Viking VIP - 82 Convertible Sea Trial

[Nimrod]

Had a chance to attend the Viking VIP event in Riviera Beach, FL this past weekend – a precursor to the Miami Show for the Viking line up.

Took advantage of the small venue and visited with a number of Viking suppliers including Judge A/V, Atlantic Marine Electronics, Ocean LED, Release Marine, Channel Glass, MTU and Caterpillar to name a few. I also enjoyed the lack of lines to inspect the entire line of new Viking Yachts inside and out - from the 46 Convertible and 52 Express to the awe inspiring 82 Convertible.

Sea trials on a number of the models including the 82 were taking place both days. I was able to hop onboard the 82 on Saturday. The weather was right sporty with gusty winds out of the north. The first thing I noticed about this extremely large vessel was the lack of ‘squat’ when the transmissions were engaged. The boat just went in and out of gear and moved across the water as if being pushed into place. We (all 20+ of us – most up on the huge flybridge) made our way out of Lake Worth Inlet and headed north into the wind. As expected she performed very well taking the head sea at nearly 20 knots with no pounding and little spray. The large size of the boat made it difficult to appreciate the size of the seas until I saw a 30+ center console out in the trough. Let’s just say it was a bit rough.

Capt Higgins put her through her paces and wound her up to almost 40 knots. The boat is surprisingly nimble considering her mass. Just offshore we noticed a large Hatteras boat plowing north and Capt Higgins jumped on the chance to demonstrate how his boat stacked up against the competition. We came around and ran up alongside the 68 Hatteras and quickly passed her. The other boat truly looked like a submarine as salt spray was blowing across the bow and tuna tower. Turns out many on board knew the Hatteras boat, its crew and owner. Apparently the owner is considering an 82 Viking and this was a great way to compare the 2. Cell phones were a blaze as captains, brokers, and other industry folk were getting wind of what was going on.

The 68 Hatt turned in behind us then swung around and headed back into Lake Worth Inlet. We followed suit and took a southern run past the inlet for a bit before heading back to the Viking yard. Very impressive ride on a very nice rig….. But she is BIG. Very comfortable and very quick. I just wouldn’t want to chamois her!

[Nimrod]

a little bit of a difference

[Nimrod]

.........

[Banshee]

that thing looks like a condo with engines, WOT 40kts. WOW
JW

[whowantstoknow]

She is a beast - but a defin beauty - The inside is VERY impressive!!! did you get a chance to see the packeage Judge AV put together for her????

Viking defin out did themselves with 82 - I got to say if i ever got one......I WOULD NEVER LEAVE IT!!!!!!

[sportfishingusa]

what a pleasure to get a ride on that thing!! wowwy!!

sweet freaking ride!!

i can still not get over the size of that thing...

but i am still in love with that boat the orion!!

[FINREEEPER]

If i hit the MEGA MILIONS or the POWER BALL this weekend i'll take two of them Man just think how many BOW BUNNY'S you could put up the front of that thing I would be A HAPPY MAN!!!!