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.” 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. 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 The Viking Billfish 46 Fits the Bill for this Virginia Couple Owner/Operator 28 BLUEWATER
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