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48C

Building a better boat every day tells the story of each Viking yacht as it cruises along its evolutionary trail. When the first Viking 48 Convertible was launched in 1985 it was a powerful introduction that quickly went to the head of the fleet. Early models launched with J & T turbo-charged 6V92TA Detroit Diesels and were soon followed with 8V92TA making waves as the fastest in its class. The interior featured man-sized appointments, with a fashion plate of luxury details, rich teak joinery and opulent designer furnishings. This was a popular boat and we built it steadily for five years.

Another 48 Convertible appeared on the scene in 2002. It featured a completely different hull and topside, a newer fresher interior layout that was more accommodating for both fishing and cruising. Where the earlier 48C was a sharply defined and angular at every corner and turn, the second generation 48 Convertible was an ice cream smooth operator with endless curves that melded together in a singular statement of beauty. From the sheer to the bridge to the cockpit, there wasn’t a straight line on the boat. The flying bridge was twice the size of the previous 48C with more room fore and aft. The salon was even better with its U-shape galley, dinette, and a larger sofa. Frameless windows replaced the maintenance heavy metal frames of the previous boat. Two and three stateroom layouts made good use of space. Engineering improvements added more versatility like engineroom access from the cockpit, and with our subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers now part of the Viking organization, this 48C could be delivered turnkey ready.

Fast forward to today and totally new 48 Convertible has joined the Viking product line. The exterior is sleek and powerful and the boat makes an impressive statement even resting at the dock. The wraparound black metallic windshield mask, window lines and flying bridge feature treatments reveal how far we have come with this evolutionary theme. The resin infused hull is beamy and carries its breadth farther aft for more interior room and a wider cockpit. The raked entry and forward chine are designed to pierce through head seas and divert spray downward. Convex hull sections add curvature and form to the running surface, while molded running strakes accentuate lateral tracking and maneuverability.

The lush interior is rich in detail with our signature hand-finished teak or walnut joinery depending upon the owner’s selection. Taking advantage of the spacious beam, the salon abounds with stylish appointments throughout the salon with an L-shape lounge and cocktail table, as well as an inviting dinette, which anchor the area for relaxing and entertaining. To starboard the peninsula galley has a raised bar top and is accented with Cambria treatments, under counter refrigeration, a microwave/convection oven and ample stowage behind the maple-lined cabinetry. Overnight accommodations are plush with three staterooms and two heads providing all the comfort and privacy you need for fishing and cruising in style. A laundry center and central vacuum system add sophisticated convenience.

On the flying bridge, the center console helm and flanking lounges are tournament proven and will make the Viking 48 Convertible the envy of anything in its class with its custom navigation and communication systems provided by our subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics. Powered with MAN diesels the 48 Convertible will cruise at 30 knots with a top end in the mid 30 knot range depending upon engine selection, load, sea and other environmental factors. Engineroom access is through the observation mezzanine in the 124 square-foot cockpit, which features flush rod holders, a transom fish box, and recessed fish and stowage wells in the nonslip fiberglass sole. A transom door with lift gate, a drink box, a bait cooler and tackle stowage are standard. The lazarette is designed to accommodate a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, which can be installed at the factory or a later date.

Whether moving up or moving down throughout our world famous fleet, you will find the 48 Convertible a true blue-water champion in spirit, performance, accommodations and evolutionary prowess in the herald Viking tradition. We invite you to contact your Viking dealer to learn more about this exciting and beautiful new model. In the meantime we welcome you aboard to enjoy a virtual tour.

Specifications

Length Overall (LOA):	49 ft. 1 in. (15.0 m)
Beam:	17 ft. (5.2 m)
Draft:	4 ft. 8 in. (1.4 m)
* Gross Weight:	66,342 lbs. (30,092 k)
Fuel Capacity:	1,190 gals. (4,504 ltrs)
Water Capacity:	178 gals. (674 ltrs)
Cockpit Area:	124 sq. ft.in (11.5 sq m)
* Standard Fuel Load

Power Options

•	MAN / V8 1000CRM Base
•	MAN / V8 1200CRM Option

Accommodations

Video

Virtual Tour

Additional Video

Please Note:	Due to product improvements, changes during the model year and/or transcription errors that may occur, information represented within this website may not be accurate at the time of your purchase.
	If certain information is significant to your purchasing decision, please confirm the information with your dealer.

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Reviewed: Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge

By Tom Serio
October 20, 2023

Viking Yachts built 21 of its 92-foot convertibles in less than seven years, so the New Gretna, New Jersey, boatbuilder knew there was strong demand for supersize sport-fishermen. But a pending change in emissions regulations involving selective catalytic reduction would have forced the addition of costly, heavy equipment to the engine rooms, decreasing performance and efficiencies. As a result, Viking ceased production on its 92-footer (and its 93 Motoryacht ) and developed a 90-foot convertible that would fall just under the required size for the rule.

Now, that Viking Yachts 90 has arrived. Hull No. 1 is a Sky Bridge model in what the builder calls Kingston Grey. Convertible and Enclosed Bridge versions are also available, with at least seven more hulls in production or ready for the molds as of this writing.

When I stepped up to the 24-foot-high perch on the Sky Bridge, I felt like I could almost see the Earth’s curve. Triple multifunction displays and twin covered consoles for radios and switches flanked the Palm Beach faux-wood helm. The Sky Bridge also offers a great vantage point for eyeing baits behind the boat.

Below, at the enclosed bridge’s helm, five multifunction screens wrap toward the captain’s position, creating a true glass-helm setup. Every navigation, fishing and operational function can be monitored here. There’s room under the screens for additional engine monitors and radios, as well as space on the console for more electronics. To aid the skipper’s visibility, the forward windshield is one piece until it reaches the corners. There are three beefy wipers, and no mullions to block the view. Flanking the captain’s chair are two double bench seats so guests can also enjoy the commanding views.

Running to and from the fishing grounds can take time—well, not too long at a 33-knot cruise speed—but for those longer runs, this yacht’s all-weather enclosed bridge provides the comforts of home. This space has the same high-gloss walnut woodwork, fabrics and features found throughout the yacht. Dual fridge drawers are in an end table, reducing trips to the galley. An L-shaped settee with a wood coffee table is to port, and an interior curved staircase is nestled into the after corner, leading to the main deck.

One might think that getting a 90-foot yacht up to speed would take a minute. Not so. Hull No. 1 is powered with optional twin 2,635 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L diesels, which provide a 38.2-knot top hop and the aforementioned 33-knot cruising speed, with a range of approximately 600 nautical miles. Standard powerplants are twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C32A diesels.

In addition to having solid speed, this hefty 90-footer (with its 193,000-pound displacement) is nimble and responsive to wheel input in real time. Backing down, the 90 runs true and is agile, with the ability to spin in any direction on a dime. I noted limited splash and overflow into the cockpit as we ran several backing-down scenarios.

As I stepped into the main salon off the dual-level mezzanine, my eye was drawn to the wraparound galley to starboard. It has a backlit stone countertop and every appliance needed for formal meals or pre-fishing snacks: a four-burner electric cooktop, Sub-Zero fridges and freezers, and a dishwasher. Five fixed stools ring the L-shaped counter for casual dining with family and crew.

The 42-by-78-inch dining table to port is on a raised platform with an artfully crafted walnut-veneer centerpiece. An opposing walnut band separated by polished chrome inlays is ringed by high-gloss black paint.

Guests can relax after dinner in the U-shaped settee aft and to port, across from the 65-inch HDTV. Walnut and teak woods add a warm feeling to the interior spaces. Ultraleathers and fine fabrics are used on furnishings to create seating that’s soft, supple and tough to leave.

Outside is a serious setup for angling aficionados. The 224-square-foot cockpit (same size as on the Viking 92) is ready for battle with mammoth-size marlin, thanks to a fighting chair, a rocket launcher, a table or some other combination of an owner’s choosing. Twin 103-gallon in-deck refrigerated fish boxes can keep the bigeye cold, and a 203-gallon transom livewell is ready for the baits to stay frisky.

Many times, sport fishing is a spectator sport, and the Viking 90 accounts for that. The two-tiered mezzanine has three areas that allow the crew to keep an eye on the spread and for guests to watch the action. The lower section has a sofa on centerline. The upper area has an L-shaped settee to port with a teak table, and there is a cushioned bench to starboard. The latter two spaces are under the flybridge overhang, protected from the elements. Under each seat is stowage, either for fishing gear or cold drinks. Backrest air conditioning is available in the seating.

There is also a dedicated watertight hatch in the deck for a Seakeeper 35, allowing for easy maintenance or equipment swap-outs.

The Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge is an impressive vessel. All at once, it’s a bluewater-ready sport-fisher that can chase pelagics around the planet, a tournament contender that can accommodate a sizable crew, and a true yacht that offers a high level of luxury and relaxation when the day’s fishing is done.

The Comfort Equation

According to Viking, each of the 90’s five guest staterooms and the crew quarters were analyzed inch by inch to maximize functionality. An elegantly appointed full-beam master stateroom is amidships with a king berth, a Jack-and-Jill head with a central shower stall, a vanity, a sofa, a maple-lined walk-in closet and a 65-inch TV. The forepeak VIP is en suite, with three more en suite guest staterooms between the VIP and the master. Crew quarters are aft.

The Hull Story

Enhanced lifting strakes, redesigned prop pockets and refined driveline components (custom struts and rudders) all add to the performance I experienced on board the Viking 90 Sky Bridge. Viking’s engineers got here via computational fluid dynamics that let them visualize the flow of water under the hull to optimize its form. This technology lets the builder’s team test multiple permutations much faster than traditional tank testing.

Systems Management

The Viking 90 Sky Bridge’s power management and electrical controls are handled via an OctoPlex digital-switching system, which reduces wiring and allows for multiple displays throughout the yacht.

Take the next step: vikingyachts.com