55 Viking

Source: Tom Thompson, Sea Magazine

Because of high demand, perhaps the only way to enjoy a Viking 55 Convertible is vicariously

The styling of Viking’s 55 Convertible is impeccable. The range of choices in configuration and options is extensive. The 55 has caught the eye of more than a few sportfishing enthusiasts since it was introduced over a year ago. They’ve been lining up for a spot on the delivery schedule.

The Viking 55 draws on the heritage of the New Jersey company’s 35 years of sportfishing experience. However, all that lies below the surface. From its outward appearance, the 55 is a new breed. It has a smooth, soft profile with an elegantly swept and unbroken sheerline. The proportions are just right. There’s not a straight line or hard corner to be found.

Because of the demand, there aren’t many 55s available at dealerships. Viking Yachts arranged for us to test one that had already been delivered to its owner. This way, we could see the final results of the added personal touches such as a custom tower, a hard top and a full soft-top enclosure; teak toe rails along the gunnels and transom coverboards; and a teak sole in the cockpit.

Custom Designs
As part of the sales package, Viking Yachts offers the services of an interior designer, who works closely with buyers in selecting fabrics and accessories to create the right mood belowdecks. The owner of our test boat had chosen a big game motif, which was carried out by the use of wallpaper and paintings throughout the cabin. The palette incorporated darker earth tones to match the maple woodwork and cabinetry, and the scheme created an inviting and spacious atmosphere.

The 55 Convertible’s main saloon is surrounded on three sides by a large expanse of glass that is essentially unbroken save for the main electrical panel just to starboard of the cabin entrance. At the base of the panel is an entertainment center and bar; forward is the dining area with extended L-shaped seating to accommodate eight people. Another L-shaped settee is situated aft to port.

Although you can configure the 55’s galley with an aft facing countertop to open the area to the saloon, the owner of our test boat opted to partially close in this space to hold a residential-size side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. He also equipped the galley with a dishwasher, a four-burner electric stove flush with the countertop, and a deep-well porcelain sink. The galley cabinets were exceptionally deep and had roll-out trays, some of which were fitted with compartments to hold tableware. The space was quite workable, about the size of what you might find in a small apartment.

Comfortable Quarters
Configuration options on the 55 extend to the sleeping quarters. Our boat had three staterooms and two heads below, plus a separate cabinet for the washer/dryer combo and one for linens and cleaning supplies. To starboard was a spacious cabin with bunk beds and a walk-in, cedar-lined closet. Forward, the owner had chosen to fit four bunks into the V and opted for a triangular filler cushion to make the lower bunks a large double. The space was very roomy and included a pair of hanging lockers, a chest of drawers and more drawers under the bottom berths.

The master suite featured a queen-size berth, accessible from both sides and flanked by nightstands. Along the port side was a credenza with large drawers for storage. On the forward bulkhead, there was a large hanging locker to port, countered by a mirrored vanity/dressing table. Each of the heads had 6 feet, 5 inches of vertical room, including the shower stalls.

The 55 Convertible’s flybridge is as spacious for passengers as it is for gear. The helm of our test boat was equipped with both a 14-inch Furuno radar and a separate chart plotter, not to mention several other pieces of navigation gear. Nothing was cramped here. Flip open the lid of the radio box to starboard and there’s ample space for both a VHF and SSB radio, and a cell phone.

Space to Do It Right
When you get down to business on the 55 Convertible, you’ll find the layout is spacious and efficient. The cockpit measures 153 square feet. There’s a live well in the sole, along with a removable and refrigerated fishbox large enough to hold trophy-size catches. A bait prep center and tackle drawers, along with a top-loading freezer, are to port of the cabin door. To starboard is a cabinet that accesses shore hookups along and provides storage for a gaff and boat hook. Beneath one step to the cabin

is a refrigerated drink cooler. Everything in the cockpit follows the style of the smooth flowing lines of the 55 Convertible’s exterior. Doors are flush and seem to disappear due to the absence of exposed hardware. Everything has a place to be stowed and there’s nothing protruding into the workspace to get in your way.

Our 55 Convertible ran as smooth as it looked. The optional twin 1,200 hp MAN diesels provided quick, solid acceleration. Viking designed a totally new hull for this boat, with emphasis on being able to slice through head seas with minimal bow steer. Let go of the wheel at cruising speed and

it tracks a very straight line. Passing through wakes or heading into a slight chop, I could see the spray being deflected by the bow but could hardly feel a thing. According to our test boat’s captain, the 55 is exceptionally stable in following seas. It handles well and the cockpit remains dry.

The 55 reached a top speed of 37.5 knots at 2,300 rpm and a cruising speed of 32.8 knots at 2,000 rpm.

If you’re looking to put your mark on a serious bluewater fishing boat, check out the Viking 55. Unlike many other production boats, you can configure the 55 to your own needs and taste, yet not pay the price of a custom design.