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52 Viking Sport Yacht Hardtop 2007

Viking Yachts

52 Viking Sport Yacht Hardtop 2007 Review

Source: Dave McPhail, Canadian Yachting Magazine

FOR OPENERS
Do you remember when you saw your first Viking? My sense is that when you did you never forgot the lines, the style, and the lasting impression it had on you. Whether it was 44 years ago when Bob andBill Healey bought Peterson-Viking and were building 37 foot sport fishing boats or, more recently, when you saw one of the over 4000 semi-custom fiberglass models that Viking builds now you realized that this manufacturer was destined to be the world leader it has become today.

Viking builds quality, luxury yachts and rivals any and all that have come into the marketplace, irrespective of the origin of the other models. The Healey brothers truly led this New Jersey based no obstructions at any time.

The electronics installation puts all items into a sensible sight path and within easy reach should adjustments or alterations be necessary while underway. All gauges and electronic displays are located in the console at the helm and all safety monitoring is easily read and
handled here. There are visual and audible alarms for fire, engine room temperature, high bilge water, high exhaust temperature, low oil pressures for the engines and generator. Proper system operation can also be easily confirmed viewing the gauges at this helm.

The salon is an excellent place to spend time and to entertain. It is large, climate controlled while the seating is inviting and very comfortable. The large cabinet to starboard which houses the television also has a bar, complete with a refrigerator and icemaker, so all refreshments and snacks can be served right in the salon itself.

Some Other Features:

FURTHER BELOW
As mentioned earlier, Viking builds their boats semi-custom. This particular 52 Sport Yacht is a good example of that process. Going below, you immediately enter the large galley along the starboard side of the vessel. Across from this area is the master suite and fully forward is the guest stateroom.

GALLEY
The galley is immediately on your right when you enter the lower area of this boat. Great planning on its location, since you may need to serve into the salon above and this makes the location of the galley very sensible. The galley floor is a teak / holly laminate complementing the high gloss teak finish below. The Corian countertop is long and unencumbered. A flush mounted cook top to the right with the sink further forward provides the chef a very large preparation area for special snacks and gourmet meals that can be easily prepared on board. A welcome feature is that the sink has a garbage disposal to eliminate much waste from having to be saved and taken ashore while
appropriately recycling into the natural environment.

Across the companionway from the galley and behind an enclosed door is the stackable, front loading washer/dryer. This addition is welcomed by all aboard on longer trips. All overhead lighting is halogen with dimmers to save power and to provide ambient lighting when the work in the galley is over. There is a microwave / convection oven and large capacity refrigerator and freezer all hidden behind cabinetry and giving the galley interior a clean, uncluttered look.

In the galley there are storage cabinets located above and below with no lack of space. Every bit of available space has been utilized as designers have reached far back to the outer hull where cabinet storage is actually under the walkaround part of the outer structure.

The galley region also houses the main electrical panel for the 52 Viking. The panel is elaborate and could be somewhat daunting to some, but one soon realizes it is very necessary to house all of the features that the electrical system on this boats is called upon to supply for the comfort t all aboard.

Some Other Features:

GUEST STATEROOM
Fully forward is the Guest Stateroom. This cabin has upper and lower berths with the lower being somewhat larger. The lower berth raises to display a large storage area beneath. The Guest Suite is climate controlled with air/heat and the low voltage overhead lights are all on dimmers. There is carpeted floor in this area and a hanging locker with drawer storage space.

Bedspreads of a quilted designer style along with pillow shams, fitted cotton sheets and pillows are all supplied and colour coordinated to complete the package. Stereo speakers are connected to the salon stereo but there is a private volume control in the guest stateroom to allow for listening when the guests want to do so.

Some Other Features:

GUEST HEAD
From the Guest Stateroom, access to the head is private. Although shared with the salon and galley area, this is as close to a private head for guests as it gets. The climate controlled head has a dry head and vanity with a Corian top and recessed sink. The vinyl floor makes for easy cleanup and maintenance.

Towel bars, rings, faucets in both the shower and on the sink area are solid satin nickel. Counter tops have rounded edges for safety. The shower and vanity area have their own lights and exhaust fans to remove unwanted air and moisture. The medicine cabinet has mirrored doors and the cabinet below is teak faced.

Some Other Features:

MASTER STATEROOM
Our review 52 Viking had the large stateroom to port with a large double bed that lifts on gas pistons to reveal a very large storage area and 2 large drawers. Like all special areas of the 52 Sport Yacht, the Master Suite is climate controlled with air / heat and private temperature controls. The floor is carpeted, and there are teak and maple lined hanging lockers in this area.

Overhead lights are are Xenon and the low voltage lights are on dimmers. In addition, overhead reading lights have been installed. They are connected to separate switches so one can retire to sleep while the other person has a light on to read the latest news or a
great novel.

Mounted on the wall, easily seen from the bed, is a flatscreen LD 15 inch TV. With the remote and the DVD player, there is no time regardless of your location when you are not able t catch the latest news or see a movie you may have brought along with you.

The designer quilted bedspread, pillow shams and sheets are supplied from Viking. The colour package is coordinated and the accents are designed with that special touch of a professional designer.

Some Other Features:

MASTER HEAD
The head of the Master Suite is private and it has its own access from the stateroom. There is a private shower stall, Corian counter top with safely rounded edges, vinyl flooring and much more.

All towel bars, rings and faucets are solid brushed nickel. The head is air conditioned and there is an exhaust fan. Overhead lighting is recessed in the ceiling and in the soffits.. The medicine cabinet has mirrored doors and the lower cabinet is teak faced. The Master Suite
is large, luxurious and extremely well designed.

A quick look around below and you are again impressed with the clean, uncluttered look and feel of the large Master Stateroom and the large functional galley. Carpeted floors of the suites give way to the teak and holly sole of the galley and the transition provides a pleasant break while accenting the overall appeal of the lower level of the Viking 52 Sport Yacht.

Some Other Features:

BACK TOP SIDES
Once again on the rear cockpit deck we take a journey forward. The side walkways are wide and flat. Rails are high and sturdy to allow one to move to the foredeck area easily and safely.

Grab rails are are mounted to both sides of the hard top for safe and easy access forward. The foredeck is large and quite flat, so that footing is safe on the molded in non skid tread area. The anchor locker is fully forward and easily accessible from the deck. Stainless steel forward, spring and stern cleats are thru-bolted to aluminum backing plates.

UNDERWAY
As we previously stated, we saw the Viking 52 Sport Yacht Hard Top in the Showroom at Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. As a result, a water trial was not an option at the time of the Review.

However, discussion with Staff at JBYS revealed some valuable information about the performance of the 52 Viking.

Our review boat was fitted with Man Diesel engines in a traditional shaft, strut, rudder prop configuration. The MAN V-12 1360 CRM… 1360 HP Inboards deliver power to spare. The response in and around the dock is sharp with the large 5 blade props and the handling is precise and quick. Add this all to the bow thruster installed at factory and this is a nimble 52 footer to say the least.

FINAL THOUGHTS
OK so maybe you don’t recall when and where you saw your first Viking. But you will remember having seen this 52 Sport Yacht and other models in today’s Viking Fleet.

Viking has continually strived to develop and utilize innovative details to be the leading edge in yacht building and design. Except for engines, appliances and electronics almost all of a Viking is supplied or built by Viking. They take care of every detail and the
company makes keeping your yacht in top condition simple and easy.

Whether it is the fiberglass fuel tank or a wiring harness that is labelled every 8 inches as to its function you have unparalleled quality and engineering. Or maybe it is the ability to isolate the water supply to an area of the boat because there is a problem, and shutting off all of the water is really not desirable and certainly not wanted… well, look under the galley floor and see why Viking is quality personified.

Take another look at the cockpit area and notice the large self-bailing cockpit, sea water washdown, and the large scuppers. There is also a large rounded coaming which provides comfort and safety. Everything has been thought about and initiated in the Viking building program. Take a look at the large lazarette hatch that opens to allow easy access to the trim tabs, steering, drain pumps and extra prop storage. Viking has thought of it all .. for safety and design.

“Lead not Follow” is the motto for Viking. If the quality of this 52 Sport Yacht is the indicator then see for yourself why Viking is the standard by which other boats are judged… and you do need to see the “Viking Difference.”

Boat Specifications: 52 Viking Sport Yacht Hardtop 2007

Length                         52ft

Beam                           17ft 3in

Draft                           5ft 2in

Dead Rise                   15º

Weight                                    62000lbs

Fuel Capacity              1200gal

Make                           MAN

Model                          Inboard Diesel

HP                               1360