OnBoard Magazine - Issue XIII - 2021 Season

S ince the early days, Viking has been a leader in the mid-size yacht market. From their 40’ Convertible in the 1970s to their first generation 58 in the 1990s, Viking has been ahead of the curve in design, construction, equipment and amenities. The all-new 54 Convertible is their next big winner in the mid-size sportfish category. In fact, this new model landed a sweet win during its debut at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), by earning the coveted "Best of Show" award. On hand to accept the award was Viking Yachts President and CEO, Pat Healey, along with his sons and third generation Viking family team members Sean and Justin. “The Viking 54 Convertible is a one-of-a-kind boat and an accomplishment of all of our previous mid-size sportfishing boats. No other manufacturer has built more of these boats in the past 20 years," Healey explains. No joke. The new 54 Convertible is the tenth model to be debuted by Viking in the 50 to 60-foot range in the last two decades. Healey continues, "Having the facility and the team we have is what makes this boat different. FLIBS is the king of all boat shows taking place in the Yachting Capital, and to debut the 54 Convertible here during such a special year was only right.” The evolution in design, engineering, fit and finish and amenities has improved by leaps and bounds over the past 20 years, but the greatest assets to improvements for Viking are their customers and their tournament teams. Invaluable feedback is provided on a continuing basis from the owners, captains and anglers who experience the boats first-hand, in varying conditions and locales, for hundreds of hours each year. Best in Show A PERFECT 10 FOR VIKING’S NEWEST CONVERTIBLE