matched with longtime Viking brand specialists Jud Black and Carl Beale. After talking through the advantages of each model, Jud and Carl phoned the factory to check on the availability and the production schedule for a new 58 Convertible. That is when Andy and Sherry were faced with a tough decision. The next available 58 hull was already in the mold and being built, so a decision had to be made with little time to spare. Some choices, such as the optional flybridge staircase that the couple wanted, required an immediate decision in order to move on to the next stage of production. Being decisive by nature, Andy and Sherry pulled the trigger on their new boat after some brief negotiations. “These guys know I don’t procrastinate. I said, ‘alright we will take it’ and we bought the boat sight unseen. We had never even seen a 58,” Andy recalled. With the deal done, the Curtis family excitedly awaited their chance to watch their boat come to life at the factory. By the time they took delivery in March, the family had made five visits to New Gretna so that they could witness each phase of the construction. Andy also made a point to meet the craftsmen who were building his boat, shaking hands and introducing himself to the folks who were helping create his dream. Carl Beale recounted, “I really enjoyed Andy’s excitement. Every time that we went up there with him, it was just so much fun to see someone who earned it and enjoyed it, and the way that he went around and talked to, shook hands with, and thanked people at the factory.” Their jubilation was evident to everyone who was a part of the build, with the production team even joking that this boat wasn’t known as hull number 554, but simply as “Andy’s boat!” The real name of the new Viking was determined a bit closer to delivery, where it was dubbed Simple Man after the famous Lynyrd Skynyrd song. “I’m just a simple guy. I’ve got a great life, a great family, and been very lucky in business. I can really relate to that song,” explained Andy. Once completed, Simple Man took its maiden voyage from Atlantic City, NJ to Hampton, VA to have some final commissioning work done by the Bluewater team before heading home. DELIVERY AND BEYOND The entire build process from the first decision until completion fell into place perfectly, and the Curtis family took delivery of their new Viking just in time for Spring boating. Despite the “simple” name, this 58 Convertible is outfitted with some of the most cutting-edge technology on the market, and the boat includes everything that could be desired. Some notable selections include the Furuno Omni Sonar system for panoramic fish finding, the Seakeeper SK18 gyrostabilizer, a Spot Zero watermaker, an ice machine, and an Electrosea strainer system. Looking at the cockpit, there is no question that this boat will spend some significant time offshore, with a Release Marine Trillion series fighting chair, two full length in-deck fishboxes, mezzanine seating, and refrigerator and freezer storage throughout. The Palm Beach Towers tuna tower provides a commanding view from above, and the climate-controlled flybridge is equipped with top-of-the-line electronics from Atlantic Marine Electronics. This boat was also built with the optional moldedin steps to the bridge, which is a familyfriendly feature that has recently surged in popularity. Andy's excitement was on display at each visit to the Viking factory 23 2025 SEASON
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