Viking Announces New 54 Convertible

Viking reached a new milestone in the mid-size sportfish boat market with the newly-introduced Viking 54 Convertible.

The three-stateroom, two-head open bridge yacht will make its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 28 through Nov. 1.

Viking Tradition

Viking Yachts, September 17, 2020—The Viking 54 sets new milestones of innovation while integrating ideas garnered from sales and owner feedback, as well as thousands of hours logged by Viking demo teams on the tournament trail. “We’re in a constant state of refinement,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “Everything from interior and exterior design and accommodations to performance, fishability and ease of operation are evolving.”

The 54 presents an eye-pleasing profile that’s unmistakably Viking, with signature design traits such as a gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, aggressively raked stem, double chines, hull-side vents and deftly placed exterior feature lines.

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, the Viking Design and Engineering Department has optimized the 54’s running surface for maximum performance. Now an integral part of the design process, Viking’s in-house CFD allows us to run numerous virtual sea trials to fine-tune the shape of the hull bottom for increased efficiency. We can also analyze pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness and modify strakes and chine shape and size.

The hull is built with an engineered composite of fiberglass fabrics and coring that’s vacuum-infused with vinylester resin. Utilizing a calculated resin-to-fiberglass ratio, great stiffness and strength is brought to the structure while minimizing weight. The structural bulkheads and fuel tanks (which are customized to the shape of the hull) are also resin-infused. The hull-to-deck is through-bolted every three inches and fiberglassed from inside for a rock-solid union.

Business End

The 54’s business end offers more space than any other boat in its class. The 154-square-foot unobstructed cockpit comes to the fishing wars with the ammunition to put you in the winner’s circle, starting with molded non-skid on the cockpit sole for grippy footing (even when wet) and large scuppers to drain water quickly. The cockpit, covering boards and mezzanine can be finished in teak, which also delivers excellent traction with low maintenance.

A walk-through transom door with a lift gate takes the work out of boating a trophy catch. And when you’re release-fishing, a three-foot reach to the waterline means you can quickly turn a billfish loose. Anglers will appreciate Viking’s signature rounded cockpit coamings and toekick for those lengthy stand-up battles. Flush rod holders, recessed stainless-steel hawse pipes and cleats keep the cockpit clear.

Multiple insulated fishboxes of various capacities increase flexibility. The raised transom box can be used as a live well, fishbox or general storage. A full-length in-deck fishbox spans the starboard side, while the port side holds two storage compartments with the forward serving as an optional live well. A mounting plate laminated into the sole will anchor the mightiest of fighting chairs, and you can also opt for a rocket launcher or table. All in-deck boxes are finished on both sides, and their lids are equipped with latches and thick rubber gasketing to prevent water intrusion. Deep gutters with overboard drains rim the hatch perimeters. A single centerline lazarette hatch (available with power actuation) opens nearly 90 degrees for full viewability and access to the available Seakeeper as well as the steering, trim tabs and drain pumps.

Guests will be enamored with the raised observation mezzanine (pioneered by Viking) as they watch the action in comfort, shaded by the flybridge overhang. Smart storage solutions abound, with freezer and cooler space under the mezzanine for baits and drinks and a tackle cabinet on the starboard side. The inboard portion of the mezzanine provides access to the engine room. An anodized aluminum ladder with nonslip treads (and a handrail at the top) provides secure egress to the flybridge. In the salon step, an insulated drink box means you can quench your thirst without missing any of the action.

View from Above

A Viking flybridge is a place of never-ending design modification to optimize operator ergonomics, fishability and the comfort and convenience for guests. A streamlined walk-around center console provides 360-degree sightlines. Touchscreen electronics displays and a row of Bocatech switches with power status LED rings are flush mounted in the helm dash. Their installation and positioning heighten viewability and ease of access.

A stainless steel steering wheel and single-lever electronic controls are mounted on a raised teak helm pod. Optimus Electronic Power Steering delivers precise maneuverability and finger-tip control. The console itself is designed with toekick all around for better balance and increased walking area, and the top of the module is radiused inboard for more overall space.

The helm and companion chair (with teak ladder backs) supply ample comfort for those long rides to the canyons, and guests can take it easy in the port or starboard lounges (with forward-facing backrests) or forward console seat. All guest seating doubles as storage for rods, tackle and other gear.

The 54 can be outfitted with a custom-designed and fabricated Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and equipped with navigation, communication and entertainment systems from Atlantic Marine Electronics. These two Viking subsidiaries play critical roles in making the yachts turnkey ready.

Interior Delights

Making full use of the 17’8” beam, the 54’s layout accentuates the impressive size of her interior. The key to the configuration is the uninterrupted companionway that stretches from the starboard-side salon door all the way to the forepeak. The lounge area and galley are to port, while the dinette is to starboard. “The layout has been a huge success on our 58, and we’ve been able to bring it to the 54,” says David. “It really opens up the entire living space.”

High-gloss teak or walnut is offered for the 54’s interior, and a satin finish is optional. Premium wall-to-wall carpeting and furnishings can be found throughout the climate-controlled living area. Air conditioning flows quietly from valances for comfortable cooling and thorough distribution. A hi-lo mappa burl cocktail table joins the L-shaped lounge with storage below. Louvered blinds can be adjusted for desired natural lighting through large salon windows. The headliner features rows of recessed LED dimmable lights separated by walnut or teak strips. Control of the electrical systems is easily managed, with conveniently located distribution panels in the salon on the starboard side and in the galley, each equipped with simple-to-use and clearly labeled conventional breaker switches.

A 49” HD TV is nested on the forward starboard bulkhead above the dinette, which is appointed with a high-gloss mappa burl table and wraparound seating for four. The galley’s peninsula countertop features engineered stone with an overhang and two convenient bar stools. The galley is feature-packed with a pair of under-counter Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer units and storage under the peninsula counter. The opposite counter is home to a stainless steel sink with garbage disposal and an electric cooktop. Above, you’ll find an array of storage cabinets, one of which holds the microwave/convection oven. Custom Amtico flooring rounds out the galley’s amenities.

Comfort Zones

The three-stateroom two-head layout includes a master suite to port with a walk-around queen berth sided by night stands and a credenza to port. There’s a large maple-lined storage area beneath the mattress, accessed via a gas piston-assisted lift-up top, and two drawers are integrated into the foot of the bed. A 32-inch HD TV is mounted above a second credenza. A generously proportioned maple-lined hanging locker accommodates a sizeable wardrobe.

The forward stateroom comes standard with a queen berth, but also is available with a crossover berth arrangement. Both plans offer plenty of storage along with a 32” HD TV. The starboard stateroom has upper and lower berths along with a hanging locker and storage under the lower berth. Each stateroom is fully carpeted, with dedicated temperature and stereo controls, speakers and overhead LED lighting.

The heads feature custom Amtico flooring, a lower vanity, a medicine cabinet with mirrored doors, exhaust fans, air conditioning and electric heads with holding tank and overboard discharge capabilities. Both also boast very large walk-in one-piece fiberglass showers with an expansive glass enclosure and door. Below the detachable shower head, you’ll find a convenient storage cabinet as well as an integrated fiberglass seat.

In Command from Viking Yachts on Vimeo.

Engineering Driven

The optional MAN V12 1550CRM (1550 MHP) diesels power hull No. 1. With this propulsion package, the Viking 54 Convertible will have an estimated cruise speed in the mid-30-knot range with a top end of 40-plus knots depending upon load, sea state and boat condition. A pair of MAN V12 1400CRM (1440 MHP) diesels are standard.

Custom fabricated 1-inch-thick aluminum saddles are used to reinforce the installation of the engines to the yacht’s stringer and hull structure. The saddles are permanently affixed to the stringers using a specialized structural adhesive, effectively becoming integral parts of the stringer foundation to distribute the engine loads across the entire hull and stringer structure. The 54 Convertible’s custom engineering includes a fuel tank configuration that allows the installation of a sonar tube in the engine room for Furuno’s 360-degree real-time sonar that’s become popular on the tournament circuit. The engine room is also home to a user-friendly 21.5 kW Onan E-QD (electric quiet diesel) Series generator and batteries in custom fiberglass storage boxes.

Systems include Delta-T ventilation and water suppression; automatically or manually operated fire suppression tied into the main engine and generator ignitions; oil changing; fuel transfer and pressurized freshwater. All mechanicals and equipment are installed with great attention to detail in an immaculate engine room painted with Snow White Awlgrip for visibility and ease of maintenance. Below the water, a series of dedicated pumps for the air conditioning, live wells, washdown and other seawater-fed components have been designed, engineered and installed for durability and longevity.

For more information or to arrange a sea trial visit vikingyachts.com

Specs

Length, overall (LOA)
54’ 6” (16.61 meters)

Length, waterline (LWL)
47’ 5” (14.45 meters)

Beam, overall (BOA)
17’ 8” (5.38 meters)

Beam, waterline (BWL)
14’ 8” (4.47 meters)

Deadrise (at transom)
12.0º

Draft
4’ 11” (1.50 meters)

Freeboard, forward
6’ 2” (1.88 meters)

Freeboard, aft
2’ 11” (0.89 meters)

Height, waterline to
flybridge hardtop masthead light
18’ 10” (5.74 meters)

Displacement (standard fuel load)
75,026 pounds (34,032 kilograms)

Fuel capacity standard
1,403 gallons (5,311 liters)

Fuel capacity optional
1,535 gallons (5,811 liters)

Water capacity
198 gallons (750 liters)

Holding tank capacity
59 gallons (224 liters)

Cockpit area
154 square feet (14.3 square meters)

Power Options
• MAN / V12 1400CRM 1400 MHP Base
• MAN / V12 1550CRM 1550 MHP Option