Coming Soon: The New Viking Yachts 44′ Open & 44′ Convertible

By HMY Contributor   February 8, 2018

Updated: February 8, 2018

With the 2018 Miami Yacht Show fast-approaching, it's time for the Viking Yachts 44' Convertible to have her fair share of time in the industry spotlight. The second boat in the new Viking 44 series, the 44' Convertible will be making her world premier February 15 - 19 on Collins Avenue in Miami. She excels as both a tournament contender and a luxurious two-stateroom cruising yacht designed and built with all the industry-leading technology, engineering, construction and accommodations of our larger sportfishing boats.

Running on the same proprietary surface as Viking's 44' Open, the 44' convertible delivers a bone-dry, smooth ride. Twin 800-hp MAN diesels provide the standard power, while a pair of 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13s are available as optional power. 

The winning combination of a large cockpit with a raised observation mezzanine serves as another design trait of Viking's larger sportfishing vessels.  On the 44' C anglers have 119 square feet of fish-fighting real estate at their disposal - not too shabby. 

The center console walk-around flybridge helms give captains ideally clear sightlines, 360-degree access and an ergonomically-friendly layout of communications, navigation and fishfinding equipment and controls. 

The salon is large, air-conditioned and appointed with comfortable seating, dining and gathering areas. Relax in the L-shaped lounge to starboard with a teak hi-lo table. Forward to port is a raised dinette and settee against a teak bulkhead with cabinetry and a flat-screen television. The high-gloss teak throughout gives this beautiful space a warm, open feel.

The galley is fully-equipped with all the conveniences of a modern-day home kitchen. Teak cabinetry, premium Amtico vinyl flooring, Corian countertops and a bone-color Corian recessed sink are only a few of the galley features.

The port-side master stateroom is inviting and quite luxurious with a queen walk-around bed with maple-lined stowage below, flanking night tables, carpeting, a maple-lined hanging locker, a flat-screen television and stereo speakers. 

 

Updated: October 3, 2017

The new Viking Yachts 44 Open is now complete and awaiting her first public appearance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, beginning November 1st. This express-style sportfisherman not only appeals to families ready venture further into the Viking lifestyle, but it's also a smart choice for outboard center console owners looking to make a move for more comfort, conveniences and weather protection.  Because of its excellent use of space and superb amenities usually found on larger vessels, the 44 Open also gives seasoned owners who are looking to downsize the opportunity to continue experiencing the quality and performance everyone has come to know with a Viking yacht.

Sharing many of the notable aspects of her larger stablemates, 44 Open's command deck includes Viking's signature centerline forward helm station on a raised platform for enhanced visibility. A table accompanies a four-person L-shaped lounge, with storage underneath, outfitted with comfortable padded seating. A console to port holds refrigeration and stowage which includes tackle drawers.

 

Mere steps away from the command deck is the 119-square-foot tournament-grade cockpit ready with flush rod holders, a transom live well, and a transom door with a lift gate, tackle stowage, step-box coolers and in-deck fish and stowage wells. Spectators can enjoy the fishing action from the observation mezzanine's aft-facing lounge seating, which has freezer storage underneath. 

Many of the amenities found on board the 44 Open will have you feeling like you are on a much larger yacht such as the starboard-side galley. This kitchen area features teak cabinetry, expansive Corian countertops, an electric range, separate under-counter refrigerator and freezer units and a microwave/convection oven. Other noteworthy amenities include a stereo system with a 24-inch flat screen TV.

A sliding companionway door and a large set of stairs with a starboard-side vertical handrail lead down to the climate-controlled salon. With its 16 ft. 4 in. beam, the widest of any boat in this class, the salon is a spacious social area for relaxing and entertaining away from the elements.

In spacious forward master stateroom, the island queen bed with mattress has a lift-up top with gas pistons and maple-lined storage underneath. Additional storage includes teak cabinetry and a maple-lined hanging locker.

Left: A one-piece molded Corian countertop with rounded edges, a sink with satin nickel faucet and custom Amtico flooring are just some of the highlights in the head. Right: With its two-person berth, the aft guest stateroom can accommodate another couple and makes for a nice hideaway for the kids.

 

Updated: August 29, 2017

It's official! The Viking Yachts 44 Open is in the final stages of construction. Now being finished at Viking's headquarters in New Gretna, the production team recently splashed hull number one and put her through her paces on the water. With her raked bow, sweeping wraparound windshield and gently sloping sheer, the 44 Open is the picture of strength and style in a sportfishing vessel. 

The captain can expect fantastic visibility from the raised center helm through the crystal-clear windsheild. The 44 Open helm station features a custom teak helm pod, Release Marine helm and flanking companion seats that will be mounted on the command deck.

A table will accompany a four-person L-shaped lounge that will be outfitted with plush padded seating. The port console incorporates refrigeration with an ice maker and all-important stowage. A wide, easily accessible port companionway leads down to the salon, galley, two staterooms and head. 

The well-sized alley is to starborad and sits opposite an L-shaped lounge with a dinette table, includes teak cabinetry with meticulous joinery and fit and finish, expansive bone-color Corian countertops, an electric range, separate under-counter refrigerator and freezer units and a microwave/convection oven.

The engineroom, lazarette, forward bilge and anchor locker are all painted with bright white Awlgrip for maximum visibility and ease of maintenance. A pair of state-of-the-art 800-hp six-cylinder inline MAN diesels provide power for the 44 Open. 



The boat will be delivered to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in time for Viking's Annual Dealer Meeting and Sea Trial Event, September 11-13. Please contact HMY for more information on the 44 Open. 

 

Updated : July 11, 2017

With her recent deckhouse installation now complete, hull number one of Viking's newest express yacht, the 44' Open, is really beginning to take shape. Below, President and CEO Pat Healey (left) and Viking Mullica General Manager John Leek IV (right) look on as the deckhouse is lowered onto the hull of the 44 Open. "She's designed to fish hard yet be equally accommodating when the family wants to take to the water for a relaxing cruise," says Pat. "We're very excited, and the momentum is building as we complete every stage of construction. And this was a big one."

As the 4,233 pound deck connected with her hull, Viking Mullica mechanic Ricardo Garcia keept a careful watch ensuring all mechanical and plumbing elements were clear of the area. Once complete, the 44 Open will displace 46,010 pounds.

From beginning to end, the construction milestone of deck installation takes aproximately three days. The Viking team will go on to reinforce the deck-to-hull joint with through bolts placed every three inches and interior fiberglass tabbing for a bulletproof union of the two pieces.

To give installers the access they need to mechanical and plumbing connections, all hatches are left open. The cockpit and command deck will soon receive their hatch doors and lids, which will all be secured with stainless steel hardware. 

The 119-square-foot cockpit is just steps away from the command deck, a favorite feature of express sportfish. The fishboxes, lazarette and other cockpit compartments are rimmed with deep gutters connected to overboard drains. 

 

Updated : June 22, 2017

As we continue to follow the progress of all the models currently on Viking's production line, more specifics have been released by The Viking Yacht Company regarding their fierce new fleet addition, the 44' Convertible - part of their line of 44's which also includes an open option. The newest details on the Viking Yachts 44' Convertible have us getting even more excited to meet the 44 C for the first time when she is privately debuted in January at the Viking VIP Invitational Event and then again publicly at its world premiere at the Yachts Miami Beach boat show February 15-19. 

Another example of how the Viking team so flawlessly builds a model within a model, the 44 Convertible will use the same proprietary running surface as the 44 Open, which is scheduled to be completed and launched first. This specific running surface gives her the high performance of a Viking express sportish, coupled with a stylish deckhouse, spacious salon and the plush overnight accommodations of a Viking convertible. Up top she features the largest fly bridge in her class, equally capable of running out to the Northeaster canyons on sporty weather days or crossing over to the Bahamas in sweltering tropical heat. At the helm the captain can expect 360-degree visability from the 44 C's center console walk-around helm and with comfortable plentiful, the helmsman can enjoy a sociable ride with guests while underway. As far as cockpit space goes, anglers will have 119 square feet to get down to business in and they are armed with all the standard equipment needed to hunt big game fish. 

After over 50 decades of producing some of the best tournament-contending sportfish yachts known to man, it's pretty clear that no other company has more experience and know-how building convertible fishing boats than Viking does. "We're constantly working to perfect our hull designs," says Paul Raposa, Viking Engineering Manager. "In this picture (right), you can see prop pockets, chines, strakes and the hull deadrise. All these design elements, which are always evolving and getting better, will factor greatly into the 44 C's seakindly and dry ride."

"The 44 C's wave-slicing entry angle gradually flattens moving aft where the deadrise provides lift and support for exceptional performance," says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. "The downturned chines and strakes knock down spray, but also contribute to lift and stability."

 

Updated : May 8, 2017

With every new yacht launch, the legendary Viking Yacht Company demonstrates their unyielding passion for breaking new ground in the boat-building industry. The latest proof of this dedication to building better boats every day, Viking's mantra for over half a century, can be found in two all-new models, the Viking Yachts 44 Open and Viking Yachts 44 Convertible. These latest additions to the elite fleet are blue-water battlewagons in their own rite and while they are mid-size sportfish they present themselves as big boats in small packages. Setting the bar high for other fish-and-cruise yachts in this class, both the Viking 44 Open and the Viking 44 Convertible offer some of the same, exceptional features found in larger Viking vessels such as a roomy cockpit with signature mezzanine seating and generous interior accommodations for overnights. 

Recently, Viking released an interview with John Leek, the general manager at Viking's Mullica factory where hull number one of the 44 Open is currently cruising down the production line. The Mullica factory is responsible for building the smaller boats in the Viking fleet such as the 52 Sport Tower, the 48 Convertible, the 42 Convertible and now the 44 models. John reveals a few behind-the-scenes details on the 44 Open which is set to premiere at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in November. 

 

While not yet in the stages of production, the Viking team is currently hard at work laying the groundwork for the 44 Convertible's creation and its first hull will begin the manufacturing process in the very near future. Details about Viking's plans for the 44 Convertible were initially revealed in February at Yachts Miami Beach and more information about the vessel itself and its build timeline have just emerged. It will make it's first, exclusive premier at the Viking Yachts VIP event taking place on February 2nd and 3rd of 2018, located at the Viking Yachts Service Center in Riviera Beach.

As with the Viking 44 Open, the new 44 Convertible is specifically designed for those boat owners who find this mid-range size sportfish to be the perfect fit in terms of their space needs, overall layout and performance. The Viking 44 will be utilizing the conventional drive system of shafts, struts, propellers and rudders. The midship master stateroom and generous salon offer amenities found in much larger boats. The 42 Convertible is still being offered for those customers who prefer the Zeus pod drive system. As Viking did with the 44 Open, they implemented a handful of the most popular options that were ordered with the 42 Convertible and made them standard features in the 44, this includes the standard power of MAN I6 @800 hps. Viking will still continue to offer the very successful 42 Convertible with the Cummins Zeus pod system along with the conventional drive 44. 

As these two exciting new models start to take shape on Viking production line, we will bring you updates on the progress. If you are interested in one of these new 44 models or any other available Viking models, please contact us today and Viking specialist will be in touch with you.


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