Like a Porsche, this sporty boat is
Quick, Capable, and Timeless
By Matt Condon, Viking Specialist,
Galati Yacht Sales
Viking Yachts unveiled three new models last month, two of
which were displayed at the VIP event held last month at Farley State Marina in
Atlantic City – an awe inspiring 92’ Enclosed Bridge and a sporty new 52’ Sport
Coupe with Tower. The 75’ Motoryacht was shown to dealers while still under
construction at the Bass River factory located just up the road. Undoubtedly, you will read many articles on
the incredible new 92’ and 75’ MY as they are indeed milestones for the Viking
Yacht Company now celebrating its 50th year of building yachts. But,
it was the smallest of these yachts that caught my eye. After a rigorous sea
test with customers, I found the 52’ Sport Coupe to be a truly amazing machine.
You tube video:
First, let’s look at the stats. She’ll cruise efficiently at
34.5 knots and top out at 42 knots with the MAN V12 1,400hp ultra-smooth and
smoke-free next generation engines. She carries 1,450 gallons of fuel with all tankage
resulting in a range of over 400 nautical miles at cruise!!! Her massive 17’ 6”
beam gives you an extremely roomy and stable fishing platform. And, here is a
number you will not see on any other express boat: 6’ 3” engine room. Yes, over 6 feet of standing heading room in
the engine room! Simply amazing and kudos to the designer David Wilson and
team of Viking engineers – these guys really know what fishermen want.
We tested hull No.1 featuring an innovative 3 / 2 layout down
below. This format gives you 2 private bunk rooms for your fishing buddies, and
a nice queen size island birth forward with private head as the master’s domain.
An optional open floor plan 2 stateroom layout is offered as well.
The whole idea behind an express boat is it keeps everybody
in the action on main helm deck. You can’t fight a fish from the flybridge,
right? The express design is perfect for owner-operators as well as hands-on
captains wanting to be in the heart of the action. The innovative new 52 Sport
Coupe (referred to as the 52 Sport Tower when so equipped) features a stylized
hardtop with frameless hard glass enclosure. This is critically important
because it eliminates plastic enclosures which leak and wear out over time. At
speeds in excess of 40 knots, the wind and salt water come at you ferociously.
But everyone stays bone dry and relaxed with the new 52 Sport Coupe because the
glass enclosed helm keeps you and your crew feeling refreshed and ready to
battle the fish.
My sea trial story... It was a memorable sea test. On
board with me are my customers and Viking lead engineer Bill Gibbons at the
helm. He had the boat running a quick 37 knots down sea in a blustery 4’ – 6’
Atlantic Ocean chop on an overcast day. She ran like a finely tuned Porsche on
a circuit; sure footed, forgiving, and under total command. But, I was worried.
I knew we would have to turn back into these seas. I am thinking - at some
point we will need to turn around into this stuff. This is not going to be
good! Just then Bill announces that not only is he planning to maneuver the
boat into the nasty sea but that he wants to do a complete 360 degree turn in
the slop so we can feel how the sea effects the hull. Now, I am getting really
worried. I’m thinking; oh, heck (but I
was using another four letter word in my head). This may be a 52 Viking, but
that is the angry Atlantic. Am going to lose this sale for sure when we crash
into these waves? Bill announces – “everyone ready, here we go”. To my shock,
he holds the boat at a blistering speed as we begin to turn into the head sea.
Wait…, wait…, wait… holding my breath…I am thinking the big bang is coming.
Then, nothing. Still, nothing. No pounding. No shuttering. No slapping. As we
complete the turn I finally take a breath of relief. I realize that we just
experienced something special. Bill already knew this boat could eat up a head
sea at speeds. He was like a proud parent showing off what he created. In a
very calm and assuring voice he says; “She does ride nice, doesn’t she”. Nice?
All I could think was OMG! We just did a full turn in 4’ – 6’ seas at 30+ knots
without flinching! I would not have believed it had I not been aboard firsthand
to experience it myself. We then
proceeded to blaze home into the big seas without any fuss whatsoever. All I
can think is - Wow!
On the way back, the customers’ captain pulled me aside and
said “Matt, I’ve been running boats my whole life all over the world and it has
been a long, long time since I’ve been surprised or impressed on a boat. I’ve
got to tell you, I am impressed”. I was impressed too.
by Matt Condon, Viking Specialist at Galati Yacht Sales
Viking Yachts’ Next Generation 2014 52’ Convertible showed her pedigree performance during the company’s annual gathering of dealers in Atlantic City. The public will have the opportunity to see her debut at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show in October, 2013.
My first impression is WOW, this boat is a big 52. The salon is more spacious and the overall foot print is wider. The 17 1/2' beam and convex hull shape comes into play nicely in the engine room where there is space between and around both engines - love it! The flybridge is over-sized and features Viking's latest center console helm with the added innovation of 2 molded in bucket seats forward for a secure ride for your loved ones. The salon is big but feels even bigger with the island galley aligned for and aft. Another feature which makes this 52 feel roomy to me is the spacious landing down the companionway. It is a great starting point to the staterooms and allows for ample working room for the standard washer and dryer. While down below check out the normally all-white shower stalls. This boat has solid surface inlays to match the vanity tops - now that is a classy lady!
Let's talk about speed and smooth operation. I clocked this boat at 36 knots at 80% load. Fast, but smooth too. It is the smoothest running Viking I've ever tested with its all new smoke-free, Tier 3 compliant - MAN V12 1,400hp engines. Our demo boat had all the goodies including a first class electronics package from AME that included a combination of KEP screens, along with new touch-screen technology from Garmin. Finally, electronic screens that work like my IPhone! The Palm Beach tower is perfectly suited the vessel, as usual.
Her exterior styling is exquisite. All the new Viking models are more curvaceous than their predecessors but there is something special about this 52 Convertible. She is muscular and sleek at the same time - akin to a Big Cat hunched down ready to pounce on its prey. Powerful, graceful, and unmistakably capable!
My overall impression....
I'm blown away by Viking Yachts. This 52 is as close to the perfect Convertible Sport Fisherman that I've ever tested. The craftsman and engineers at Viking Yachts do an outstanding job of putting together a yacht conceived by the dream team of Pat Healey, Capt. Ryan Higgins, and designers Dave and Bruce Wilson. This new 52 has the power and curves I like. I want one!
Viking Yachts just released this e-brochure........
Power and Motoryacht's Capt. Bill Pike tells a great story about the history of Viking Yachts. Pat Healey, son and second generation leader talks about battles fought by his father. Readers get a sense of the mental toughness of a family committed to succeed.
Viking Yachts reports workers busy building boats after a successful Miami Boat Show. Show below is a 46 Convertible nearing completion. Shown below is a 42 Open getting its fiberglass windshield frame installed, and the engine room parts installation. Galati Yachts sold three 42 Opens during the Miami Boat Show.
Shown here is a 46 Convertible nearing completion, and another one just starting up.
Matt Condon, Viking Specialist at Galati Yacht Sales, mattc@galatiyachts.com, www.vikingsforsale.com (850) 259-9900
My
first impression from the dock is – “Okay, here is another pretty face from
Viking Yachts”. These guys have been introducing new models faster than a Milan fashion show
runway. But this new girl is unlike the others. She is more shapely and
curvaceous. Forget Paris Hilton, I’m talking real curves like those found on
Raquel Welch or Jennifer Lopez. The Viking design team, led by Dave Wilson, set
out to eliminate any straight lines with the 62 Convertible and succeeded in
creating a sexy and seductive mistress of the high seas.
But, does she run as good as she looks?
I’m
here to tell you the Viking 62 is the real deal. She is a bona fide, certified,
bad a** convertible. Perhaps more eloquent words could be used to describe her,
but those are most fitting. Capt. Ryan Higgins, Viking’s tournament winning in-house
captain took a group from Galati Yacht Sales out Palm Beach into 4 – 6 head seas. Before I
knew it, we were smoothly advancing at a fast 38 knot cruising speed. Wow! With
equal parts power and grace, she reminds me of the great thoroughbred
Secretariat thundering down the stretch. More than fast enough to win, with even
more to give if called upon.
This
totally new design is packed full of innovations and thoughtful improvements. Besides
good looks, she has a big salon with plenty of storage, a refined bridge with
extra seating and ample elbow room, a cockpit longer than her siblings, and fuel
efficient enough to travel more than 500 nautical miles at 30 knots in a single day. I am
impressed!
Galley with Storage Galore
Yes,
the salon is bigger but perhaps more importantly it feels bigger too. Let’s
start with the island galley; it is aligned fore and aft instead of the usual peninsula
design, which tends to divide the salon. There are 6 sub-zero under-counter
drawers, and massive amounts of storage everywhere you look. There are no less
than 15 storage shelves in the galley, 7 of which slide out on ball bearing
sliders for super-easy access to all your goodies, and 8 drawers for cutlery
and miscellaneous. Behind one of Viking’s high polished teak doors is a
pull-out trash bin, and behind another is access to a cavernous storage space
under the sink – perfect for those over-sized pots and pan. Also new on the 62
are 3 deep shelves cleverly hidden behind the mirrored back splash and cabinets
above the port side dinette.
The
L-shape salon sofa extends from the dinette to the entryway with easy access
storage underneath. Viking’s sofas are hinged at the top of the back rests “dewberry
style” providing unfettered access to 40 sq. feet of storage – a perfect spot
for rod storage and spare parts bins.
Presto Chango … the TV Appears
Press
the power button on the universal remote supplied by Atlantic Marine Electronics
and presto, up comes this super-sleek glass-panel Samsung LED TV behind the
curved cabinetry on the starboard side. I’m starting to really like this boat!
The Layout
The
4 stateroom, 3 head configuration is perfect for the traveling family or sport
fisherman on the tournament trail. The master is amidship and off to the
starboard side, with an island queen forward in the VIP suite, the 3rd
stateroom features over/under bunks forward, and the 4th stateroom
is aft with side bunks – ideal for the crew with an en suite head.
The
master stateroom is by far, the best I have ever seen on a Convertible under 70’.
It features a large queen bed facing to port, with 2 huge hanging closets, each
behind twin raised-panel teak doors. They give a rich, warm feeling to the
place. Yes, that’s right a his and hers closet on a 62’ sports fisherman!
My
only disappointment in the layout was no engine room access from inside the
boat, and no in-salon day head like found in the 66. So call me spoiled!
Luxurious Accommodations
Bill
Bales of William Bales and Company is responsible for the “WOW!” reaction most
people have when they first step aboard the 62. He chose a sculpted carpet with
a chevron pattern, to go along with parquet styled Amtico brand flooring in the
galley and heads. The thing that really grabs your attention is the wood work
on the cabin doors, which are done in raised panel teak, finished in high gloss,
and feature an archway top. All the gloss teak throughout the boat is spectacular
with varying degrees of contrast in the grain. It is ultra-rich looking. Also,
the counter tops in the galley counter and the vanities are certainly unusual.
They are granite richly textured “leather-finished” that has the look and feel
of colored slate.
Other
nice touches include teak trim headliners in the staterooms that serve as A/C diffusers, ostrich wall coverings with 1” teak strips at the seams, and highly textured
wall coverings in the heads.
Command Deck
The
flybridge layout is simply perfect. Perhaps in 10 years someone will show me a
better design and laugh how I gushed over this 62. Until then, this is it. The
configuration centers around Viking’s now famous island-style center console
command station, loaded with state-of-the-art glass panel navigation equipment.
Capt. Kirk aboard the star ship Enterprise
never had it so good. There are three sumptuous Release Marine Trillion series helm
chairs suitable for the Captain, the Admiral, and Thor himself. Along the sides
are 2 long bench seats, each with an aft backrest, and a comfortable seat forward smartly integrated in the center
console.
If
you ever get the chance to stand at this helm, take a good look around, tell
your friends to give you a minute, and then close your eyes and dream of
running down that giant marlin. Its okay, we’ll understand. Men dream these
things.
Command Performance
Our
test boat was outfitted with a pair of 1,925 hp Cat C32A’s. We saw a top speed
of 42 knots, with 20 people aboard and 75% fuel load. These Cats can growl!
But, when it is time to purr along, remarkably, she’ll run efficiently at 30
knots burning about 100 gallons per hour at only 1,700 RPMs. This gives you a
comfortable 18 hour cruising range, over 500 nautical miles. To put that in
perspective, you can travel non-stop in a single day from Destin,
Florida to Isla Mujeres,
Mexico or from Wilmington, North Carolina
direct to Palm Beach, Florida
or from Nassau direct to Dominican Republic.
The Viking gods have blessed you!
Action Central Cockpit
Whatever
type of boating you do, the cockpit is the place to be. Tournament fishing, family
cruising, or socializing at the dock, the 62’s cockpit is ideally configured
for all. It is noticeably larger than most – a foot longer than the 70, with a
large transom box and a very comfortable aft facing mezzanine seat. Also large
is the vacant area under the cockpit sole known as the lazarette. It is big
enough to carry one of those $200,000 Seakeeper anti-roll gyros, should you opt
for total comfort at sea. Carmine Galati of Galati Yacht Sales says “Absolutely,
it is well worth it considering the fact that your wife and guests will enjoy
the boat as much as you.”
Beauty and the Beasts Within
The
engine room is bigger than you will expect. Remember crawling into an older
Viking jam packed with horsepower and wondering if anyone will ever work in
there? Not any more. The 62 Convertible offers 6’ of headroom, and easy access
outboard of the engines. Wow! I’m 6’3” so I need to duck a little, but it is truly
an amazing amount of space for a low profile boat with big Cat engines. Viking
creates this height by eliminating the sub floor between the engines. She is
wide, and it shows in the engine room where substantially more space exists outboard
the engines too.
Viking
paints all the thru-hulls, strainers, and various mounting brackets white - even
the Craftsman tool chest is painted white. The Cat C32 engines are shiny white,
with chrome valve covers, and white cat filters. Ransome Cat dressed these
engines to look as good as they run. Nicely done!
The
engine room is smartly laid out. The two generators are mounted aft on top of
the massive stringers and just below the overhead electrical boxes – tucked completely
out of the way, yet fully serviceable. The pumps and centralized sea water
plumbing are tucked inside compartments forward of the engines. I also like how
they have cleverly put the main engine water intake under a hatch as well.
My
only gripe is the oil change pump is located in the walkway between the engines,
slightly in your way for something only used every couple hundred hours.
Innovations Sell Boats
Like
every model that precedes her, Viking continues to innovate. Their mantra of
“build a better boat every day” should also include “never stop innovating”.
The 62 hull design benefits from many Viking speed tricks that now include a
recessed engine water intake, to go along with the recessed and glassed over
strut and rudder mounts. Her hull is perfectly smooth. Like any new baby, a
clean bottom is preferred.
Conclusion
My
final take on Viking’s new 62 is one of pride to see this amazing boat built in
America
by a company that continues to improve on what is already
considered the best money can buy. This boat is a benchmark for Viking Yachts,
a company who refuse to rest on its past successes. She is faster, bigger, more
luxurious, more comfortable, and more efficient. More of everything you want in a Convertible. I
find her simply irresistible!
I just spent the day aboard Viking's newest yacht - the 62 Convertible. My impression? Wow!
This amazing new yacht is a totally fresh design from top to bottom. She is a sexy and curvaceous head-turner. There are lines and shapes that just get men's attention - you know, like those of Raquel Welch or Jennifer Lopez, depending on your generation. Viking tried to eliminate any straight lines with the 62 Convertible and succeed in creating a truly seductive mistress. She is good looking, but is there any substance beyond all that glitz and glamour?
I'm here to declare that the Viking 62 is a Bona Fide, Certified, Matt approved, Bad A** Convertible!
Really, this girl has the goods - consider these highlights;
* Fast - 43 knots with a pair of 1,925hp Cat C32As
* Efficient - 30 knots with a range over 500 nautical miles
* 4 staterooms - including a Master with His and Her Walk-in (almost) closets
* Huge Cockpit - 1 foot longer than the 70 Viking!
* Massive Galley - Island design with bar stools, 6 Subzero drawers, massive storage,
* Killer Engine Room - wide, tall (almost stand up at 6'), and smartly designed.
* Over-sized Flybridge - Island helm, 3 helm chairs, 2 settees, and forward seating - with plenty of room.
Not so long ago, many experienced
tournament skippers and anglers felt a boat over 70 feet was on the cusp of
being too large to effectively compete on the tournament trail. But the Viking
74 Convertible launched in May 2004 proved differently. Fast forward to the
fall 2008 when the launch of our 82 Convertible continued the upward trend
demonstrating beyond any doubt that Viking hit another grand slam with its then
new flagship. Now we approach the threshold of another amazing achievement, the
Viking 92 Convertible, as we continue to lead the industry with new product and
unrivaled innovation. Scheduled for a spring launch in 2014, the Viking 92
Convertible will be available in OpenBridge and EnclosedBridge configurations.
This new boat has a stunning
profile in either version with several motor yacht cues including dual
mezzanine decks; one in the cockpit and the second on the main level after
deck. The latter mezzanine offers both rear facing lounge seating, along with a
second seating area and a table for al fresco dining. An outside galley and
grilling area are included for added convenience and ambiance.
6 Staterooms, 6 Heads!
The yacht’s interior is a
showpiece of elegance and luxury. The 23-foot beam not only opens the salon but
transforms it into a majestic living room with built-in furniture and plush
appointments like a 60-inch flat screen television that rises on a lift out of
the teak cabinetry. An L-shape island in the galley complements the work area
and all countertops feature custom selected granite. A pair of walk-in pantries
and a full day head are forward and characterize an excellent use of space.
Nearby, a formal dining area accommodates eight guests.
The 92 Convertible has six
staterooms, each with its own private head and shower. The full beam master
suite features a king size walk around bed, a walk-in closet, a dressing table,
and his and her private facilities. Crew quarters are aft with access from the
cockpit. The full beam area includes a head with a shower, a small galley area,
and upper and lower berths in a private cabin.
Propulsion choices include
offerings by Caterpillar and MTU. The communication, navigation and
entertainment electronic package will be designed and installed by Viking
sister company, Atlantic Marine Electronics. The first OpenBridge boat will have a tuna tower
designed and fabricated by Palm
BeachTowers,
another Viking subsidiary. Selecting our subsidiaries for standard and optional
accessories allows us to deliver the 92 Convertible turn key ready.
Contact Matt Condon, Viking
Specialist at Galati Yacht Sales, (850) 259-9900 or mattc@galatiyachts.com
