall, maple-lined hanging locker; and a standard 32-inch TV at the foot of the bed. The yacht comes with a standard three-stateroom layout, including a guest stateroom across the companionway from the master, and a forepeak VIP. The VIP on my test boat had a walk-around queen-size berth, though the space is available with dual scissoring berths for owners who need more room for a tournament team. Crew quarters are aft with a head and access to the engine room.

viking 68c
The teak helm pod is an option, but Viking reports that most people get it. Viking Yachts

There are four options for the 68’s power plants: twin 1,945 hp MTU V-12s, 1,925 hp Caterpillar C32s, 1,900 hp MAN diesels, or the base engines, twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12s. Regardless of engine choice, they’re bolted to the center stringers for strength, and are well-ventilated. There’s walk-around access for maintenance checks, and the twin 29 kW Cummins Onan gensets are easy to reach.

Viking has plans for an enclosed-bridge version of this model, which should appeal to more cruise-centric boaters and denizens of colder climes. Yet regardless of the 68 Convertible’s configuration, when it comes to having a sweet ride, a well-appointed interior and fishing-ready features, Viking Yachts has hit the jackpot.

viking 68c
The 68C is a good-size boat for a home dock, and she draws a canal- and marina-friendly 5 feet 5 inches. Viking Yachts

Jersey Bred

The reason we tested the 68C in the waters off Atlantic City, New Jersey, is that the yacht was built at Viking’s facility a stone’s throw away in New Gretna. The company builds boats under 50 feet length overall in nearby Mullica.

The Viking Legend

Back in 1964, brothers Bill and Bob Healey founded Viking Yachts. Today, Bill’s son, Pat Healey, an avid billfishing enthusiast, runs the company, which is reportedly debt-free and is still privately held. Viking has a majority share of the U.S. market for upscale production sport-fishermen and is a major presence at boat shows and billfish tournaments. The builder employs about 1,300 people at two yards in southern New Jersey and builds 90 percent of all its boat components in-house. The company owns CNC routers for cutting wood and composite parts and has a million-dollar, five-axis profiler for creating detailed foam plugs. The current Viking range of models stretches from 37 to 93 feet, though there always seem to be whispers that the company is going to go even larger.

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The Largest Viking Yacht for Sale on the West Coast https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/largest-viking-yacht-for-sale-on-west-coast/ Tue, 04 Oct 2016 21:20:34 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=56797 This 68-foot Viking Enclosed Bridge is for sale and is lying in San Pedro, California.

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Viking 68, Viking Yachts, Brokerage
Asking price for the 68′ Viking is $1,695,000. Courtesy Viking

Broker Spencer Markatos at Denison Yacht Sales just announced a price reduction on a 68-foot Viking Enclosed Bridge yacht — the largest Viking model for sale on the West Coast.

Previously, the yacht was listed at $1,775,000. Now, the asking price is $1,695,000.

This Viking 68 Enclosed Bridge has updated electronics, a 13-foot Novurania tender, new underwater lights, a Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, satellite TV and an extra factory fuel tank.

The owner, who is moving up to a larger Viking, recently completed more than $100,000 worth of maintenance, including 2,000-hour service on the MTU engines and fresh bottom paint.

Schedule a viewing of the Viking 68 Enclosed Bridge: Click here to head to the Denison Yachts website and contact Markatos.

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Miami: Viking 70 Convertible https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/miami-viking-70-convertible/ Fri, 20 Feb 2015 08:35:14 +0000 https://www.yachtingmagazine.com/?p=50338 Take a closer look at Viking's 70 Convertible!

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To visit Viking’s website, click here!

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