Viking Yachts Review

Brothers Bob and Bill Healey started Viking Yachts in 1964 and still are at the helm today. The Viking Yacht Company creates semi-custom, fiberglass yachts, orchestrated by their in-house design and engineering team. The company website statistics maintain an average of 100 high-end boats, from 42 to 82 feet, built each year at the Viking facility. Since their rise in 1964, the Healey brothers have produced over 4,000 total units. Viking was one of the first construction companies to adopt the National Marine Manufacturers Association standards.

The portfolio from Viking includes convertibles, enclosed bridge models and open yachts. The Viking 45 is a convertible design that offers a 119 square-foot cockpit, bait freezer, tackle cabinet and engine room access. Below deck is a U-shaped galley, sofa that converts to a double bed and teak cabinetry. One charter company describes this boat as fuel-efficient with turbo charged diesels and molded chines.

The largest yacht in the Viking Fleet is the Viking 82 convertible. The salon features an electric door, L-shaped sofa and 50-inch Plasma TV that rises out of a teak cabinet. The ship has four staterooms all with en-suite baths. For power, the Viking 82 turns to the Caterpillar 1825 diesel engines that provide speed of up to 30 knots.

Pricing

New unit pricing is per order. The Viking brokerage firm offers pre-owned yachts. A 1998 50 Viking 50 Convertible lists for $599,000 and a 2002 Viking 61 sells for $1,350,000.

Pros

• Family company with a stable history.
• During one difficult period in the 1990’s, the Healey brothers liquidated their personal assets and put them into the company to cover payroll and costs.

Cons

• Limited number of reviews and boat tests on these yachts.

Featured Models

Convertibles Viking 42, 46, 48, 50, 54, 57, 60, 64, 68, 70, 74, 76, 82. Enclosed Bridge Models Viking 56, 57, 60, 64, 68, 70, 74, 76, 82 Open Yachts 42, 46, 52, Sport 52

Conclusion

Viking Yachts is an established company still ran by the original owners, Bob and Bill Healey. Bob is the Chief Executive Officer and focuses on the financial side of the business while Bill heads the design division. Together they have built a remarkable number of yachts in the last four and a half decades. The brothers’ have an open-door policy at their premises and conduct regular tours for students, vendors and legislators. Viking Yachts come in various sizes and styles. The interiors are luxurious with teak paneling and carpentry. The boats have top of the line technology with electric wenches and advanced guidance systems.