48C Viking Yacht 2009

Source: Power & Motoryacht Magazine

The 130 square-foot cockpit is the winning formula for blue-water champions with a bait freezer, rigging station and abundant stowage. The 48C cockpit comes standard with engineroom access, a Glendinning Cablemaster, a recessed fishwell, stereo speakers, four flush rod holders, recessed hawse pipes, a transom door and a one-piece anodized aluminum ladder to the flying bridge.

She’s a Lady…
Vikings have always been designed for blood and fish guts in the cockpit but increasingly over the years the company has paid attention to the cruising amenities. The dual role that these boats are playing nowadays is apparent as soon as you step inside. How many dedicated fishing boats do you see at the commercial docks with varnished teak cabinetry and a home theater system. At Viking, they went the extra mile and did the interior to a high level of fit and finish. There are no half measures here.

A large U-shaped galley with all the amenities and the main salon that take up almost the boat’s entire 16′ 6″ (5.03 m) beam. The dinette seats four. The L-shaped lounge to port converts to a sleeper and also conceals rod storage.

Accommodating Indeed…
Viking used a bit of forward thinking to allow for either a two or three stateroom layout. Take your pick. Knowing that this yacht appeals to the offshore angler as well as the cruiser, the choice of either layout is an advantageous one.

Three staterooms allow for a cruising couple and their guests, whether they are two other couples or perhaps two people that aren’t necessarily married. But if you’re looking for fishing and nothing else, then the extra stateroom is simply taking up space. We’ve always felt that the customer should decide what’s best for himself, and accommodating those needs and wants are the hallmark of a survivor in a tough economy.

Both layouts have their advantages but the three staterooms limits itself a bit in that two of the staterooms offer bunks. There is no “two full staterooms and one double berth” option as you sometimes find. But let’s bear in mind that this is a boat, not a love motel. If you’re fishing with a lot of guys it’s just right.

Fit for the Fight…
The 130 sq.ft. (12sm) cockpit is the centerpiece of this workhorse. It comes with all the required amenities such as bait freezer, rigging station etc… As is typical in this class, this is also where the engine room access is located. Her engine room is roomy and allows access to all sides of either of the two MAN engine choices available for this boat, that are resting on two powder coated I-Beam engine beds.

Twin MAN V8’s take up the center stage in the engine room, but still allow for access all around. Note the air filtration system to port and starboard that keep moisture and particles from getting to the machinery space. All systems checks and expendables are within easy reach.

Vital Stats…
The Viking 48C has a length overall (LOA) of 48′ 10″ (14.88 m) and a beam of 16′ 6″ (5.03 m). She carries a draft of 4′ 9 (1.48 m) which is about typical for a boat in this class. She displaces 56,450 lbs. (25,605 k), and since she’s made for running to the canyons, her fuel supply of 1,012 gals. (3,830 L) will get you there and back with plenty of time to loiter. Water is another story. 174 gals. (659 L) is a little light, when others are carrying 200 gals (757 L). A water maker would make a big difference, particularly when cruising and using two showers, sink, dishwasher, and clothes washer. But for day fishing, 174 gallons will suffice.

For getting to the fight, you can choose either twin MAN V8’s at 900-hp or MAN V10’s with 1100-hp. Probably not a hard decision considering the job for which she’s tasked.

As a dual role convertible the Viking 48C is a solid yacht that has qualities that appeal to a wide range of clientele. If you’re in the market for a fishing machine that cleans up for the formal affair, you owe it to yourself to check her out.

Boat Specifications: 48C Viking Yacht 2009