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.
The 44 C 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 whether is regularly inclement.
Like most every Viking, the 44 C has sleek, low-profile lines and a certain boldness to her aesthetics — owed in large part to her steeply raked bow and a black visor of a windshield.
The yacht is also exceptionally dry, thanks to her six feet of freeboard and a configuration of chines and strakes on her hull that provide excellent lift and tracking. If you sea trial this boat, take note of how the water is neatly thrown back, with no spray on the forward half of the boat.
The 44 comes with two power iterations. Twin 800 hp MAN diesels are standard, and twin 1,000 hp Volvo Penta D13s are a popular option. With the latter powerplants, the boat tops out at 38 knots and cruises at a jaunty 33.
Up top, the boat’s got 360 degree visibility from the helm, which also has a good view of the cockpit — super helpful when there is a fish on. A fiberglass hardtop with teaser reel compartments is a popular option there.
The yacht’s interior is usually done in high-gloss teak, which imbues it with an inviting warmth. In the salon there is a dining settee and a 40-inch television forward and to port. A galley to starboard is two steps down and has a two-burner cooktop, oven, microwave and a fridge and freezer.
As for the accommodations, the two-stateroom layout has a port-side master with a queen-sized walk around bed, and lots of stowage. The forward guest has over-under bunks. The accommodations are perfect for a fishing trip with the guys, or for young families.
If you do take that fishing trip, you’ll be happy to find plenty of rodholders, a transom livewell, a tuna door, tackle stowage and an in-deck fishbox in the cockpit.
The Viking 44 C is a low-maintenance, do it all cruiser or fishing boat that falls right in line with Viking’s esteemed pedigree. As such, she should soon carve out a nice little niche in the marketplace.
