Five Classic Viking Convertibles That Are Always in Demand
Among the many sportfish convertibles produced by Viking Yachts over the years, the five models profiled below stand out for their enduring popularity on the brokerage market. While each has its own unique identity, all embody the Viking reputation for engineering excellence, cutting edge styling and tournament level performance. To be clear, these five boats are consistently ranked among Viking’s most popular used models. This is not a list of the "five best" Viking convertibles ever built.
Viking 68
2006-09
Overview: The Viking 68 is often regarded as having one of the best all-around layouts of any yacht in this class. Introduced in 2006 as the successor to the company's 65 Convertible, Viking designers gave the 68 an accommodation plan similar to the four-stateroom layout of the 65 with a spacious master suite to port and crew cabin connected to the engine room. The 68's sprawling 186-square-foot cockpit is overlooked by a mezzanine deck beneath which is a freezer, tackle locker, chill box and engine room hatch. An enclosed bridge model was optional.
Performance: MTU 2,400hp V16 diesels cruise at 32 knots (up to 40 knots top).
Price Range: Prices start around $1.25 million for early models to $2 million-plus for newer.
Standard Layout Above, Island Galley Layout Below
Click here to see HMY’s listing of 2008 Viking Yachts 68EB, "Liquid Apple."
Viking 65
2000–05
Overview: A iconic Viking design with consistently strong resale values, over 80 of these popular yachts were built. Available in Open and Enclosed Bridge models, the 65 was offered with two interior plans: a four-stateroom layout with two queen staterooms and two others with over/under bunks, and a three-stateroom arrangement with a lounge/office area in lieu of the crew quarters (with direct engine room access) aft of the master. The huge 179 square-foot cockpit of the Viking 65 comes with a full array of tournament-class fishing amenities. A mezzanine deck became standard in late 2003. An updated prop-pocket hull introduced in 2002 has slightly less draft.
Performance: MTU 1,800hp diesels cruise around 30 knots (mid 30s top).
Price Range: Asking prices for early models start in the mid to high $700K range.
4 SR Layout Above; Enclosed Bridge Layout Below
Click here to see HMY's listing of 2002 Viking Yachts 65C, "Maverick."
Viking 61
2001–06
Overview: The 61 Convertible is arguably the most sought after model that Viking ever built. Descended from the best selling 55 Convertible, the 61 has a sharper entry than previous Vikings for a drier ride and improved headsea performance. She was available with two equally popular interiors, a three-stateroom layout with three full heads and a four-stateroom configuration with three heads and a VIP queen forward. An Enclosed Bridge model with a spiral salon staircase was optional. In 2005 a mezzanine deck became standard, and in 2003 the hull bottom was redesigned for prop pockets. A total of 153 were sold.
Performance: MTU 1,500hp 16V2000 (or Caterpillar 1,675hp Cat C32) diesels cruise at 30 knots and top out at 35–36 knots.
Price Range: Starting in the mid $600s for early models, late model Viking 61s are priced at just over $1 million.
Standard 3 SR Layout Above; Alternate 4 SR Layout Below
Click here to see HMY's listing of 2005 Viking Yachts 61C, "Dream On."
Viking 55
1998–2004
Overview: One of Viking's best-selling models ever (153 were built), the Viking 55 is a world-class tournament machine with a graceful profile, elegant accommodations and remarkable performance. Large enough to handle rough weather yet agile enough for a couple to easily handle, the standard three-stateroom interior has the master suite amidships, VIP queen berth (or popular crossover berths) forward and two full heads. Finished with high-gloss teak cabinetry, the salon's versatile layout, large windows and full 6'8" headroom create a remarkably open ambiance. The 55's huge 153 square foot cockpit is fitted with a bait prep center, freezer, two in-deck baitwells, fish box and direct access to the engine room. The flybridge — with wraparound helm console and single lever controls — provides seating for a small crowd.
Performance: MAN 1,200hp diesels cruise the Viking 55 Convertible at 31-–2 knots and reach a top speed of 35+ knots.
Price Range: Early model 55s can be found for under $500K. Newer models run in the mid $600s.
Click here to see HMY's listing of 2001 Viking Yachts 55C, "No Vacancy."
Viking 52
2002–09
Overview: Exceptional performance and spacious accommodations made the Viking 52 an enduring favorite with sportfishing and cruising enthusiasts alike. With plenty of fuel, a wide 17'5" beam and honest 30-knot cruise, the 52 stood apart from anything else then on the market. Her three-stateroom, two-head interior features an expansive salon with L-shaped sofa to port, dinette to starboard, teak valences, and a built-in entertainment center. The U-shaped galley is a model of practicality for seagoing families. Below decks, the amidships master stateroom contains a walkaround queen berth while the VIP forward stateroom was available with an island berth or stacked single berths. At 145 square feet, the cockpit is one of the largest in this class. A space saving athwartships aluminum ladder leads to flybridge with optional helm pod and single lever controls. MAN 1,100hp diesels cruise at 28–30 knots (low 30s top).
Performance: MAN 1,100hp diesels cruise at 28–30 knots (low 30s top). Optional 1,360hp MANs cruise at 32 knots (35–36 knots top).
Price Range: From about $500K to $800K-plus.
Click here to see HMY's listing of 2005 Viking Yachts 52C, "My Reel Office."
