The Viking Yachts 54 Open is the southern New Jersey builder’s largest express yacht and the new flagship of its Open series. The lineup also includes 44-, 48- and 52-foot models. The 54 comes in Sport Tower and Sport Coupe versions too.
All three models have the same hull form, which comes from the builder’s 54 Convertible, with a fine entry and 12 degrees of transom deadrise. The modified-V form should make for easy planing and be a stable platform when running in a seaway, trolling for pelagics, or drifting over a patch of fish-filled bottom. To stabilize the 54 Open even more, owners can add a Seakeeper SK9 or SK18 gyrostabilizer.
The 54 Open’s fiberglass hull is constructed via vacuum infusion with Baltek end-grain balsa below the waterline and Airex foam coring above it. Encapsulated foam-filled fiberglass stringers add backbone and rigidity. Additionally, the vessel’s fuel, freshwater and holding tanks are built via infusion. This process optimizes the resin-to-glass ratios and reduces overall weight.
With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch trolled baits. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door, to name a few.
The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. The helm console has real estate for three 22-inch multifunction displays. (An owner can opt to outfit his yacht’s electronics via Viking’s subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics.) Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.
Belowdecks, a galley is to starboard with high-gloss walnut cabinets, Sub-Zero fridge and freezer drawers, an electric cooktop, and a microwave/convection oven. Across from the galley is an L-shaped settee with a high-low table.
Standard accommodations are two staterooms and two heads. Three staterooms are optional.
Powerplants are twin 1,400 hp (standard) or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. Projected performance data was not available at press time.
Take the next step: vikingyachts.com
