Monday, July 15, 2013

"Power Smoothie" - Viking's Next Generation 52 Convertible




"Power Smoothie"
The All New Viking Yachts 52 Convertible
More Muscle & Tighter Curves

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........

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