~The Viking 60 Convertible
~A Class Champion Added to the Fleet
In its four and a half decade history, Viking has never lost sight of its mission to build a better boat everyday. One of the achievements of this company mantra is the Viking 60 Convertible. The sensational 60 Convertible represents an earth shaking milestone in Viking's relentless pursuit of excellence. With an advanced hull form that provides 40 + knot speed, dramatic sheer and window lines that create a modern new profile that is aggressive and chic, along with composite construction materials for strength and stiffness and other weight saving procedures for improved engine efficiencies and performance, the spectacular Viking 60 will be talked about, imitated, but never challenged where it counts out in the deep. Combine this ground breaking design, engineering and construction prowess with a fresh, lush interior featuring a choice of gloss or satin finishes and the Viking 60 will easily take the top slot as the boat of the decade. The sprawling cockpit features 170 square feet of usable space, which includes an observation mezzanine. A popular feature on Vikings, the mezzanine allows guests to remain out of the way of the angler and crew when a fish nears the boat, yet watch and stay close to the action in the lower cockpit.
Providing shade during the mid-day heat and spray protection when sea conditions turn nasty are examples of comfort features. On the utility side, the mezzanine also houses an under-mounted bait freezer, tackle stowage and engine room access. The lower step of the mezzanine can be equipped with additional refrigeration, or serve as large stowage compartments for loose, bulky gear. Drawer stowage can be found in a portside locker adjacent to the fiberglass sliding salon door, which can be ordered with a push-button electric opener. A refrigerated drink box is built into the salon door step. Tag sticks and gaffs stow safely beneath the forward gunwale, yet are instantly accessible when needed.
An anodized aluminum plate is laminated into the cockpit sole to accommodate a fighting chair or rocket launcher. The molded gelcoat sole is covered with grippy nonslip for solid footing, yet scrubs clean easily. Rounded coamings are comfortable when leaning against the cover boards, a feature stand-up fishermen appreciate. And when it is time to back down hard, the Viking 60 makes it easy on the angler and crew because the transom crown pushes the water away effortlessly to keep the cockpit dry. Should any water come over the transom it is dispatched quickly through thirsty scuppers in the cockpit corners. A comfortable 34-inch reach to the waterline make releases quick, safe and easy.
Other amenities include stainless-steel hardware, flush rod holders, a transom door, locking hatches to access an in-deck 14 cubic feet insulated fishwell with a macerator pump and a pair of insulated stowage wells, with provisions to convert one of the compartments into a deep, rounded 40 gallon livewell. Fresh and raw-water washdown systems and a Glendinning shore power cord are standard and a 53 gallon capacity transom fishbox also is available.
An athwartship ladder in the cockpit leads to the flybridge and its center console helm station, which allows total mobility for guests and crew. Three Murray Products teak ladder back helm seats are standard and provide uncanny visibility and comfort for the long haul. A custom helm pod features single lever electronic controls and power-assisted hydraulic steering with brisk five turns lock-to-lock response.
The console with its raised pod is built to house three 16-inch monitor screens, plus a battery of other electronic gear with clear acrylic fronts for viewing in all weather conditions. This exclusive Viking design also permits a huge, dry stowage area beneath the helm, which is too often sacrificed when electronics are installed in pop-up style arrangements, a novelty that over-exposes the equipment to the elements shortening its life span and usability.
A pair of deep compartments flanking the helm stows communication equipment and accessory switches for the engines and other systems. A Moritz monitor watches over various engine and ship's systems and utilizes visual and audible alarms to keep the operator informed. Large port and starboard lounges surround the helm console and offer fishing rod and other stowage below. A chill box for drinks is standard and additional refrigeration and 5.1 cubic feet freezer space is available, the largest in its class making it a popular selection for long range trips or extended cruising.
A climate-controlled enclosed bridge version of the Viking 60 Convertible is available with an L-shaped lounge, a cocktail table, an entertainment center, spiral staircase leading from the salon and a pod-style aft command docking station. The dash is covered in plush black ultra leather and a raised console accommodates a bank of flush mounted electronics. Accessory switches for the windshield wipers and other equipment are conveniently placed overhead. The centerline helm provides excellent visibility and the adjustable Stidd helm seat and destroyer-style wheel make long passages more comfortable. A J-shaped companion seat is starboard. While the aft docking station makes the enclosed bridge version a viable contender for fishing honors, the 60 EB appeals to cruising yachtsmen because it offers all of the ruggedness, performance, speed and handling of its sistership with the style, accommodations and luxury of a true motor yacht.
Viking engine rooms are the industry benchmark for quality construction and attention to detail. Standard power is a pair of MAN CRM 1,550 hp common rail diesels, which will provide a 32.5 knot cruise and a top end of 37 knots. Twin 1,825 hp Caterpillar C32A diesels also are available and these engines will deliver a mid-30 knot cruise and maximum velocity exceeding 40 knots depending upon load, engines and sea conditions. Viking has specified custom designed Veem propellers from Australia running through a 2:25:1 reduction ratio to maximize torque, acceleration and overall response. The five-bladed propellers run in shallow pockets reducing the draft to just over five feet, which opens up a lot of cruising and fishing destinations in the Bahamas and other shallow areas. And you will have the fuel to get wherever you are going because with its standard fuel capacity of 1,620 gallons, the estimated range at cruise with the Caterpillars is 435 nautical miles, or about 12.3 hours of run time. An additional 300 gallon tank can be installed bringing the optional fuel capacity to 1,920 gallons for more range if desired. For vibration free performance and drive-train alignment, the engines are mounted on Viking's exclusive and innovative powder-coated structural steel web frame beds, which are bolted to dedicated transversals. The stand-up engine room helps to ease maintenance and simplify daily fluid and equipment checks, and there is ample room outboard of both engines. To save weight, improve flow and reduce routine maintenance, a sea chest handles water supply duty to the engines, generator and other raw-water cooled systems. The elimination of numerous through-water fittings also helps to reduce underwater drag and friction to help enhance performance.
All fuel, water and waste tanks are made of fiberglass by skilled Viking technicians using a resin infusion process to produce durable, strong cells while saving weight. Each tank is designed to mirror the hull bottom to maximize draw and is fiberglassed in place becoming an integral part of the boat for additional strength. Deep placement also enhances and helps maintain the boat's center of gravity.
The engine room is finished with bright white Awlgrip, which lightens up the machinery space and makes it easy to maintain and keep the area spotless. The air intake boxes, which also are molded with our resin infusion process, are fitted with a Delta T engine room ventilation system with thermostatically controlled supply and discharge fans for optimum fresh air circulation, plus water intrusion suppression to keep the space clean, dry and most importantly, salt free. A separate machinery room forward of the engines contains air conditioning units, the water heater and other plumbing fixtures for maintenance and service accessibility and to reduce clutter in the engine room. Attention to detail always is a Viking hallmark, so every fitting is labeled, each hose is chafe protected where needed and the wiring throughout is neat and tidy. A 21.5 kW genset is standard and ample room is available to add a second generator.
The 60 Convertible also boasts an electrical system with Moritz OctoPlex touch screen panels that use solid state and electro-mechanical breakers. To reduce wire weight and installation time, there are a dozen remote electrical panels throughout the yacht, which also simplify usage and accessibility. The new wiring system eliminates the bulky track boxes typically seen in the engine room in favor of concealed runs. Wiring now appears at the point of use, thus producing a much cleaner look, which we feel takes our electrical systems to the next level.
For stability and sea keeping ability, the running surface features a convex deadrise shape matched to an aggressively raked entry with sharpened waterline sections. The convex deadrise adds curvature and form to the hull bottom and the wide beam which carries aft increases lifting motion in a seaway. Upon re-entry, the hull meets the water softly to enhance ride comfort and dryness.
Countless features about the new 60 Convertible set it apart from not only our competitors, but also other models in our product line from 46 to 82 feet. The 60's deck, house, flybridge and command console, for example, were produced with our $1 million five-axis profiler, the largest of its type in the marine industry. The computer operated profiler allows us to produce foam plugs with unerring accuracy that become the foundation for the flawless molds we use to manufacture our boats. The profiler excels at cutting with surgical accuracy the numerous intricacies of the design that in the past were painstakingly done by hand.
To enhance performance and achieve better engine and propulsion efficiencies, the design, engineering and production teams explored various avenues to shave off unnecessary poundage and were successful in bringing the deckhouse and hull weights to fruition well within the desired parameters. Viking has been using end grain balsa as a coring material for better than 20 years without a single construction failure. Our confidence in this material led us to explore other areas where we could take advantage of the product's various attributes for stiffness, strength, lighter weight and durability in the development of the 60 Convertible. Some examples of these weight saving achievements include using vacuum bagged high-strength Baltek anti-fungal coring in the highly loaded bottom panels of the running surface. It should be noted that end grain balsa has tremendous shear strength and in the event of an accidental grounding our experience has been that any damage is confined to a local area and does not compromise the surrounding core and laminates providing a superior measure of safety and easy repairability. Similarly, low density Baltek balsa used in the hull sides, deck and superstructure, provides the requisite stiffness and strength with the benefit of reduced weight. Structural sandwich panels of lightweight Baltek foam were used for bulkheads in lieu of heavier plywood, and to produce the longitudinal and transverse frames employed in internal grid sections. By selecting these specific construction core materials, the lamination schedules were optimized with higher strength bi- and triaxial knitted fabrics which absorb less resin, producing a core laminate of unequaled physical properties.
Our success in reducing weight on the 60 Convertible will allow us to introduce weight saving measures across our entire product line presently in production.
Through-hull areas including struts, shaft logs and water intakes penetrate solid fiberglass only. All overboard discharge through-hull fittings are manufactured of fiberglass to eliminate corrosion potential.
Viking's impeccable interiors are hand made works of art featuring glowing teak joinery. Each interior is built from scratch in Viking's 52,500 square foot mill, which includes five CNC (computer numerically controlled) operated machines, which cut, form and trim wood with surgical precision. The machines allow us to create intricate patterns and designs which have become Viking's signature of interior design.
Entering through the sliding fiberglass door in the cockpit, the overall volume of the salon is immediately apparent thanks to the nearly 19 feet of beam. Whether a satin or glossy finish is selected, the end result is a dramatic statement of rich teak joinery and especially palatial with a sizeable L-shaped sofa to starboard fronted with a teak cocktail table with a burl top. The sofa lifts easy on gas struts to expose a substantial stowage area, suitable for fishing rods, tackle and sundry items. To port, the main electrical panel is at eye level for easy viewing with a back-lit touch screen for simplifying night use. Below the concave teak counter is a Bose entertainment system with surround sound capability, plus bottle and general stowage. To complement the sound system there is a 40 inch LCD HD television installed over the dinette to maximize viewing accessibility.
Teak valances conceal air conditioning registers for quiet, thorough cooling and richly textured designer fabrics and materials abound in this lush environment.
The galley is U-shaped, by far the most practical design for prepping and cooking meals at sea. Wide expanses of granite provide lots of counter space, including a casual dining spot with a pair of bar stools. Beneath the counter is a plethora of good thinking including drawer-style refrigeration, a trash compactor, plus numerous drawers and lockers. The countertop is fitted with a recessed sink and an electric range. Above, a microwave/convection oven adds to cooking arsenal, while four wide, deep drawers slide out for convenient stowage of dinnerware and food supplies. The galley sole is planked with premium Amtico vinyl flooring for excellent serviceability and quick clean up.
The 60 Convertible offers layouts with three and four staterooms, with sleeping accommodations to satisfy both cruising yachtsmen and hard-core tournament fishermen and three heads with shower stalls. A diagonal berth with a queen-size mattress flanked with teak end tables highlights the master suite and truly complements the wise use of space. There is both drawer and bulk stowage beneath the berth and rope lighting adds a nice evening touch. Additional stowage is available in credenzas and a sizeable hanging locker. An entertainment system including a 26 inch LCD television is standard.
The master head features Amtico flooring, a sculpted teak faced vanity with a Corian top and sink, a full size Sealand Magnum MSD, a medicine cabinet and linen locker, and a fiberglass stall shower and seat with a frameless door and polished chrome hardware.
Forward, the guest stateroom has a queen-size berth and a private head and shower. In the three stateroom version, this also is available with upper and lower berths.
The starboard guest stateroom offers side-by-side berths. However, in the four-stateroom arrangement, the berths crisscross, which allows for upper and lower berths in the second starboard stateroom. This layout also moves the forward stateroom head to port.
Both the three and four stateroom plans include a laundry center in the companionway.
All guest staterooms, much like the master, feature beautiful teak joinery, designer fabrics and carpeting, ample stowage, and are available with entertainment packages as specified by the owner.
As with all Vikings, the 60 Convertible can be ordered with a custom electronics package from Atlantic Marine Electronics and a tuna tower or other custom accessories from Palm Beach Towers. Both AME and PBT are Viking Yacht sister companies and they enable an owner to take delivery turnkey ready. Viking also is the only manufacturer with a full-service satellite facility in South Florida staffed by Viking trained technicians solely for the convenience of Viking owners.
Family owned and operated, Viking is unique in the marine industry. Vertically integrated, virtually 90 percent of a Viking is manufactured in house. Viking even designs and builds its own molds. Debt-free, we answer only to ourselves and are able to deliver what is arguably the best riding, best performing convertible yacht in the world.
We cordially invite you to contact your Viking dealer to arrange a sea trial of the 60 Convertible and to take a tour of our 810,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in New Gretna, New Jersey, 30 minutes north of Atlantic City.
Draft: 5 ft. 1 in.
Beam: 18 ft. 9 in.
Fuel tank capacity: 1620
Water tank capacity: 300
Standard features:
Engine
MAN / V12 1550CRM 1550 MHP
