The Viking 68 breaks new ground in yacht design and construction as the first Viking Yacht in our history to make use of the company's new five-axis profiler. This $1 million computer programmed router, the largest in the marine industry, was employed by Viking engineers and designers to create several of the mold plugs for the new model, including the flying bridge, helm console and main fuel tank.
Running on Viking's proven fairbody hull shape with 15- degree transom deadrise and propeller pockets for a modest 5.5 foot draft, the 68 Convertible's eye pleasing profile is apparent from every angle.
The luxurious interior is an elegant ensemble of hand-finished teak joinerwork and richly textured designer fabrics, which create a plush, palatial ambience. The four-stateroom, four-head arrangement is sure to please the most fastidious yachtsman and the hard-core tournament fishermen.
The salon is a blueprint of intelligent form and function, utilizing the wide beam to its maximum potential. Flowing with luxury features from the electrically operated salon door to a 40-inch plasma television, which raises from lush teak cabinetry via remote control, to tasteful granite countertops in the galley, the 68 Convertible is everything you have come to expect from Viking and more. Frameless windows fill the spacious salon with an abundance of natural lighting. Air conditioning flows from hidden registers behind valances to better distribute cooling air and reduce noise. The main electrical panel is directly inside the salon door and at eye level for maximum convenience. Proportions throughout the salon are generous, and like its larger sibling the 74 Convertible, the salon, galley and dinette are on the same level for better traffic flow and ease of moving about. Bulk stowage is especially abundant forward of the galley and dinette, which will make long range cruising to exotic fishing locals enjoyable and practical.
In the U-shape galley, Sub-Zero under counter refrigeration maximizes food storage capacity and keeps the area open to the salon and dinette. Pull-out drawers on aircraft-type slide mechanisms lock in place for safe keeping and sport more than enough room to empty several displays at a Williams Sonoma store. Major brand appliances are standard and a garbage disposal and trash compactor are among the many features. Opposite the galley, a large dinette easily accommodates four adults for dinner and additional bar-stool seating is available at the galley counter.
The portside master suite is amidships and has an athwartships king-size walkaround bed with a spring mattress and an upholstered headboard flanked with night tables and reading lights. The bed faces a 32-inch flat screen television, which complements a Bose entertainment system.
The forward stateroom has a walkaround queen size bed that lifts to reveal a cavernous stowage compartment below. The starboard and crew staterooms feature upper and lower berths and each is served with a private head and stall shower.
In addition to the spectacular accommodations and design details is perhaps the yacht's most compelling feature, the 186-square foot cockpit with its dramatic observation mezzanine. The observation mezzanine combines tournament-winning practicality along with the luxury of waiting for the next strike in sublime comfort with its aft facing lounge seat, plus the added measure of sun and weather protection thanks to the flying bridge overhang, which help keep bait-watching eyes, shaded, sharp and rested. The mezzanine also provides considerable stowage beneath the hinged seating for loose gear, tackle stowage, a 9.9 cu. ft. bait freezer and access to the engineroom.
The flying bridge sports a center console helm providing superb visibility to all quarters. Fishing rods stow neatly under port and starboard bench seats, while electronics nest safely beneath a clear acrylic panel, which keeps them dry in any weather yet always within easy view. Forward of the helm is an additional freezer and bench seat. A climate controlled enclosed bridge with a spiral staircase from the salon also is available.
Several engine choices are available from MTU and Caterpillar and depending upon the power, load and sea conditions, the 68 Convertible will cruise 28 to 34 knots and have a top end to 39 knots. Standard fuel capacity is 2,060 gallons in Viking-made fiberglass fuel tanks, which are nestled in the hull and fiberglassed into place. The tanks mirror the hull bottom to maximize draw and range and in so doing also contribute to hull strength. If desired, fuel capacity can be increased to 2,360 gallons.
Draft: 5 ft. 5 in.
Beam: 19 ft. 4 in.
Fuel tank capacity: 2060
Water tank capacity: 355
