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Viking 46 Billfish Review

The Viking Billfish 46 Fits the Bill for this Virginia Couple

Oct 17, 2024 | Magazine, Viking Yachts | 0 comments

Kelly Law built a career in the maritime industry, operating tugs and barges, while also doing more than his fair share of recreational fishing and boating. “Some might say I have a problem,” he jokes. He cites a lifetime of owning boats too numerous to count, and from many manufacturers, “from small center consoles up to a 50-foot Viking sportfish, and everything in between.”
Transom view of the Viking 46 Billfish named PLAYPEN, docked at Virginia Beach, showcasing its spacious cockpit and seating area
See this article in our Summer 2024 issue of OnBoard Magazine

Bluewater Sales Professional Jud Black confirms that Kelly has bought “plenty of boats from us,” including commissioning a new Viking 48 Express several years ago. While owning and operating such a variety of vessels over the last three decades, the Law’s primary boat has always carried the same name: PLAYPEN. Kelly explains, “My wife, Karen, came up with it back when our children were small,” and the name stuck. He adds that when the kids were young the family used their bigger boats to travel to The Bahamas in the winter multiple times.

After selling his commercial marine business and with their children pressing out on their own, the Laws set out to find a boat that fits their current season in life. Something that could scratch the itch as a capable and frequent billfishing boat, but not be more boat than he and Karen needed right now. That’s when he became focused on the utility and craftsmanship of the Viking Billfish series.

Interior of the Viking 46 Billfish, highlighting the comfortable seating and dining area with high-quality finishes and ample natural light
The Viking 46 Billfish underway, featuring the tower and flybridge setup with dual helm chairs, and showcasing its sleek exterior design

Kelly explains that he appreciates the “classic day boat” practicality of this Billfish model, preferring the oversized cockpit and more modest interior space in comparison to bigger Viking convertibles. “I bought the boat primarily for offshore fishing, but also for Sunday driving, and taking day trips with my wife,” he says.

Law has gotten some fishing in already, but is yet to enjoy a full summer of use aboard his new 46. “I’m looking forward to fishing and going after billfish again. The boat’s really fast and runs really nice. It’s a very fishable boat,” he says.

Notably, he opted for the top horsepower rating available in the 46 Billfish, provided by twin 900hp Scania engines. Despite a career in the marine industry, it was his first direct experience with the engine brand, “I had heard about them for years, especially coming from the commercial market. It has been nothing but a positive experience,” he says. Jud explains that Scania, while well-respected in Europe, was quite new to Viking and the U.S. market at the time of purchase. When Kelly first ordered his 46 it was spec’d with the base power option, but they had a few months to mull it over and finalize what power would ultimately go into the boat. After the two did more research into Scania engines, the decision was made to upgrade. “We felt they were going to be a great fit for the boat and be highly reliable.” After taking delivery and running the boat home from the Viking factory, their thoughts were validated.

Engine room of the Viking 46 Billfish, featuring twin 900hp Scania engines, meticulously organized with clean installations
Close-up of the Scania engine setup in the Viking 46 Billfish, emphasizing the advanced engineering and power capabilities

“It’s a great engine package for the boat, no question,” Jud concludes.

Scania’s New Jersey dealer, Mack Boring and Parts Company, has now worked closely with Viking Yachts to configure these new engines into multiple hulls of the 46 Billfish.
Bow view of the Viking 46 Billfish cruising through calm waters, demonstrating its impressive design and performance
After a summer of some much-needed fishing time, Kelly says they may take a cruise up the Chesapeake Bay “tooling around” and is considering a trip to The Bahamas the following winter.

Having ordered a 48 Express previously, this was Law’s second time to tour the expansive Viking factory in New Gretna, New Jersey and engage directly with Viking team members. “The customer service is excellent—from Pat Healey at the top, all the way down to the crews in the yard. The size and scope of what they’re doing up there is downright impressive,” he explains.

As for Bluewater’s role, the relationship is that of family, more than as sales advisors. “I’ve known Jud for over twenty-five years or more. He’s really a friend, not just my broker,” Kelly says. “Working with Jud is very enjoyable, as is working with everybody at Bluewater.”

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