Like all new Vikings, the idea to build a 50 Convertible started with a clean sheet of paper and hundreds of ideas from our design department and tournament fishing teams. That form clearly drives function with this model is evident in its breathtaking sheer line.
The stem is raked aggressively to slice through head seas for a comfortable ride offshore. The foredeck, the black-masked deckhouse and cockpit are tastefully proportioned. And with a custom designed Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and aft rail rocket launcher, its sleek profile is elegant yet stalwart. In short, the Viking 50 is a winner.
The salon is a showcase of discerning design. Entered through a sliding fiberglass door from the cockpit, the rich teak joinery with a choice of high gloss or satin finish and plush designer furnishings provide a most welcome retreat for relaxing and entertaining. A walk-through galley with a convenient Corian-topped island and a pair of bar stools serves as the focal point. The galley has under counter sliding drawer refrigeration, an electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven, a high-gloss Corian countertop and custom Amtico flooring. To port, an inviting L-shaped lounge with stowage below is accented with a convenient teak cocktail table, while forward the dinette seats four comfortably. Cool air flows from concealed registers behind the valances for better distribution and a home-theater entertainment system features a 37-inch flat screen television.
The three-stateroom, two-head layout offers generous comfort and privacy for six. In the master stateroom there is a queen-sized walk around berth with an upholstered head board, mattress and lift top, which exposes plenty of stowage below, reading lights, a large maple-lined hanging locker and an entertainment system. The privately accessed head has Amtico vinyl flooring, a teak-faced Corian counter with built-in sink, a fiberglass shower stall with seat and an electric MSD. Port and forward guest staterooms each offer the flexibility of upper and lower berths and share the second head. A laundry center is located adjacent to the companionway steps.
Featuring 132 square-feet of usable space, the cockpit is packed with every element you need to take your place in the Winners Circle. The standard equipment list is as long as a submarine canyon is deep and includes stainless-steel flush rod holders, fresh and sea-water washdown systems, a walk-through transom door with gate, rounded coamings, molded nonslip, gaff and tag stick stowage, and an insulated recessed fish box and stowage wells. Vikings popular observation mezzanine creates two distinct cockpit areas, which allows the crew freedom to move about in the lower area for fishing, while providing guests an unobstructed view of the action. The mezzanine also benefits from shade and spray protection thanks to the flying bridge overhang. Built into the mezzanine are tackle stowage, an under-mounted bait freezer and engineroom access. For added convenience, an insulated cool box for drinks is built into the salon step.
With power-assisted hydraulic steering and electronic engine controls, the Viking 50 Convertible responds with the reflexes of a gold medalist Olympian and is a joy to handle. Standard power is MAN CRM 1,100 mhp diesels and with a standard fuel load will provide 32 knot cruise speeds and a top end of 36 knots depending upon prevailing conditions and the sea state. An optional power package with MAN CRM 1,360 mhp engines also is available to increase the cruise speed to 36 knots and to provide a top end of 40 knots depending upon load and existing conditions. Fuel capacity is 1,000 gallons, and an auxiliary tank can increase capacity to 1,200 gallons. Fuel, as well as water and waste tanks are made of fiberglass by Viking technicians with our exclusive resin infusion process and are designed to mirror the hull bottom for maximum draw from the tank capacity. Tanks are mounted low to maintain the boats center of gravity and are fiberglassed into place to contribute additional strength to the hull structure.
Visibility at the helm is excellent thanks to the moderate bridge wings and a well-designed console with a custom-styled control pod. A pair of Murray Products teak ladder back helm seats with stainless-steel pedestals is standard and there is ample room to move about behind the seats. Electronics fit neatly in weather-protected pods on top of the molded fiberglass console and with clear acrylic fronts and live rubber gaskets to create a tight seal to repel water are viewable in all sea conditions. Compare a Vikings navigation and fishing electronics console to anything else on the water and the difference in utility, practicality and appearance is immediately apparent. Its just another example of how Viking design and engineering is often imitated but never equaled. Further, Vikings mantra to constantly improve and further enhance a design is clearly seen with the additional space for communication equipment and accessory switches available to both sides of the stainless-steel wheel.
Vinyl cushions top the lounges ahead of the helm station and to starboard. The starboard lounge also features an aft-facing jump seat for watching baits and the lid lifts to expose a convenient stowage compartment. A cooler box on the bridge can be ordered with refrigeration. The option provides for a dual thermostat so the box can serve as either a refrigerator or freezer box as required.
Systems throughout the engineroom are numerous, yet prove to be a quick learn for ease of operation. Electrical power under way is supplied by a 17.5 kW generator, while at the dock a voltage stabilizer isolation transformer delivers consistent and clean voltage to protect refrigeration, air conditioning and other sensitive electrically-powered components whether you are tied up in a fancy stateside marina or alongside a rickety pier in the boondocks.
For ease of maintenance, the machinery space is finished in bright, white Awlgrip. To keep the engineroom dry and provide clean fresh air for engine combustion, as well as prevent water intrusion, a Delta-T ventilation system with supply and discharge fans is standard. Wiring is neat and precision like. Fittings are clearly labeled and maintenance points are easy to access. A gauge package at the entrance door in the mezzanine consists of a tachometer, water temperature and oil pressure, and start and stop switches for each engine.
For stability and sea keeping ability, the running surface incorporates a convex deadrise shape matched to a finely raked entry with sharpened waterline sections. The convex deadrise adds curvature and form to the hull bottom and the wide beam carries aft to increase the lifting motion in a seaway. This allows for a soft, subtle re-entry into the water for ride comfort and dryness.
Specifying Vikings sister companies, Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers for outfitting the Viking 50 Convertible ensures turnkey delivery when the boat leaves the plant. Additionally, Viking is the only manufacturer with a service yard in South Florida solely for the convenience of Viking Yacht owners. Viking also is most unique in that it is a family owned and operated business. Debt-free, we answer only to ourselves and are able to deliver the best riding, best performing and best looking convertible yacht in the world.
Draft: 4 ft. 10 in.
Beam: 17 ft. 0 in.
Fuel tank capacity: 1000
Water tank capacity: 175
