“The 68 Convertible is a quintessential Viking,” Yachting previously reported. “She’s sweetly sized for the tournament scene or overnighters in the canyons, but not so ostentatiously imposing that she becomes cumbersome. This is a vessel that can cruise or fish, and that can do both in style and comfort.”
Twin MTU 2000 V12 M96L diesels power Jo-Li, a 2019 Viking 68C currently listed with HMY Yachts for $5.249 million. The 68-foot sportfisherman will see a top hop of 41 knots with this setup, “a speed that any fisherman trying to beat the clock back to the docks for a weigh-in will appreciate.”
“The 68 is another legendary boat in a long line of fishing boats for Viking in the 60-foot and 70-foot range,” Viking President and CEO Patrick Healey said when Hull No. 1 launched. “No one is doing the job we are doing today in this size range.”
Angling enthusiasts will rejoice over Jo-Li’s 176-square-foot teak-sole cockpit, with every inch maximized for fishability, including a tackle cabinet, a bait freezer, two in-sole fish boxes, a livewell in the transom and mezzanine seating with Cruisair “Cool Breeze” A/C and refrigeration. Its high-gloss teak Release fighting chair with rocket launcher and custom rigging table further illustrate the 68C’s primary mission is chasing (and catching) big billfish. When it’s time to cool off or rig baits, set up the carbon-fiber poles and pull out the sun shade.
The flybridge has a three-sided EZ2CY enclosure with vents and a Palm Beach helm on centerline. Fishing rods stow under port and starboard bench seats while an additional freezer and bench seat are forward of the helm station.
Viking is about fishing, but this boatbuilder doesn’t overlook plush comforts. Stepping into the salon, sole-to-ceiling satin-finish walnut creates a comfortable and warm environment to retire to after a long day of catching marlin, tuna and wahoo. The salon’s frameless windows keep guests and crew connected to the ocean while they enjoy the L-shaped sofa and high-gloss coffee table or the flat-screen TV and U-shaped dinette forward to port.
Meal-prep amenities in Jo-Li’s galley are notable for the island bar with three custom stools, Cambria countertops, custom amtico sole, tile backsplash, stowage and a walk-in pantry. Appliances include:
- 6 Sub-Zero under-counter, refrigerator and freezer drawers
- Under-mount stainless-steel sink with garbage disposal
- Kenmore trash compactor
- Sharp Carousel convection microwave oven
- Recessed Kenyon 3-burner cooktop
When the day of fishing comes to an end, belowdecks there are accommodations for six guests and two crew. The amidships master stateroom has a walkaround queen berth. The forepeak VIP stateroom has a centerline queen berth and the port guest stateroom has bunk berths. Each stateroom has a flat-screen TV and en suite head. The crew cabin also has bunk berths, a flat-screen TV and en suite head.
Some other notable features on board Jo-Li include:
- Seakeeper SK26 Stabilizer will be replaced in March 2024 with two-year warranty and option to purchase two additional years
- Two-29 kW Generators
- StarLink system
- FLIR Camera
- Icom HM 195B VHF in tower
- Garmin electronics
- Two Icom IC-m605
- Furuno, 235DHTLMSE HI – PRECTMP2 transducer
- KVH Tracphone, V3 – IP new in 2021
- MOFI Cellular 4G/LTE router
- AYDN navigation PC
- Nobletec TZ Professional
- Nobeltec TZ Touch
- KVH HD7 SATV with Tri-Americas LMB
- Two Apple TV5 4K, 64 GB digital-media receivers
Where is Jo-Li located? The yacht is currently lying in North Palm Beach, Florida.
Take the next step: Contact HMY Yacht Sales, Greg Hunt, 561-926-8017, ghunt@hmy.com
Quick Specifications
- Length Overall: 68′
- Maximum Beam: 19’2″
- Fuel Capacity: 2,443 Gal.
- Draft: 5’5″
