A viking yacht in the ocean.

VIKING YACHTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Viking Yachts and HMY Yacht Sales are two of the industry’s most iconic brands. Together, they offer world-class sportfish and motor yacht models, as well as HMY’s Viking Product Team sales and service expertise. When you have questions about Vikings, HMY has the answers.

Why is HMY considered to be a leader in Viking Yacht sales?

As the undisputed sales leader with new and used Viking Yachts, HMY averages over 100 Viking Yacht sales each year, has more Viking Yachts experts on staff, and has the largest network of Viking customers compared to any other brokerage. It’s no wonder HMY has been among America’s top Viking dealers for decades.

Why do Viking customers continue to come back to HMY year after year?

Most Viking owners, at some point in their boating life, come through HMY Yachts. When you work with HMY, you’ll quickly understand that we’re the authority for new and used Viking Yachts. One reason for this distinction is our Viking Product Team has extensive, hands-on brand experience. Our professionals have previously worked for Viking, or they have been captains of Vikings and fished them all over the world. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable Viking expert, look no further than HMY. All of this combined makes HMY the best brokerage firm to help you find a used Viking in the market or a new Viking Yacht while receiving an exceptional client experience.

Why is Viking Yachts a global leader?

Founded in the early 1960s by Bob and Bill Healey, Viking built its vessels much like Carolina builders, assembling the boats on frames at intervals throughout the manufacturing facility. By 1972 they were already working on the first all-fiberglass model, the Viking 33C, and building their way into history as one of the finest yachting brands in the world. Viking quickly grew into a major U.S.-based yacht builder and leader in its industry in less than a decade. In the 80’s Viking acquired Gulfstar Yachts in Florida, whose designs were considered by many to be some of the best in the industry, and incorporated some new innovations furthering their place in the industry. Re-investing with their own money in the early ’90s, the brand has been on top of the world ever since. From a 38-foot sportfishing boat to 93-foot motor yachts with semi-custom fiberglass, advanced flybridges, tuna towers, and impressive outriggers, Viking yachts carry a tradition of excellence, innovative technology, and family history. Most Viking Yachts models are manufactured in house to ensure maximum attention to detail and impeccable quality control in every sport yacht, open bridge convertible, enclosed bridge convertible, billfish, and the open series yacht that is produced. Viking has become a global leader in the luxury sportfish and motor yacht industry.

What is Viking’s mantra and why is it Important to their customers?

“Building a better boat every day” is the mantra of the Viking Yacht Company. Viking prides itself on its renowned manufacturing capabilities. From the initial design to the finished product, the Viking brand is widely known in yachting circles as a world-class line of sportfish and motor yacht vessels. Customers can expect nothing but the absolute best quality from stem to stern which results in long-term satisfaction.

When did Viking Yachts first open their doors?

The Viking Yacht Company has celebrated over five decades in business building luxury performance sportfishing and cruising yachts. Started by brothers Bob and Bill Healey in 1964 when they bought Peterson-Viking Builders, a small, New Jersey builder of 37-foot, wooden sportfishing boats, Viking Yachts has grown to become a world leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production with over 4,000 Vikings delivered.

What’s the real difference between a Viking yacht and other production vessels?

Viking prides itself on its renowned manufacturing capabilities. From the initial design to the finished product, Viking’s highly regarded reputation is rooted in the company’s commitment to producing 90% of the boat in house. Except for components such as engines, transmissions, pumps, hoses, air conditioning units, electronics, and entertainment systems, virtually everything else is produced in house by their talented workforce. This helps Viking produce the finest quality yacht in the world for our customers.

What size range has Viking completely dominated over the years?

Viking Yachts is known as a worldwide leader in all size classes, however, their proficiency is particularly strong in the 50-to-60-foot sportfish genre, where Viking has introduced 10 models in the past two decades. This legacy fleet consists of more than 600 Vikings and includes ground-breaking models such as the 60 and 55, two renditions of the 52 Convertible, and the first-generation 54. “No one has done a better job in this segment of the market,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “Over the last 20 years, we’ve designed more boats from 50 to 60 feet than any other manufacturer in the industry. This is absolutely our sweet spot.”

Why is Viking’s Design and Engineering Department so important?

Viking leads the industry in every facet of yacht manufacturing, and it all starts at the design stage where Viking’s Design and Engineering Department pushes the boundaries of naval architecture while incorporating 56+ years of experience and expertise. Creating new innovative models for their customers illustrates a commitment to “Lead Not Follow,” a key component of the Viking Difference.

How are Viking models tank tested?

The evolution of the design process now includes Viking’s use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software from the company Orca3D, which allows Viking to conduct “virtual tank tests.” In-house CFD software gives Viking’s Design and Engineering team the ability to run numerous virtual trials for each of their new models to optimize running surfaces for better performance. By using CFD Viking is saving time and expenses and they’re able to easily create and test multiple design variations in-house. It gives Viking greater freedom and flexibility when creating designs for new boats and the ability to promptly fine-tune existing yachts in the Viking fleet.”

What is Computational Fluid Dynamics Software?

Viking’s use of the Computational Fluid Dynamics software for new yacht models began with the 58 Convertible and has been used to design the 38 Billfish, 38 Open Billfish, and 46 Billfish. Viking has invested in a powerful computer that can complete CFD simulations in under eight hours. “CFD analysis is now an integral part of the design process,” says Lonni Rutt, Vice President of Design and Engineering. “It really allows you to define what works and what doesn’t work. Once you eliminate what doesn’t work, you can focus on the changes that are yielding the most positive results.”

How does carpentry factor into the build of your Viking Yacht?

A dramatic transformation takes place in the Carpentry Department, which includes a total of 58 carpenters, installers, and general shipwrights. “It’s like night and day,” says Chris Abbott, Foreman of Finish Carpentry. “The boat comes to us as a hull, but leaves looking very much like a yacht, with all of its major pieces in place. It’s pretty amazing.” Carpentry is responsible for assembling and installing the interior components – all of the parts and units needed to create the staterooms, crew quarters, heads, salons, galleys, pantries, enclosed bridges, and other areas. The department is also charged with transporting the units into the boat and prepping the various installation areas.

What is Viglass?

The hull and its structural framework (a stringer-and-bulkhead grid resembling an egg crate) are built-in Viking’s Fiberglass Department, also called Viglass. Besides the fuel, water, and holding tanks, the hull is relatively empty when it moves from Viglass into the mechanical, electrical, and carpentry phases.

What is Viking Marine Group and how does it support Viking customers?

The Viking Marine Group is an assembly of 5 companies owned and operated by Viking Yachts. (Palm Beach Towers, Atlantic Marine Electronics, Viking Yachting Center, Viking Yacht Service Center and Valhalla Boat Sales). These subsidiaries were created to better serve each and every Viking customer from the build of a new boat and beyond.

How do Viking Yachts and Palm Beach Towers work together?

Palm Beach Towers is the leading source for superb quality, design, and engineering of aluminum tuna towers used aboard Viking Yachts and other fine quality boats. In addition, Palm Beach Towers produces fiberglass hardtops, rod lockers, and electronic boxes, and other custom aluminum and fiberglass accessories. With locations in New Jersey and Florida staffed with skilled welders and installers, Palm Beach Towers has the reputation to top all others.

How do Viking Yachts and Atlantic Marine Electronics work together?

Atlantic Marine Electronics installs and services navigation, communication, and entertainment systems. Whether your need is a single helm station package, or a multiple station layout, along with entertainment systems throughout the yacht, Atlantic Marine Electronics can be counted upon to complete your job on time and on budget. With locations in New Jersey and both Florida coasts, sales, operator training, and service are only a phone call away.

Where is the Viking Yachting Center and how does it support Viking customers?

The Viking Yachting Center in New Gretna, New Jersey, is a stone’s throw from the Viking Yacht manufacturing facility. The full-service marina with 250 slips for boats up to 55 feet, also features transient dockage, fuel, a pool, barbeque, and picnic facilities. A full-time service department can provide expert fiberglass repairs, painting, bottom stripping, and has two Travelifts for maintenance and seasonal haul outs. The Yachting Center is also home to waterfront Breezes Bar and Grill.

Where is the Viking Yacht Service Center and how does it support Viking customers?

The Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, is on the Intracoastal Waterway and conveniently located just minutes from the Palm Beach Inlet. With two service yards staffed by Viking trained technicians, it provides expert warranty work, as well as all service needs, full paint services, custom woodwork and air conditioning packages, cockpit mezzanine retrofits, and is an authorized Seakeeper installation center. Between the two facilities, there are 38 deep water slips, a concrete floating dock, two 150-ton Travelifts, and a 125-foot by 150-foot building with 50 feet of overhead clearance for tower boats. Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers also have facilities at this location.

What size range can you find in a new Viking Yacht?

Viking Yachts currently has 31 models in their fleet from 38 feet to 93 feet. All of these models are available through an HMY Viking Expert.

Which Viking Yachts model is among the most popular model ever?

The superior construction and legendary open water performance have made the Viking series of 52-foot yachts overwhelming favorites with fishing and cruising enthusiasts alike. Viking Yachts has been building the highest quality luxury yachts in the world since 1964. For those with the resources, owning a late model Viking 52 ranks among life’s most rewarding experiences. Few marine industry brands are more closely identified with such success than Viking, and none surpass the Viking reputation for long-term owner satisfaction.

What are five things about the new Viking 54 Convertible that customers love?

  1. The Viking 54 Convertible is undoubtedly a heralded battlewagon with tournament-grade DNA. It has entered the market as a fish raiser and poised to rule tournament waters.
  2. The 54 presents an eye-pleasing profile that’s unmistakably Viking, with signature design traits such as a gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, aggressively raked stem, double chines, hull-side vents, and deftly placed exterior feature lines.
  3. The three-stateroom, two-head open bridge yacht pushes the owner/operator convertible to the highest levels of engineering, performance, accommodations, and sportfishing capabilities.
  4. The cockpit is where the 54 Convertible Viking’s renowned R&D, engineering, technology, innovation, and 56 years of expertise have come together to create a fishing machine.
  5. The tournament trail demands more than strength, speed, innovation, and fishability. It also requires a boat with pedigree DNA that delivers when called upon.

Where can you learn about a Viking Yacht and watch videos and virtual tours?

HMY Yachts continues to provide our customers with Viking model walkthroughs and 360-tours. Click below for more information.

How can you be sure you’re getting a quality Viking yacht?

Whether it’s a fiberglass fuel tank, a wiring harness labeled every eight inches, or a hull-to-deck joint through-bolted every three inches, owners can be sure of incomparable quality. Driven by an unrelenting desire for continuous innovation and development, and with a massive 800,000+ square foot manufacturing facility loaded with advanced machinery as a playground and testing lab, Viking’s engineers never stop tinkering.

What makes Viking’s interiors superior in design?

Viking’s interiors are known for their beautiful hand-crafted wood cabinetry. But there is much more to them than what meets the eye. To reduce overall boat weight and achieve better performance and efficiency, Viking uses every conceivable modern construction method to eliminate wasteful burning of fuel by designing lightweight, yet strong, components. This includes the cabinetry. Behind those elegant wood finishes are cutting-edge composite cores. Because when you have as many custom crafted cabinets as these yachts do, this construction method adds up to more efficiency, longer range, and faster speeds.

Why is advanced Hull Design so important?

The legendary Viking deep V hull is another place where technology helps reduce unnecessary weight. Resin infusion technology and precisely patterned and fitted laminate and coring materials provide improved tensile strength and rigidity resulting in larger fuel capacities, longer range, and faster more efficient cruising speeds.

The vacuum suction in resin infusion works by drawing out air from the materials while pulling the resins in to replace the empty space, which allows for the resin to be evenly pulled into every pore of the materials, resulting in stronger hulls and superstructures with dramatically less chance of delamination issues or weight inconsistencies.

What are some of the additional advancements in a Viking one may not be aware of?

Viking also uses advancements in resin infusion in the creation of tankage (fuel, water, and waste tanks), propeller boxes, engine-room vents, and other components. And all tank bottoms mirror the shape of the hull bottom itself, maximizing capacity and draw.

Why do customers prefer Viking engine rooms over other brands?

Viking is a diehard believer that the engine room needs to be squeaky clean, highly innovative, and easily accessible. They simply do not play around here, building in ample headroom and space to move around the engines. If you compare Vikings to other competing brands, you will quickly see that Viking leads the industry in advanced engine room design, innovation, and accessibility.

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