Express Models

Viking had built a number of Express Models in the past and offered two more in this period. Both were built on the same hull, engines and parts of the interiors as convertible models also in production. Viking also designed the interiors of these "Open" models with the same high quality teak components as their convertible models. Slightly lighter than the convertibles, but with the same engines, these models were a little faster, even when fitted with towers and outriggers.

43 Open

1994-2002. The 43 Open was introduced almost ten years after the previous Viking Open model was discontinued - the 35 Open. This one was built on the 43 Convertible hull, introduced just a few years earlier. Although 4500 pounds lighter than the Convertible it used the same engines. Inside was high-quality teak cabinetry and featured a forward stateroom with centerline queen berth, a galley and head with shower. An optional second sleeping area in the saloon included bunk beds, replacing the convertible couch. The bridgedeck included a centerline helm and seating for ten. Twin diesel straight inboards of 550-800 HP were located under the bridgedeck and accessed from the cockpit. Speeds were 25-40 knots.

50 Open

1999-2003. The 50 Open is designed on the 50 Convertible hull introduced a few years earlier. The large cockpit is 144 sq ft, and provides access to the engine room. The helm on the bridgedeck is located on center. Inside the master stateroom is in the bow with a walk-around queen berth and access to the master head with a stall shower. A second day head is located just inside the cabin door to limit cabin traffic while fishing. A complete galley in the saloon includes under-counter refridge-freezer, two-burner stove and Corian countertops. Like the later Convertible, power is twin Man diesels of 1050 HP producing almost 40 knots.

Flybridge Models

Viking didn't create revolutionary design changes to their flybridge convertible models, it was more an evolution of continuous improvement. Overall design changed gradually with the evolution of yachts to sleek models with greater angles. Market economies forced an end to the smaller models at Vikings quality level. This period was marked by market demand for larger more powerful engines, requiring stronger, heavier, faster hulls. Viking put as much emphasis on their interiors as they did on their mechanics. New gloss finishes on fine teak walls, cabinets and fixtures; corian countertops and fine fabrics all became standard.

43 Convertible

1990-2002. The 43 Convertible was introduced in 1990 to replace the long-running 40 and 41 Convertibles. Slightly larger, it was an updated, redesigned boat built to handle much larger engines than the 485s of the 41 footer. Inside, the Plan A design included a walk-around queen berth stateroom forward, a head with single stall shower, a U-shaped galley and U-shaped dinette. Plan B, offered a second stateroom with bunk beds replacing the dinette without disturbing the layout. The large flybridge included a rear-located helm station and seating for ten. Twin diesel inboards of 550-800 HP were accessed from the cockpit.

47 Convertible

1994-2002. The 47 Convertible replaced the early 45 Convertible and filled the model line between the 43 and 50 Convertibles. The 47 Convertible is more powerful and faster than the 45. The interior is modernized with a single large master stateroom forward with a centerline queen berth, and a private head with shower. A smaller guest stateroom to starboard contains bunk beds. A U-shaped galley and L-shaped dinette are on the saloon level. The flybridge with aft-located helm station includes seating for ten. The cockpit is large and complete, with access to the engines. Power is provided by twin Man diesels of 680 HP producing 25-32 knots.

50 Convertible

1991-2002. The 50 Convertible was designed to improve upon and replace the successful 48 Convertible. Just two feet longer and a few inches more beam, it is 6,000 lbs heavier to support larger engines. And the hull is modified, not just extended, for improved speed, comfort and dryness. Inside, the master stateroom, with walkaround queen berth, is moved back and the forward stateroom set up with bunks for guests. A third stateroom, also with bunks, an optional Plan C on the 48, is made standard. The salon corner dinette is made standard replacing the booth style dinettes. Initially offered with V-10 Man Diesels at 845 HP, later models are found with 1050 Mans, acessed from the cockpit. Speeds for all are 32-38 knots.

53 Convertible

1990-1998. The 53 Convertible was introduced at the same time as the 38 Convertible; both included new hull and deck design and construction. The 53 Convertible is a three stateroom, two head model. The large master stateroom, on the starboard side, includes a walk-around queen size berth and private head. The forward stateroom and a smaller port stateroom offer bunk beds. This may be the first Viking model to replace the booth-style dinette with a triangular table at an L-shaped lounge in the saloon. The interior is fine teak joinery exclusively. Power is provided by twin Man diesels of 820 or 1000 HP producing speeds over 30 knots. Access to engines is inside the cabin.

55 Convertible

1998-2003. The 55 Convertible was created in the design of the 58 Convertible which was having a successful production at the time. Even the interior layout was almost identicle with the master stateroom amidships to port with a free-standing queen berth. A guest stateroom in the bow, also with a queen berth, and a second guest stateroom to starboard with bunk beds. The U-shaped galley and nearby dinette are located on the saloon level. The cabin is crafted of high quality teak and fabrics. Power was provided by twin diesels accessed from the cockpit, with 1150-1300 HP each, producing speeds up to 38 knots.

58 Convertible

1991-2001. The 58 Convertible replaced the 57 Convertible, which was in production for only three years. The 58 Convertible was created from the 57 hull with changes to improve seakeeping and comfort. Bow angle was increased to cut more easily into head seas, and accounts for the extra foot in length. Bow flare was also increased to deflect spray, also increasing interior volume in the forward stateroom. The aft hull received a slightly rounded transom and rounded aft corners for a smoother ride and to deflect water while backing down. The 58 Convertible was produced in open bridge and enclosed bridge versions. The forward stateroom has been redesignated a guest stateroom, while retaining the centerline queen berth. The master stateroom is on the port side amidships with a free standing queen berth and extensive cabinetry. A third stateroom to starboard offers bunk beds. Engine access is from the large cockpit. Standard power remained Detroit 1080 HP diesels, but 1100 HP Mans, which were much lighter, were also offered, providing 36 knots.

61 Convertible

2000-2006. The 61 Convertible, along with the 65 Convertible, extended the top end of the Viking line at the turn of the Millenium. The 61 Convertible followed on the long success of the 58 Convertible and would eventually replace it. The slightly increased size of 3 feet in length and only 2 inches of beam, provided enough extra space to offer flexibility in design. Both 3 and 4 stateroom versions were offered, as well as open and enclosed bridges, with interior spriral staircases on the enclosed bridge version. The helm is located forward on the enclosed bridge, while shifted aft in sportfishing style on the open bridge. Twin diesels of increased power from 1480-1825 HP were offered, producing speeds over 40 knots.

65 Convertible

1999-2006. The 65 Convertible reigns as Vikings largest during most of it's production. It makes four staterooms standard. The master stateroom amidships to port includes a king-size bed oriented athwartship. The forward stateroom includes a centerline queen berth. A guest stateroom to starboard contains bunk beds. The fourth stateroom, for crew, is immediately aft the master stateroom and down a few steps. It can optionally be configured as an office open to the master stateroom. As crew quarters it opens to the lower cabin area and also directly to the engine room, offering unique Power is provided by twin diesels of 1570-2000 HP, producing up to 39 knots.

72 Convertible

1997-20002. The 72 Convertible, introduced in 1997, would be the largest convertible built by Viking for more than 10 years. Displacing 120,000 lbs, the usual upper hull and topside coring is complemented by coring in selective areas below the waterline. The 72 Convertible includes a large cockpit well equipped for fishing. Most boats are seen with an enclosed flybridge with inside, as well as outside, access. Accomodations include four stateroooms. A master stateroom with kingsize berth, forward stateroom with centerline queen berth, two guest staterooms with twin berths and bunk beds. A well equipped U-shaped galley and perhaps the largest U-shaped dinette seen will feed all aboard. Power is provided by twin Cat and other diesels of 1650-1800 HP, making 26-32 knots.

Motoryachts

Viking continued to produce a number of motoryachts through the 1990s. They continued the combination of motoryachts and cockpit motoryachts. All were built on the 17'4" beam, sometimes called the 17'5" beam. All had the extensive Viking teak interior at the highest level. They also all had definite motoryacht flush-deck lines, rather than being modified sportfishing hulls. Performance of most models was excellent, approaching sportfishing speeds. Vikings long experience building convertible hulls also helped the performance of these motoryachts. And the construction quality was just as sound. Still, these would be the last motoryachts Viking produced. Whether because of their joint marketing agreement with Princess Yachts, producing the Viking Sport Cruiser line, or simply because they decided to focus on convertible sportfisherman, these were the last of a long line of Viking Motoryachts.

54 Sports Yacht

1992-2001. The 54 Sports Yacht, introduced in 1992, would have a long production and, with the related 60 Cockpit Motoryacht, would be the last Motoryachts built by Viking Yachts. It is a split-level three stateroom motoryacht with sportfisherman performance. The master stateroom aft includes a centerline queen berth with extensive teak cabinets and drawers, and a private head. The forward stateroom also includes a centerline queen berth and private head and shower. And a guest stateroom, also forward, includes bunk beds and a hallway head. A large U-shaped galley and L-shaped dinette are on the saloon level. This model includes some white wall surfaces and generous use of wall mirors, as well as traditional Viking teak work. The aft deck is up four steps from the saloon. Power is provided by twin Man diesels of 820-1200 HP, making 22-38 knots.

57 Motoryacht

1991-1995. The 57 Extended Aft Deck Motoryacht, to use the proper model name, replaced the ground-breaking 55 Motoryacht. The main level aft deck is open, rather than enclosed, although fully covered by the extended flybridge deck. The main deck is level from the aft deck through the saloon and galley to the separate pilot house, and even out the pilot house doors to the foredeck. The large U-shaped galley is opposed by a large U-shaped dinette, both set off from the saloon aft and the pilothouse forward like a railroad apartment. This model offers the master stateroom aft with a king berth and head, plus three staterooms forward with two queen berths and bunk beds, and two more heads. The interior decor is more bright white than most Vikings, including the all white galley. Some are seen with teak saloons and staterooms, other are all white. Power is provided by twin J&T Detroit Diesels of 730-760 HP making 15-23 knots - somewhat less than the power of later motoryachts of this era, but in line with traditional power.

60 Cockpit Sport Yacht

1994-2000. The 60 Cockpit Sport Yacht adds an aft cockpit to the 54 Sport Yacht. The interior layout is identical to the 54 Sport Yacht with three staterooms and three heads. Many of this model are seen with the optional hard-enclosed flybridge, which like the aft deck, is air conditioned by the bank of six A/C units onboard. The added aft cockpit is 70 sq ft of open space trailing a swim platform. This provides easy access to the water, an additional boarding option, space for fishing and lounging near water level. Molded seating on the front of the cabin provides foredeck usage. Power is provided by twin Man diesels of 820-1200 HP, making 22-35 knots.

65 Cockpit Motoryacht

1991-1994. The 65 Cockpit Motoryacht adds an aft cockpit to the 57 Extended Aft Deck Motoryacht to provide even more open space to this very open model. The main deck plan is level from end to end, identical to the 57 Motoryacht. A spiral staircase leads from the saloon to the flybridge, and another aft leads to the aft master stateroom hallway, where walk-in engine room access is provided and a utility room with washer and dryer and storage. But the main feature of this model is the sea-level aft cockpit - a 92 sq. ft. affair - accessed via a built-in staircase from the main-level aft cockpit, with storage and seating, plus access to a swim platform. Originally offered with 900 HP Detroit Diesel 12V-71TAs producing a 26 knot top speed, later production offered MAN Diesels of 1000-1050 HP.

65 Motoryacht

1991-1996. The 65 Motoryacht, and the related 72 Cockpit Motoryacht, were the largest motoryachts built by Viking Yachts. They would also be some of the last. Viking put extra effort into this model to control sound levels, which resulted in a very quiet motoryacht. Designed similar to the 57 Motoryacht introduced about a year earlier, this is a level main deck layout from bow to stern. The flybridge deck is extended fully aft to cover the enclosed main-level aft deck. In addition to the master stateroom aft, with a centerline king-size bed, there are three staterooms forward with a centerline queen berth in the bow, a guest stateroom with athwartships double berth, and a third stateroom with bunk beds. Original power was 950 HP MAN Diesels producing 25 knots. Later production included 1040 HP MANs.

72 Cockpit Motoryacht

1991-1994. The 72 Cockpit Motoryacht is the "Cockpit" version of the 65 Motoryacht. These two models superceded the earlier 63 Motoryacht and 70 Cockpit Motoryacht of the Classic Era. In addition to the open sea-level aft cockpit, the fordeck includes molded seating and ample deckspace, and the flybridge is open, although usually seen with a cover, and extends to the aft of the main deck. Engine room access is walk-in from the lower aft stateroom hallway. Power is provided by twin Detroit Diesels of 900-1080 HP producing speeds of 16-24 knots.