67 Viking Sport Cruiser Motor Yacht

Boat Review

Source: Tom Thompson, Sea Magazine

Brawn complemented by beauty

One difference between a bluewater fishing boat and a luxury motoryacht is seakeeping ability. The former is made to take a pounding; the latter is made to take calm waters. On the other hand, when the company that builds some of the finest bluewater fishing boats also puts its name on a luxury motoryacht, synergy occurs. The new Viking Sport Cruisers 67 Motor Yacht is a vessel that’s ready to take on the elements with refined style.

The only disappointment about my sea trial of the 67 Motor Yacht was that the weather was too nice. I tested another Viking Sport Cruiser several years ago on one of the worst days for a sea trial I had ever encountered. I was so looking forward to a repeat performance. We did put the 67 through her paces and she performed well. But I missed that warm and fuzzy feeling of looking at nasty seas outside a window from the comfort of a smooth, stable ride.

Indoor Comfort
The deep-V running surface of the 67 Motor Yacht is designed to take on most any sea condition with safety and comfort. Despite the greater-than-40-ton loaded displacement, the boat’s handling is as smooth as silk. Steering response is instantaneous and positive. The twin Caterpillar C-18 diesels, each rated at 1,015 hp, accelerated with a sense of quiet determination. From a standing start, the 67 Motor Yacht got to a planing speed of 15 knots in what seemed like the blink of an eye. At a top end speed of 31 knots, the sound level reading on the open flybridge was only 75 dB. It felt as though the boat was hardly moving. Seas were running 3 to 4 feet, yet the ride was very soft and comfortable.

There’s a subtle and understated beauty to go with the quiet brawn of the Viking 67 Motor Yacht. The exterior lines are as smooth and sensuous as the ride. The flybridge has a centerline helm with dual bucket seats. An enormous expanse of settee seating extends from just right of the helm and travels along the starboard side, broken in the middle by a refrigerated cool box. It then curves back in a C-shape aft to encompass a dining table. A covered console directly behind the helm seats holds a barbecue grill and a sink. There’s space at the aft of the bridge deck for tender storage and a davit.

The main deck has an open cockpit area that’s covered by the flybridge overhang. Viking offers an optional crew stateroom beneath this that’s accessible through a deck hatch. It features twin berths and a full head with stall shower. Two steps down from the main deck level, the swim platform is deep enough to stow a personal watercraft. The davit on the flybridge is positioned to service both locations.

Wide Open
The 67 Motor Yacht’s salon is filled with light because there are no bulkheads or obstructions. Two levels of windows run along each side, overlapping at the center. They correspond with the two deck levels in the space. The galley has unique panels that separate it from the rest of the area. Flip an electrical switch, and the lights change from clear to frosted. You get privacy, but light still comes through. Standard appliances include a residential-grade flush-top electric range, dishwasher and ice-maker as well as a separate refrigerator/freezer. A full set of dishes and silverware comes with the boat and stores in dedicated compartments that secure their items when seas get rough.

The salon seating area aft has a U-shaped couch to starboard and a bench seat along the port side. There’s a U-shaped dining area forward and to port. A 30-inch LCD TV in the salon is standard, as is a refrigerated wine cabinet. In addition to a stairway aft from the cockpit, you can access the flybridge from the salon via an attractively finished wood spiral staircase.

The lower station on the 67 Motor Yacht is on the starboard side forward of the galley. It has two individual leather bucket seats. When the glass panels in the galley are set to clear, you have good visibility for running the boat. A door adjacent to the helm gives you quick access to the sidedeck.

The standard configuration of the lower deck has three staterooms and three full heads with stall showers. The master is amidships and full beam. There’s a queen berth with walking room on three sides. A sofa flanked by end tables runs the length of the starboard side and there’s a dressing table along the port. The VIP stateroom is forward and has a pedestal queen berth. A dressing table runs along the port side here, as well. The third stateroom has spacious dimensions both side to side as well as up and down. It holds a pair of single berths.

What impressed me most about the lower deck is the amount of space, both for people and gear. Each stateroom has a large hanging locker as well as smaller spaces and drawers placed to take advantage of every bit of usable storage area. The minimum headroom I found is 6 feet, 3 inches at one end of the third stateroom. The shower stalls all measure 6 feet, 6 inches. Another standard feature on the 67 Motor Yacht that’s often an option on other boats is a laundry pair. The washer and dryer are located in a closet off the lower deck companionway. There’s also shelving for linen storage here.

A look around the engine room gives you a hint of the hidden brawn that holds the 67 Motor Yacht together. The hand-laid fiberglass construction features engine beds molded with the hull and an integrally bonded stringer system. This beauty’s built to take whatever comes her way.