Finishing its fifth decade in business, Viking Yacht Co. is only just beginning. The American builder hailing from New Jersey is steeped in fishing lore dating to 1964, when Bill and Bob Healey took over the old Peterson-Viking manufacturing facility, which Patrick, Bill’s son, now owns and operates. Today, Viking is indisputably the king of tournament-ready yachts capable of taking anglers farther, faster and in more comfort than any other manufacturer on the planet. The flagship 92 Convertible is perhaps the most iconic, with such boats as Fa La Me, Miss Moneypenny, Double Barrel — the list goes on. You might say that the only place to go is up, but the Viking team has different plans.
“There’s no question that there is a focus for Viking right now on the under 60-foot sportfish market,” said Rich Lucas, Viking Brand Manager for SI Yachts. “The Billfish series has been a big hit; you have the new 44 Convertible, which is replacing the 42C; and of course, the new Valhalla center consoles that have completely taken that market by storm.”
SI Yachts, one of the oldest Viking dealers in the world, has seen growth in its Viking business in recent months — new boats ordered and models on the brokerage market. “The sportfish market is unlike any other in our industry in terms of passion and competitiveness,” said Jay Hendrix, Vice President of SI Yachts. “The owners who compete take their boats very seriously. We are in the process of building a 52 Convertible and a 38 Billfish Open for two customers. We’ve sold several Valhalla models and are close on several more. Rich listed and sold a preowned 2011 60 Convertible literally in two weeks of it being listed. There is a lot happening right now thanks to Viking’s innovations, a strong stock market and consistently low interest rates.”
The first quarter of 2020 should be exciting for Viking Yachts and its dealers. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in buying or selling a Viking.
Best Places To See Them
There are several upcoming opportunities to tour and sea trial a Viking or a Valhalla center console. The New York Boat Show, celebrating its 110 anniversary in late January, will be the Northeast premier of the Valhalla V-37. Powered with triple 400-hp Mercury Verado engines, the V-37 is sure to be the star of the show.
Can’t make it to the New York show? The annual Viking Yachts VIP Preview event will be held Jan. 31 at the Viking Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida. If you’re in the market to purchase a new Viking, this is one of the best opportunities to tour models, speak with Viking factory representatives and sea trial your favorite boat. Slots for sea trials are filling up fast, so contact the SI Yachts main office today at (718) 984-7676 to reserve your time before it’s too late.
Viking also will be represented at the Miami International Boat Show on Key Biscayne and the Miami Yacht Show at its new downtown location. No longer located on Collins Avenue, the Miami Yacht Show is held at One Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay, from San Isle Marina to the MacArthur Causeway. Viking will have an impressive lineup at both shows and will be featuring the Valhalla center console.
SI Yachts has also turned its Freeport, New York, location into the Sportfish center of the Northeast. From Viking, Valhalla, HCB Yachts and more, our Freeport office, located on the Nautical Mile, will always be stocked with an excellent selection of new and preowned fishing boats.
New Sportfish Opportunities Available Now
While building your own custom Viking has its advantages, purchasing an in-stock model can save you money and get you into a boat now. SI Yachts stocks the hottest Viking models available, and each one is ordered by Frank Bongiorno, founder of SI Yachts and an extremely knowledgeable Viking owner himself.
One of the newest sportfish boats from Viking is the 58 Convertible. SI Yachts has a 2020 model outfitted with the very best. The upgraded twin MTU 1600 10V M96L 1,610-hp engines will help you reach over 40 knots while providing an incredibly smooth cruise in the mid-30-knot range. Other options include a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, two 21.5-kW generators, Palm Beach Towers custom hardtop, 41-foot Rupp outriggers, custom electronics from AME, and a three stateroom layout. This 58C is in-stock and ready to fish immediately.
For the sportfish enthusiast who doesn’t want something too big or the center console owner looking to move up, the 38 Billfish is an excellent option. Fast, fun and incredibly easy to maneuver, the new 38 Billfish is the pocket-sized sportfishing yacht you’ve been dreaming about. Twin Cummins 550-hp engines allow for incredible performance, while the 109-square-foot cockpit will give you plenty of room to fight fish. Why wait for the VIP Event when you can tour the 38 Billfish at our Freeport Sportfish Center?
Preowned Viking Yachts Are Here
As a Viking dealer with the ability to take your boat on trade, SI Yachts continually has preowned Vikings available. And if we don’t, we can find one. Here are several previously owned Vikings currently available and on SIYachts.com.
On The Ball is a 2006 Viking 56 Convertible listed for sale at our Freeport location and asking $1,149,000. Built by a knowledgeable Viking owner, she has been cruised, but lightly fished. The MAN 1360 common rail diesels are in great shape and have been well-maintained. Contact SI Yachts broker Rich Lucas for more information, (516) 851-3078.
Dealer’s Choice is a 2015 Viking 46 Convertible located at Los Sueños Marina & Resort in Costa Rica. Built by Frank Bongiorno, this 46C offers the very best options. The MAN V-8 1,000-hp engines have a warranty through 2021 and less than 2,000 hours on them. Maintained to the highest standards, this 46 Convertible is an excellent choice that’s complete with all of the features of Viking’s much larger sportfish models. Contact Frank at (917) 992-6229 to learn more about Dealer’s Choice.
Oh Sonny Boy is a 2009 Viking 52 Open for sale at our Freeport Sportfish Center on the Nautical Mile. Just reduced in price, this boat is an excellent choice for anglers and families who want to cruise. The twin MAN V-12 1,360-hp engines just received their 2,000 hour service and are running in top condition. Other options include underwater lighting, an Eskimo icemaker, and electrical outlets under the gunnels. To set up a showing of Oh Sonny Boy, contact SI Yachts broker Forest Anderson, (410) 279-4536.
2020 will undoubtedly be the year of the Viking, although this seems to be the case every year. Whether you want to buy a new Viking or sell your existing boat, SI Yachts is strategically organized to provide top-notch service. Whether it’s meeting you at the Viking factory for a tour or helping you get service while on a trip to Florida, SI Yachts will deliver the very best in customer service so you can spend more time on the water, enjoying your boat. Give us a call today at (718) 984-7676 to speak with one of our factory-trained Viking professionals.
