In a game of free-word association, the one that comes to mind for the new Viking 42 Open is circle. A strange thought at first consideration, given the boat’s triangulated tower and sharp forefoot. But to me it makes sense.
Maybe it’s the Zeus propulsion system that can spin the boat around within its own length. Or maybe it’s the stellar 360-degree view from the Palm Beach-style helm on the command deck. Or it could be that Viking is building a 42-footer, returning to a model size evocative of its classic 40 convertible from nearly 40 years ago (see our complete photo gallery here).
While not the first time Viking has built something in the 40-foot range, it is (along with the sister 42 Convertible) the first time the company has built a boat with pod-drives. Or, I should say, specifically for pod-drive installation. The fact that a traditional builder such as Viking has taken the plunge shows that pods are going mainstream. Viking has its reasons. “A lot of our 42 customers are moving up from large center consoles,” said Peter Frederiksen, Viking’s director of communications. “The pods take away the intimidation of moving from outboards to inboards.”
Viking designers worked with Cummins MerCruiser Diesel representatives from the first CAD drawing to perfect the balance and weight distribution within the boat, and to shape the pocket tunnels in the hull that house the drives. The results can be seen both above and below deck in the finished product.
