48 Viking Convertible 1987

Source: Captain Matt, Boating Life Magazine

Editor Comments: The Viking 48 is the boat that put Viking Yachts on the map. She  has a reputation as a great tournament fishing platform and a great open water boat. Viking’s very popular late 80’s fishfinder. A fast and comfortable hardtop.

Primary use: Fishing

Description: Overall a good boat however there are some things to consider especially when it comes to purchasing a preowned one.

Cockpit: 145 sq. ft cockpit is one of the largest in it’s class not to mention bigger than some larger sportfishing boats. Of course there is room for a full size fighting chair and coolers, etc. The fuel tank is below the cockpit and there are two large fishboxes and livewell on either side. The pitfall about some of the earlier cockpit hatches are their size. They are about 5 ft. long and are hard to open. It’s better to cut the hatch in half and hinge it so it can be opened at either end not to mention less effort. With all large sportfishers there is the usual bait freezers, tackle prep / sink, and tackle drawers.

Cabin: The interior overall is very spacious and done properly. Viking has always tried to do the right thing. While the new Vikings today are in their own league the older ones are still respected as far as quality and fit and finish. Forget what the brokers and brochures say…this boat is perfect for one or two couples when it comes to overnighting. Yes there are berths for eight people however thats pushing it. The majority of 48’s built were Plan A models or galley down. This is the most popular and probably the best one.

Construction: Solid fiberglass bottom. Balsa cored hullsides, decks, and cabin house. Very well built however these boats are prone to water intrusion in the core (balsa wood). Some of the places that this can be found is at the cockpit scuppers in the transom. Over the years the caulk dries out at water starts seeping into the core. And because Balsa is wood it starts soaking it up. This has happened in various places over the boat. If your planning on purchasing an older Viking or any older boat with a wood core be sure to make a good inspection or hire a marine surveyor that can check for you.

Handling: Back in the mid eighties these were basically the fastest production convertibles on the market other than a custom built boat. With a 28-29 knot cruise speed they are still fast for their size however today’s models have surpassed them in speed. The bottom of the 48 is a semi-vee with moderate deadrise at the transom. Despite weighing roughly 46,000 lbs. this boat will slam in a head sea and is very wet. She is best suited for beam and large following seas. They are very stable at rest and at trolling speeds. The propellers and shafts are large compared to an Ocean Yacht of similar size. Turning, spinning, and docking is accomplished without being very dependent on the throttles.

Engine: About 95% of the 48’s came with Detroit Diesel 8v92’s. Some were TI’s and others were TA’s. Some were done by Johnson & Towers with extras like twin turbocharging and double pass heat exchangers, etc. Injector sizes also varied. Some owners want absolute speed and others want longevity. Generators were Westerbeke 15kw.

General: Overall these are still great boats and offer a lot for the money. Used ones range between $245 to $350 depending on year, condition, and upgrades. I used to run one for ten years and would say that I can speak intelligently on their construction, performance, and what to expect as far as pre-purchase is concerned.