Having spent hundreds of hours as a tournament angler aboard various Viking sport-fishermen over the years, with much of that time in the cockpit of the original Viking 74, I looked forward to checking out the updated version prior to its debut at this year’s Miami International Boat Show.

For more than 60 years, Viking Yacht Company has been a leader in the semi-custom sport-fish market, thanks to virtually nonstop development of new boats and the constant evolution of existing models. Case in point: the Viking 74 Convertible.

The first-generation 74, built from 2004 through 2008, was a highly sought-after model for its onboard comfort, long-range capability and excellent fishability. That model also had a top speed of 37 knots with twin 2,000 hp MTUs, making it among the fastest sport-fishers on the water. Speed jumped to 40 knots when 2,400 hp engines became available.

The new second-gen 74-footer has the advantage of even more horsepower—2,600 hp MTUs—plus a variety of hull design improvements. It’s also available with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System, which utilizes struts and rudders with modified shapes to minimize hydrodynamic resistance and improve performance.

Looking for more luxury fishing yachts? Here are 13 you need to check out:
Top 13 Luxury Sport Fishing Yachts You Need to See

Computational fluid dynamics helped the Viking design team refine a number of elements on the new boat, including the longitudinal center of gravity, hull resistance and trim angle. Viking’s team also modified the running surface, with strakes and chines that are particularly aggressive for increased lift and spray deflection. The boat’s length-to-beam ratio was dialed in for improved ride quality.

The hull—as well as fuel, water and waste tanks, and all structural bulkheads—is constructed with resin infusion. A variety of core materials are used, with specific densities depending on their location. Carbon fiber helps to make sure the boat is strong and fast.

I had the opportunity to check out the Viking 74 in southern Florida, and I came away thoroughly impressed with the new design.

The first thing I noticed was performance. Every angler knows that if you can be the first one to reach the fish in the morning, or have the ability to move in a hurry when a hot bite turns on over the horizon, you have a distinct advantage, especially on the big-money tournament circuit. The Viking 74C that I got aboard had an optimal fast cruising speed of 37.6 knots at 2,100 rpm with the optional twin 2,635 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines. This speed yielded a range of 352 nautical miles with a standard fuel load of 2,030 gallons and a 5 percent safety reserve.

Backing off the throttles a bit to 1,700 rpm and 28 knots let the range climb to 406 nautical miles. Still not enough? The optional 600 gallons of additional fuel capacity will let this yacht run even farther.

We saw calm seas and light winds off Palm Beach, Florida, so we were able to wring out the big Viking’s top end. At 2,456 rpm, the boat hit 45 knots with ease. It also carved turns with aplomb and backed down rapidly in any direction, at a clip much faster than most anglers can wind the reel.

In fact, the 74 will be part of the builder’s factory demonstrator fishing team for this summer and beyond, so expect to see it at tournaments along the East Coast and in Bermuda.

Back at the dock for a full walk-through, my first impression of the teak-topped cockpit was its size: 216 square feet of fish-fighting room for a team of anglers to spread out. Two full-length in-deck fish boxes are to port and starboard, with a centerline hatch for easy access to the optional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer. The transom has a fish box that can also be used as a livewell to keep a full day’s supply of bait ready to go. The unlimited-class Release Marine fighting chair can be swapped out for a multirod rocket launcher when the day calls for lighter tackle.

Moving into the salon, I liked the North American walnut used for the woodwork throughout. It is enhanced by dimmable strip lighting recessed in the overhead. The woodwork can be finished in gloss or satin. (I prefer the latter, since it tends to hide fingerprints better.)

With 80 inches of headroom throughout the boat, it feels spacious, open and inviting. A day head is immediately to port after entering from the cockpit. The galley is offered in two configurations: the standard U-shaped layout with a wraparound lounge, and an open version with an island counter and lounge on the starboard side.

The 74’s standard accommodation plan consists of four staterooms, each with an en suite head and a separate shower. The layout also has a dedicated rod-and-tackle room, with stowage for fishing gear and a workbench for maintaining everything in good working order.

For those who enjoy chasing billfish, tuna and other pelagic species in the deep blue waters of the world, there are a select few semi-custom boatbuilders that produce vessels with the right combination of performance, accommodations, luxury and eye-catching style. This iteration of the 74C once again puts Viking Yachts at the top of that list.  

The Legacy

Viking Yacht Company has been building luxury performance sport-fishing and cruising yachts for more than six decades. Founded by brothers Bob and Bill Healey in 1964 when they bought Peterson Viking—at the time, a builder of 37-foot wooden sport-fishing boats—Viking has grown to become a world leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production. The yard has delivered more than 5,500 vessels. The current fleet includes more than a dozen models from 38 to 90 feet.

Vertical Integration

More than 90 percent of every Viking is built in-house by the yard’s workforce at its 880,000-square-foot facility in New Gretna, New Jersey. Viking subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics, Palm Beach Towers and Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, work with the builder to outfit vessels with optional electronics, tops, towers and accessories, making the boats virtually turnkey for buyers who can add bait and go fishing.

Take the next step: vikingyachts.com

The post Viking Yachts 74 Convertible Reviewed appeared first on Yachting.

With more than 60 years of experience and a current range of boats that stretches from a 28-foot center-console to a 61-foot convertible, Bertram Yachts is launching the third model in its center-console line: the 34CC. Why a 34-foot center-console? According to Bertram’s vice president of sales, Tommy Thompson, it was a happy medium between two of the builder’s current models, the 28CC and 39CC. But it also allowed the new build to meet two specific criteria: a variety of powerplant options and forward cabin access.

The 34CC comes standard with twin 400 hp Mercury Verados; however, the 34-footer can also handle triple 300 hp and 350 hp outboards. “You reach a size where you can be too small that you can’t have triples, you can be too big and you can’t have doubles, so we wanted to have the option of having 800, 900 or 1,050 horsepower,” Thompson says. “A huge feature we don’t dare eliminate from the boat by going down to a [32- or 33-foot build] is the entrance to the lower cabin. In a 34-foot boat, who wants to go through a side door out in the rain? It’s not just an entrance. It’s a real lower cabin. Two people can sleep down there.”

The combination of powerplant options and 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom is the result of Bertram’s experience with building other models. “We’ve integrated lessons from our best-running hulls to create the perfect blend,” according to Nicholas Fletcher, Bertram’s naval architect program manager. “We focused on balancing weight and running surface to deliver a ride that is comfortable and dynamically refined.”

Dan Hamilton, Bertram’s director of product development and engineering, says the builder also leaned into tried-and-true methods with the deep-V hull design.

“We prioritize resilient, proven system designs over high-tech solutions that can be difficult to manage,” Hamilton says. “Our approach ensures reliability and ease of use for our customers.”

Getting the proportions of the boat correct required Bertram to balance as much forward seating as possible with as much cockpit space aft as the design team could manage. And, as with other Bertrams, it had to be accomplished with an eye toward fishability. The 34CC has four insulated fish boxes, rod stowage and rod holders. There are also three helm seats for the crew to sit comfortably on longer runs out to the fishing grounds.

Bertram is hinting at expanding its center-console lineup with larger models too.   

Take the next step: bertram.com

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Viking Yachts 74 Convertible Reviewed

The latest model from Viking Yacht Company is a sleek, 45-knot 74-footer designed to chase the world’s toughest gamefish.

Meet The World’s Largest Sportfishing Yacht

Royal Huisman’s 171-foot, all-aluminum Project 406 is headed to Amsterdam and preparing for launch.

Biggest Sport-Fishing Boat in the World

Vripack and Royal Huisman’s Project 406 will be the world’s largest sport-fishing boat at 171 feet length overall.

Top Sport-Fishing Tenders

We look at a dozen sport-fishing tenders ready to chase fish from the flats to the deep.

More Sport Fishing Boats

This 77-Foot Hatteras is Ready to Fish

The 77-foot Hatteras sport-fisherman is for sale with Denison Yacht Sales.

Hatteras Announces GT59

The convertible is the fourth in the company’s GT line.

Contender’s 32 ST is the Reel Deal

Contender’s 32 ST is a rugged, aggressively lined center console that’s ready to compete.

Shearline Acquires Carolina Customs Towers

The custom Carolina builder adds to its repertoire.

On the Market: The Viking 61 Convertible

The Viking 61 Convertible is a popular choice for anglers looking to bring in the big ones.

Brokerage: Hatteras Yachts GT60

Launched in 2007, the Hatteras Yachts GT60 is a familiar face on the big-game tournament circuit.

Viking’s 44 Open On Its Way

Viking Yachts Launches 44 Open for 2018 Model Year.

Building a Vision With John Bayliss

John Bayliss had a vision to create a style of custom sport-fisher that was part Carolina, part Florida. Then he did it.

More Sport Fishing Boats

The post Sport Fishing Boats appeared first on Yachting.

Albemarle 30

North Carolina-based Albemarle says it designed the 30 to have a “custom Carolina look.” Length overall on this boat is 33 feet, 6 inches, and hull deadrise is 24 degrees for slicing through seas.

For the fight: There are a pair of 56-gallon fish boxes in the cockpit, along with a 25-gallon cooler/icebox.

The dance floor: The cockpit measures 64 square feet.  

Dine aboard in style: Owners can opt for a cherry dinette with a high-low table.

Grady-White Canyon 336

This boat has Grady-White’s SeaV2 hull, whose deadrise continually sharpens from the transom to the bow stemfor comfort underway, at rest and while trolling.

How about that view? The full-height, all-glass windshield allows for solid lines of sight.

Extra protection: The fiberglass T-top, combined with the windshield, eliminates the need for side curtains and helps to extend the cruising season by keeping the skipper comfortable.

Standard fish boxes: There’s two 204-quart insulated boxes under the seating at the bow, along with a 291-quart box aft.  

Clear the decks: The aft bench seat folds out of the way when a fish is on.

Everglades 455CC

This flagship in the Everglades Boats lineup has a built-in Garmin system that allows touchscreen monitoring of engine performance, navigation, lighting and more.

Standard power: quad 425 hp Yamaha outboards

Reported top speed: about 50 knots

Fuel capacity: 685 gallons

Approximate range at cruise speed: 400 nautical miles  

Construction: High-density, closed-cell, structural foam flotation is used, along with a mated hull liner and deck for a rigid one-piece build. Aluminum framework is done in-house. (It’s sandblasted and then powder-coated.) Wire harnesses also are made in-house.

Pursuit S 428

This is the Pursuit center-console Sport series flagship. It’s the builder’s largest boat to date, as well as the most powerful, with quad Yamaha 425 hp XTO engines. Top speed, according to the builder, is more than 51 knots. The sweet spot is about 27 knots, where range is 351 nautical miles.

Fish on: There are 12 rod holders, 36-gallon transom livewells, three fish boxes totaling 134 gallons, and a cockpit tackle center.

Want downriggers? The boat comes with aluminum reinforcement plates as well as wiring, so it’s ready for installation.

Easy rider: A Zipwake trim-control system is standard, with automatic pitch-and-roll control.

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

The 250 Dauntless is built to be used however families choose to use it: for fishing, watersports, offshore cruising or just about anything else.

For the anglers: Fishing features include a standard 35-gallon stern livewell, abow fish box, rod holders and leaning-post options. There is lockable stowage forward for 7-foot fishing rods.

For the swimmers: The swim platform has an angled ladder to make re-boarding safer and quicker, including in a current.

For the family’s comfort: The head has an enlarged door for easier entry, and the portand starboard bow seating forward has folding backrests.

Regulator 34CC

The Regulator 34CC is available with twin or triple outboard engine packages, the Yamaha Helm Master EX system, and a Seakeeper 2.

Fishing features: There’s a 42-gallon transom livewell, a 220-quart transom fish box, a tackle center with a rigging station, and optional Taco Grand Slam 390 outriggers.

Stay cool: Owners can add a forward sunshade and a cockpit SureShade.

Rest up: Belowdecks, the berth is sized to fit two people.

Scout 425 LXF

The Scout 425 LXF has an epoxy-infused hull with carbon fiber and E-glass for structural stability.

Move it: Articulating rocket launchers mounted on the hardtop can be raised or lowered with the push of a button.

Second-row seating: There are three captain-style helm chairs in addition to guest seating just abaft them.

On balance: A Seakeeper 5 is standard.

At dinnertime: A grill, sink and cutting board are ready for the day’s catch.

Solace 41CS

With a 48-degree deadrise at the bow and a 23-degree deadrise at the transom, the Solace 41CS has a stepped hull that is designed to cut through big seas to the fish-filled canyons.

Cockpit space: 83 square feet, so more than one angler can move around comfortably when the fish are biting.

Where to put ‘em: The forward fish box measures 47 gallons, while the two fish boxes aft are each 82 gallons. A pair of 50-gallon livewells is also built into the setup.

Comfort features: There’s an enclosed shower and head for overnights, and the electric windshield opens to let the fresh air flow. The 16,000 Btu air conditioning extends to the helm.

Invincible 46 Cat

This 45-foot, 11-inch boat is the biggest catamaran that Florida-based Invincible offers. It has the company’s semi-asymmetrical design, can be outfitted with quad Yamaha or Mercury outboards from 300 to 450 hp, and can be upgraded with Mercury VesselView.

Built to hook fishing fans: More than 1,000 gallons of fish-box stowage is aboard. Other features include below-gunwale lighting and 360-degree walk-around fishability on deck. Built-in tuna tubes and in-sole livewells can be added.

Beat the heat: The boat can be ordered with forward and aft Bahama shades, as well as covers for the console and leaning post.

World Cat 400CC-X

The 400CC-X is the center-console flagship for World Cat, as well as a sistership to the builder’s dual-console model. At 39 feet, 8 inches of length overall,the 400CC-X has a beam of 12 feet, 8 inches, creating more than 200 square feet of usable deck space for fighting fish.

Tuna door: It’s to port and opens inward for helping to land a big catch.  

Holding areas: In-deck insulated fish boxes are standard to port and starboard, with an optional 60-gallon livewell. Outriggers can also be added. 

Power up: The boat can be ordered with twin Yamaha XF425 engines or quad 300s, along with Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick-control steering.

Valhalla V-41

Power options are aplenty on the Valhalla V-41: quad Mercury 300s, 400s or 450Rs; triple Yamaha 425s; or triple Mercury 400s or 450Rs. Each package can include joystick control and GPS station-keeping to make helm duties easier.

Choices, choices: The V-41′s transom holds a 90-gallon livewell, and owners can add a raised livewell into the forward lounge. An in-deck livewell can be added in the cockpit too.

Get on up: Palm Beach Towers (a subsidiary of Viking Yachts, which builds the Valhalla) offers an optional gap tower with a custom hardtop as well as an upper helm station.

Portside dive door: Swings inboard 180 degrees.

Jupiter 32

Florida-based Jupiter Marine builds the 32 for use as a dayboat with the family or as a superyacht tender. The design has an elevated aesthetic.

Power package: Yamaha F300 outboards. Draft with the engines down is 3 feet.

Sexy seating: Release Marine teak helm chairs are standard.

Swing-in dive door: It’s to port, for helping to land the big one or getting swimmers and divers back on board easily.

Tunes: A Fusion stereo is standard.

The post Top Sport-Fishing Tenders appeared first on Yachting.

Yachting Developments in New Zealand has launched the 129-foot hull of what is believed to be the world’s largest all-carbon sportfish yacht. Delivery is expected in December.

The owner is a longtime fishing enthusiast who plans to use the yacht for extended cruising and fishing.

“Hull 1015 has proved an extremely enjoyable challenge to build,” Ian Cook, managing director of Yachting Developments, stated in a press release. “Her sheer scale alone makes her worthy of note, but as a project of passion she is something special. The yard team and I are proud to have been given the opportunity to have worked on this impressive vessel that is sure to turn heads wherever she goes.”

Naval architecture and exterior design are by Michael Peters Yacht Design, with interiors by Yachting Developments and Naylor Booth Associates.

Key details of Hull 1015: She accommodates 10 guests in four staterooms, and has quarters for six crew. A games room is on the lower deck, with twin tenders stowed forward. A Veem gyrostabilizer is on board for cruising in most weather, and power is a pair of 3,100-horsepower MTU diesels.

Follow the yacht’s delivery: click over to the Yachting Developments website .

The post Yachting Developments Launches 129-Foot Sportfish Hull appeared first on Yachting.

Calling all sportfishermen. Denison Yacht Sales has a 77-foot Hatteras enclosed-bridge convertible looking for a home.

Safe Passage‘s interior includes high-gloss cherrywood décor, plus teak-and-holly soles in the salon and galley. Her galley has marble countertops and the adjacent salon has a dining area for six.

Belowdecks, there’s a portside VIP stateroom with ensuite head and three other guest staterooms, each with a single berth. She accommodates a total of seven guests.

The skylounge has an L-shaped settee and office. The helm features seven KEP Marine Pilot Series LCD 19-inch displays.

Her cockpit has just under 200 square feet of fish-fighting space.

Stabilization: The sportfishing yacht is stabilized with 9-square-foot fins, making her the only stabilized 77-foot Hatteras on the market, according to Denison.

Power: Safe Passage runs on twin 2,400 hp MTU 2,400 diesels with 1,066 hours.

Current asking price: $3,295,000

The post This 77-Foot Hatteras is Ready to Fish appeared first on Yachting.

Hatteras Yachts recently let the world know that they intend to launch the newest member of the GT line, the GT59, which will join her sisterships the GT54, GT63 and GT70 as the fleet of Hatteras’s tournament-ready convertibles. A press release from the builder promised that the boat would be an evolution for the brand, and have a “new aesthetic exterior design and enhanced interior arrangements.”

The yacht came about after Hatteras kept hearing customer demands for a GT in the 55- to 60-foot range. The yacht will have a semi-customizable lower-deck arrangement. The standard layout will have a similarly sized VIP and master stateroom as well as a smaller cabin suitable for a captain, crew or maybe some unruly teenage stowaways. Other layouts include extra stowage for fishing gear and an extra (third) head.

The main deck will have a flush-deck salon and galley with an island counter to facilitate movement around the space, particularly if there is an unexpected bite. Up top on the fly bridge there is a lounge forward of the helm, which is placed aft so the captain can better see the action down below. It’s a layout that is both fishing- and entertainment-friendly.

The GT59 will also be fast. All the boats in the GT series are designed to be able to top out at over 40 knots while also having the chops to cruise in the mid-30-knot range. The boat rides on a hull with a knife-like entry and varying degrees of deadrise throughout, culminating in a relatively flat after section that helps the boat plane faster, while also helping it maintain stability if drifting. Lifting strakes and specially configured chines help keep the boat dry even at speed in turbulent seas. The hull also has tunnels aft.

Additionally, Hatteras says the yacht will have excellent maneuverability, a trait which the GT series has staked its reputation on.

The yacht’s 153-square-foot cockpit has full mezzanine seating that’s perfect for watching baits skip along behind you. There is also a transom door, livewell, rod stowage, fishboxes and the ability to add on a fighting chair. The mezzanine itself sits atop cold storage for drinks, a freezer and stowage for bait and tackle. That’s everything you need to get out on the water and go bring home a trophy.

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Simply put, the 32 ST from ­ Contender is not messing around. With twin 350 hp Yamahas, the boat can reportedly sprint at 59 knots atop the cushion of air its twin-stepped hull creates. Three fish boxes and a 40-gallon livewell complement an arsenal of rod holders that bolster the boat’s angling street cred.

WHOM IT’S FOR: This 32 ST is a fine match for a tournament angler or someone who wants a ­fish-centric tender for his mega-yacht cruises. And those über-masculine Contender lines will reel in the best of them, from potential owners to dockside onlookers.

PICTURE THIS: Sure, the galley on the big boat is stocked with all sorts of goodies, but all day long you’ve been hankering for some fish tacos made with fresh mahimahi. From your yacht’s skybridge, you noticed a weed line in the near distance — it looks promising. So you launch the 32 ST, fire up the engines and blast off toward tonight’s dinner. Just don’t forget to hang on tight.

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Shearline Boatworks, the Morehead City, North Carolina-based builder of custom fishing boats has recently announced the acquisition of Carolina Custom Towers, otherwise known as CCT.

CCT, which was founded nine years ago by Tim Daly, specializes in bespoke tuna towers and hard tops for sport-fish vessels. Daly will remain CEO of this new division of Shearline. Chip King, owner and president of Shearline, described the purchase thusly: ”Although Tim and his company have been operating from our facility since our move here 9 years ago, making CCT a division of Shearline has incredibly expanded the opportunities to grow this part of our business.”

He continued, “Incorporating the custom fabrication wing into our management plan and general strategy for growth is a big step for us.  The real heart and soul of CCT has always been Tim Daly, and this part we intend to keep just as it is.  Having Shearline manage the business side of things allows Tim to focus on design, fabrication, and managing his crew of talented fabricators. This is going to bring a whole new set of offerings to our clientele.”

The business move aims to broaden both builders’ abilities. Shearline will now have its own customized tower and hardtop division, while CCT will broaden its offering to include rocket launchers and leaning posts, among other products, and also be able to scale up its production schedule.

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Fifteen years ago, I fished aboard a Viking 61 Convertible off Costa Rica. Several 61Cs were in the marina, and I soon found out why. For two days, we backed down on, chased and caught countless sailfish, plus a blue marlin. We didn’t miss a fish. The boat had an uncanny ability to put the squeeze on pelagics in a flash.

Notable features: She has a razorlike sheer line. Standard power was 1,360 hp diesels. Power options included diesels up to 2,000 hp apiece. Reported top speed ranges from 37 to 42 knots.

Belowdecks: Three staterooms, three heads were standard.

 Availability: We found 27 Viking 61Cs on the market, ranging from $659,000 for a well-equipped 2001 to $1.37 million for a 2005 that’s ready to fish.

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