New Model Overview: Viking 46 Billfish
Viking Yachts is well-known as an innovator and leader in the yachting world, and particularly so in the sportfishing segment. The investments in and expansion of their facilities has allowed them to develop new offerings to meet consumer demands.
One of the resulting new fleets of this innovation mindset was the Billfish Series. Designed for maximum versatility, these midsize production diesel-powered sport-fishers are built for both hardcore fishing and family cruising.
The Billfish series will attract both serious anglers and those looking for a family boat with a flybridge and comfortable accommodations not offered on similar-sized center consoles.
The latest in the hugely successful lineup is the 46 Billfish. The 46BF will excel as either an owner/operator or captained vessel and, following in the footsteps of the 37BF and 38BF, she’s a tournament contender right off the line, equipped for inshore and offshore missions, as well as a versatile cruising boat with reliable, economical inboard diesel power that offers simplicity, comfort, and ease of maintenance.
Ahead of its world debut at the 2019 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the 46BF (along with the new 38 Open Billfish and Valhalla Boatworks V Series) will be on full display at the 2019 Viking Dealer Meeting & Sea Trial Event, September 9-12 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
As with any new Vikings, the 46BF is expected to meet and exceed all expectations and it’s easy to see why.
COCKPIT
The massive 140-square-foot cockpit has room for the entire crew or family. The cockpit sole is built with a laminated in-deck mounting plate for fighting chair, rocket launcher, or table installation. Standard features include plenty of fish boxes, rod holders, tackle storage, live well, walk-through transom door and lift gate, and fresh and sea-water wash downs.
Two-person, mezzanine-style seats flank the centerline walkthrough, there’s refrigerated drink storage in the starboard mezzanine step, and ample general stowage throughout.
COMMAND DECK
The 46BF command deck features a salon-like living area with a roomy U-shaped lounge, hi-lo table, and a lounge that extends along the starboard side. Both seating areas hold rod storage underneath. It can be completely enclosed and is climate controlled, offering a welcome respite for weary anglers.
Like the renowned Viking convertibles, the 46 Billfish’s flybridge is designed with a tournament-style center console walk-around helm with Palm Beach-style controls and power-assist hydraulic steering, and features plenty of comfortable seating on either side for guests.
Want it turnkey-ready? Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics can build and install a complete package of navigation and communication equipment.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The air-conditioned cabin is spacious and features high-gloss teak cabinetry, custom Amtico flooring, a fully appointed starboard-side galley, and private head with large walk-in shower. The private master forward stateroom features an island queen bed, a hanging locker, upper storage cabinetry, and a flat-screen TV with stereo, speakers, and DVD player, while easily accessible upper and lower bunks on the port side await the exhausted.
EFFICIENT AND DURABLE
The 46BF is a showcase of the evolution of the Billfish series, sporting the efficiencies gained in the building methods and materials. A modified vinylester resin is used in the entire hull skin while end-grain balsa and closed-cell foam are used as coring materials in selected areas for optimized strength and stiffness while minimizing weight. The fiberglass fuel tank is sealed to the hull with resin foam and resin-infused with balsa coring on all sides for stiffness.
Infused with the legendary Viking engineering, the Billfish series is built with many of the same mechanical systems, components, and technologies found on larger Vikings, including the Delta-T engine room ventilation system, a fire suppression system that’s tied into the main engine and generator ignitions, Class “S” pitch tolerance propellers with dynamic balancing, and bronze struts, seacocks, and rudders.
ENGINES
Twin Cummins QSM11 715MHP diesels are standard on the 46 Billfish, with optional twin MAN I6-800 CRM 800MHP available. The engine room, lazarette, and forward bilges are painted with Snow White Awlgrip for increased visibility and ease of maintenance. A large centerline hatch offers quick access to the engines and optional Seakeeper SK 6 gyro.
Plain and simple, the 46BF is fun, fast, and functional. She’s just as ready for a trip to the canyons for hardcore fishing as she is a serious day of relaxing on the water with family and friends.
There’s no better brokerage to put you at the helm of your new Viking. Contact HMY, at 561-331-5200, today to learn more about the 46BF and be sure to visit us at FLIBS to check out this beauty in person.
