OnBoard Magazine - Issue XIII - 2021 Season

W ith a myriad of sportfishing and express yachts from 38 to 92 feet along with a stunning collection of motor yachts from 75 to 93 feet, Viking offers the largest and most diverse collection in the industry. Refusing to rest on their laurels, the New Jersey-based yacht builder has announced a full gamut of mid-size yachts based on the award-winning 54 Convertible. The new 54 Sport Coupe, Sport Tower and Open will not only aid Viking’s dominance in the marketplace and their commitment to build a better boat every day, but it will also supersize their Open and Express model offerings. This latest trio of new models builds upon the proven hull design of the 54 Convertible and complements it with new topside configurations. Each of these three new Viking models standout from one another and from the pack of production convertible and express boats. The Open model can be optioned with or without a Palm Beach Tower and achieves an airy feel while still allowing protection from wind and spray while underway. The express layout of the Open and Sport Tower models features a centerline helm offering optimal sightlines while keeping the captain close to the action in the cockpit. A U-shaped dinette to port and L-settee to starboard ensure ample seating for guests and three additional forward-facing helm seats bring guests close to the captain. While the Convertible might be the most popular version for Bluewater’s Mid- Atlantic market, Partner Earle Hall points out that the 54 Open would make a great day boat for an owner with a mothership operation or someone planning to keep the boat situated close to the fishing grounds. Likewise, Partner Jud Black emphasizes the company has encountered their share of Chesapeake cruising customers who have shown interest in the fit and finish quality of Viking Yachts and chosen a Sport Coupe as the perfect fit for their needs. The Sport Tower model features a three- sided fiberglass deckhouse that offers an optional solid aft bulkhead. A full-height tower also sets the Sport Tower apart from the Sport Coupe. Easily discerned by their differing deckhouse and structure, all three models share cockpit and command deck layouts, providing an excellent use of space for fishing, diving, cruising and entertaining. Below deck, the generous 17-foot, 8-inch beam offers plenty of interior space including a choice of two- or three- stateroom layouts. Both layouts include a forward master stateroom with a queen- size bed and plenty of storage, plus a private head. The starboard side aft of the master boasts a well-equipped galley with a full appliance package including under- counter refrigeration/freezer. Engine room access is through a concealed hatch in the mezzanine steps, and power comes fromapair of common-railMANV12 engines rated at 1,400 or 1,550 horsepower. Other major equipment options include a Seakeeper 9, 16 or 18, depending on model and options. As with every Viking built, 90 percent of each boat is designed and manufactured in-house, providing unmatched quality control in nearly every structure and component. Vertical integration has been key to Viking’s ascent to the top of the production sportfish market through the 21st century. Their major subsidiaries including Atlantic Marine Electronics can outfit your new 54 or any Viking with custom electronics, communications, and entertainment systems while Palm Beach Towers can fabricate and install a custom tower, hardtop rocket launcher, railing and other metalwork. Bringing these major component installations under the Viking umbrella has ensured turnkey delivery, on-time and on-budget for total owner satisfaction. For over 57 years, the tenacity and passion of the Healey family along with their large workforce of dedicated shipwrights and expansive dealer network has catapulted the Viking name to the top of the global yachting market. Bluewater Yacht Sales has enjoyed over 35 years partnering with Viking Yachts throughout the Mid-Atlantic and possesses a knowledge and experience of Viking products that is unsurpassed in the industry. If the Viking 54 family catches your eye, a Bluewater sales professional is ready to help you build the one that’s right for you. VIKING ANNOUNCES SISTERSHIPS TO AWARD-WINNING 54C Flexible Family Sport Tower Sport Coupe Open 30 BLUEWATER