Viking Expands the Popular Billfish Series With Three New Models
New Jersey-based Ocean Yachts closed its doors some years ago, one of several marine industry victims of the Great Recession. Several years later, in 2015, Viking Yacht purchased Ocean’s manufacturing facilities. With them came the molds to the Ocean 37 Billfish, a pocket convertible whose retro Palm Beach styling proved extremely popular during the few years she was in production. Fast forward to 2018 when Viking introduced an updated and beefed up version this boat, now called the Viking 37 Billfish. Almost immediately, Viking management decided to expand on the Billfish concept with three new Billfish models profiled below.
The Viking 38 Billfish is now available and the 46 and 38 Open models will make their public debuts in October at the 2019 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Viking 46 Billfish
LENGTH: 45'6" | BEAM: 15'4" | DRAFT: 4'1" | FUEL: 632 gals. | HULL: Modified-V
Overview
A quality midsize convertible with iconic South Florida lines, the 46 Billfish is a dedicated sport fishing machine designed from the keel up to compete in the offshore tournament circuit. The Billfish is designed and built with many of the same mechanical systems, components and technologies found on larger Vikings.
Cockpit
The 140-square-foot cockpit features a laminated in-deck mounting plate for fighting chair, rocket launcher or table installations. Standard features includes a cockpit bait freezer, in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard, walk-through transom door with lift gate, transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage and fresh and sea-water wash downs. Two-person, mezzanine style seats flank the centerline walkthrough and a refrigerated drink storage is located in the starboard mezzanine step. For ease of maintenance, each engine and other critical machinery is located beneath electrically-actuated hatches in the command deck area.
Accommodations
Featuring high-gloss teak cabinetry and custom Amtico flooring, the two stateroom interior of the Billfish 47 has a private forward stateroom with island queen bed, hanging locker, and flat-screen TV with stereo and DVD player. Upper and lower bunks are to port, opposite a hanging locker a few steps away. The starboard-side galley has an L-shaped Corian countertop, two-burner electric stove, microwave/convection oven, cabinet storage and under-counter drawer-style refrigeration with ice maker. The head compartment, immediately to port of the companionway stairs, has a walk-in shower with satin nickel fixtures, a Corian-topped vanity with sink and storage and a medicine cabinet with mirrored doors.
Flybridge
Designed with a tournament-style walkaround helm console, the 46 Billfish has Palm Beach-style controls and power-assist hydraulic steering. Seating includes a single Release Marine teak chair (a second helm chair is optional), lounges to port and starboard, and a forward console seat. A Viking subsidiary, Atlantic Marine Electronics, can build and install a complete package of navigation and communication equipment to deliver the boat turnkey ready.
Power
Twin Cummins QSM11 715hp diesels are standard with MAN I6-800 CRM 800hp engines available as an option.
Viking 38 Billfish
LENGTH: 38'8" | BEAM: 14'0" | DRAFT: 3'4" | FUEL: 460 gals. | HULL: Modified-V
Overview
The Viking 38 Billfish replaces the popular 37 Billfish Viking introduced in 2018. A throwback to the custom South Florida fishing boats of the 1960s, the 37 Billfish was a huge success for Viking and the new 38 takes the original concept to the next level. Notably, the 37 Billfish is one of the smallest convertible fishing boats to offer the Seakeeper SK 6 gyrostabilizer an option.
Cockpit
The 109-square-foot cockpit is equipped with a laminated in-deck mounting plate for fighting chair, rocket launcher or table installations. Other big-boat features include in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard, a walk-through transom door and lift gate, bait freezer, transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage and fresh and raw-water wash downs. Two-person mezzanine style seats flank the centerline walkthrough, and there’s refrigerated drink storage as well as ample general storage throughout.
Accommodations
Below deck, high-gloss teak joinery and Amtico flooring complement an elegant climate-controlled living environment. The private head, which is conveniently located immediately to port of the companionway stairs, has a large walk-in shower with satin nickel fixtures, an attractive Corian-topped vanity with sink and storage and an upper medicine cabinet. The starboard-side L-shaped galley features a Corian countertop, a two-burner electric stove, a microwave/convection oven, cabinet storage and under-counter drawer-style refrigeration. The forward stateroom is offered with an island queen or crossover berth arrangements.
Flybridge
The 38 Billfish’s flybridge is designed with a tournament-style center console walk-around helm. Seating includes a single Release Marine teak chair (a second helm chair is optional), port and starboard lounges and a forward console seat. A three-sided Costa Clear enclosure provides weather protection. A Viking subsidiary, Atlantic Marine Electronics, can build and install a complete package of navigation and communication equipment.
Power
Twin Cummins QSM6.7 550hp diesels are standard.
Viking 38 Open Billfish
LENGTH: 38'8" | BEAM: 14'0" | DRAFT: 3'4" | FUEL: 460 gals. | HULL: Modified-V
Overview
Based on the original Viking 37 Billfish introduced in 2018, the 38 Open Billfish is geared toward day boating but with comfortable overnighting accommodations. With a large cockpit and versatile command deck, the 38 Open combines simplicity and ease of maintenance in a premium fishing machine.
Cockpit
The 109-square-foot cockpit is equipped with a laminated in-deck mounting plate for a fighting chair, rocket launcher or table installations. Other big-boat features include in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard, a walk-through transom door and lift gate, bait freezer, transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage and fresh and raw-water wash downs. Two-person mezzanine style seats flank the centerline walkthrough, and there’s refrigerated drink storage as well as ample general storage throughout.
Command Deck
Available fully enclosed with climate control, the command deck features port and starboard L-shaped lounges and storage below. A raised centerline helm station gives provides excellent sightlines and is equipped with a fiberglass (or optional teak) helm pod, power-assist hydraulic steering with stainless steel wheel and Palm Beach style controls. Viking’s Palm Beach Towers can outfit the 38 Open Billfish with a custom tuna tower with a second helm and a buggy top.
Accommodations
The head — located immediately to port of the companionway stair — has a large walk-in shower with satin nickel fixtures and a Corian-topped vanity with sink and storage. Forward of the head and also on the port side, the galley features a Corian countertop, two-burner electric stove, microwave/convection oven, cabinet storage and under-counter drawer-style refrigeration with built-in ice maker. A dining settee opposite the galley converts to a double berth and the forward stateroom has a lower double bunk and upper single.
Power
Twin Cummins QSM6.7 550hp diesels are standard.
