Having spent hundreds of hours as a tournament angler aboard various Viking sport-fishermen over the years, with much of that time in the cockpit of the original Viking 74, I looked forward to checking out the updated version prior to its debut at this year’s Miami International Boat Show.
For more than 60 years, Viking Yacht Company has been a leader in the semi-custom sport-fish market, thanks to virtually nonstop development of new boats and the constant evolution of existing models. Case in point: the Viking 74 Convertible.
The first-generation 74, built from 2004 through 2008, was a highly sought-after model for its onboard comfort, long-range capability and excellent fishability. That model also had a top speed of 37 knots with twin 2,000 hp MTUs, making it among the fastest sport-fishers on the water. Speed jumped to 40 knots when 2,400 hp engines became available.
The new second-gen 74-footer has the advantage of even more horsepower—2,600 hp MTUs—plus a variety of hull design improvements. It’s also available with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System, which utilizes struts and rudders with modified shapes to minimize hydrodynamic resistance and improve performance.
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Computational fluid dynamics helped the Viking design team refine a number of elements on the new boat, including the longitudinal center of gravity, hull resistance and trim angle. Viking’s team also modified the running surface, with strakes and chines that are particularly aggressive for increased lift and spray deflection. The boat’s length-to-beam ratio was dialed in for improved ride quality.
The hull—as well as fuel, water and waste tanks, and all structural bulkheads—is constructed with resin infusion. A variety of core materials are used, with specific densities depending on their location. Carbon fiber helps to make sure the boat is strong and fast.
I had the opportunity to check out the Viking 74 in southern Florida, and I came away thoroughly impressed with the new design.
The first thing I noticed was performance. Every angler knows that if you can be the first one to reach the fish in the morning, or have the ability to move in a hurry when a hot bite turns on over the horizon, you have a distinct advantage, especially on the big-money tournament circuit. The Viking 74C that I got aboard had an optimal fast cruising speed of 37.6 knots at 2,100 rpm with the optional twin 2,635 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines. This speed yielded a range of 352 nautical miles with a standard fuel load of 2,030 gallons and a 5 percent safety reserve.
Backing off the throttles a bit to 1,700 rpm and 28 knots let the range climb to 406 nautical miles. Still not enough? The optional 600 gallons of additional fuel capacity will let this yacht run even farther.
We saw calm seas and light winds off Palm Beach, Florida, so we were able to wring out the big Viking’s top end. At 2,456 rpm, the boat hit 45 knots with ease. It also carved turns with aplomb and backed down rapidly in any direction, at a clip much faster than most anglers can wind the reel.
In fact, the 74 will be part of the builder’s factory demonstrator fishing team for this summer and beyond, so expect to see it at tournaments along the East Coast and in Bermuda.
Back at the dock for a full walk-through, my first impression of the teak-topped cockpit was its size: 216 square feet of fish-fighting room for a team of anglers to spread out. Two full-length in-deck fish boxes are to port and starboard, with a centerline hatch for easy access to the optional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer. The transom has a fish box that can also be used as a livewell to keep a full day’s supply of bait ready to go. The unlimited-class Release Marine fighting chair can be swapped out for a multirod rocket launcher when the day calls for lighter tackle.
Moving into the salon, I liked the North American walnut used for the woodwork throughout. It is enhanced by dimmable strip lighting recessed in the overhead. The woodwork can be finished in gloss or satin. (I prefer the latter, since it tends to hide fingerprints better.)
With 80 inches of headroom throughout the boat, it feels spacious, open and inviting. A day head is immediately to port after entering from the cockpit. The galley is offered in two configurations: the standard U-shaped layout with a wraparound lounge, and an open version with an island counter and lounge on the starboard side.
The 74’s standard accommodation plan consists of four staterooms, each with an en suite head and a separate shower. The layout also has a dedicated rod-and-tackle room, with stowage for fishing gear and a workbench for maintaining everything in good working order.
For those who enjoy chasing billfish, tuna and other pelagic species in the deep blue waters of the world, there are a select few semi-custom boatbuilders that produce vessels with the right combination of performance, accommodations, luxury and eye-catching style. This iteration of the 74C once again puts Viking Yachts at the top of that list.
The Legacy
Viking Yacht Company has been building luxury performance sport-fishing and cruising yachts for more than six decades. Founded by brothers Bob and Bill Healey in 1964 when they bought Peterson Viking—at the time, a builder of 37-foot wooden sport-fishing boats—Viking has grown to become a world leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production. The yard has delivered more than 5,500 vessels. The current fleet includes more than a dozen models from 38 to 90 feet.
Vertical Integration
More than 90 percent of every Viking is built in-house by the yard’s workforce at its 880,000-square-foot facility in New Gretna, New Jersey. Viking subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics, Palm Beach Towers and Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, work with the builder to outfit vessels with optional electronics, tops, towers and accessories, making the boats virtually turnkey for buyers who can add bait and go fishing.
Take the next step: vikingyachts.com
