The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish evolved from the 38 Billfish flybridge. It’s an express boat built for die-hard anglers and is considered one of the top sport fishing yachts, despite its smaller size.
The 38′s centerline helm station allows for 360-degree visibility, thanks to a step-up platform, center windshield, curved corner glass and open aft space; Bimini curtains help to keep air conditioning in and heat out. The console has room for twin 17-inch Garmin multifunction displays, an engine monitor and speed/depth logs. A joystick controller should come in handy for close-quarters maneuvering with the twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels.
A radio box to port of the Palm Beach-style helm pod (with bow-thruster buttons in the single-lever controls) houses the VHF radios and touch-button controls for the Seakeeper SK6 stabilizer. Behind a drop-down ceiling panel are recessed electric teaser reels. Release Marine bolster-style helm and companion chairs should offer comfort during long runs and in rough seas.
The 38 Open Billfish may be the smallest yacht that Viking offers, but it has the same fit and finish as its larger siblings. From the blister-resistant vinylester coating on the fiberglass and foam-cored hull to the white Awlgrip engine room and bilge to the serial-numbered interior cabinet doors (if one is damaged, the builder can create an exact match), this boat is as detailed as the builder’s 92-footer.
Belowdecks, the galley has a sandalwood Corian countertop, two-burner Kenyon recessed stove with a Corian cover, cabinet-mounted Samsung microwave, and two Isotherm fridge-freezer drawers with an ice maker.
Across from the galley is an 81-inch-long sofa, in perfect view of the wall-mounted 21-inch flat-screen TV. Aft in the salon is a head with a Corian countertop, freshwater electric toilet and enclosed fiberglass shower stall.
Twin bunks are forward, with a single upper bunk and double lower—enough space for a tournament crew to catch some sleep. Throughout the yacht, the cabinets are finished in juno teak. There also are an Amtico vinyl teak-and-holly sole, maple-lined hanging lockers and cabinets, and brushed-nickel faucets.
The high-end accoutrements are welcome, but the Viking 38 Open Billfish is all about chasing story-worthy fish. With a bait freezer, port and starboard in-deck fish boxes, a fighting-chair mounting plate, a livewell, rod holders, a transom door, a fridge, and insulated stowage, the yacht is equipped to let owners fish from the coast to the canyons. The vessel’s 14-foot beam helps create a 109-square-foot cockpit for doing battle.
Opt for the Palm Beach Towers tuna tower, and the 38 Open Billfish will be ready to hit the tournament trail. (Winning fish not included.)
Take the next step: vikingyachts.com
