Research Viking Yacht

Replacing a popular boat, like the 55C, is always a challenge. The 56 Convertible succeeds handily in a number of ways. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the 56 Convertible shares the sleek sheer line of its newer stable mates. Upon closer examination, however, the differences, both major and subtle become apparent.

Nearly a foot wider and with considerably more flare than the 55, the new 56 features significantly more crown on the flying bridge deck. Aft, the cabin sides taper inward slightly, a design tweak that helps to eliminate the station wagon effect when the boat is under way.


This contributes to a cleaner cockpit by pushing away the spray and exhaust that typically would filter back into the area. Oval exhaust ports add a custom touch. A climate controlled enclosed bridge also is available .

While the entry and chines also have been refined, a major design change is the inclusion of propeller pockets, which reduces the draft to 5' 0". Inside the boat more improvements and upgrades can be noted. The 56 Convertible carries 1,501 gallons of fuel. No other boat in its class has this capacity. All fuel, water and waste tanks are made in-house of fiberglass and each tank is designed to mirror the bottom of the boat for maximum draw. Further, each tank is fiberglassed into place and contributes additional strength to the hull.

In the engineroom, the 56 is equipped with Delta T moisture eliminators and axial fans so the machinery space is well ventilated with clean flowing air. The increased flow provides volumes of fresh air for combustion and keeps salt mist outside the boat. Engines are mounted on powder-coated structural-steel web-frame beams, which hang on dedicated transverse bulkheads to insure drive-train alignment. Viking wrote the book on engineroom design and the 56 clearly demonstrates what we have learned over the years. From the Awlgrip finish to the labeling of every pump and through-hull fitting, Viking enginerooms resemble works of art. Power choices range from high horsepower MAN, MTU and Caterpillar diesels delivering mid-30 knot cruise speeds to over 40 knots depending upon load, engines and sea conditions.


The salon is lush with hand-finished teak joinery, frameless windows and air conditioning, which flows evenly and quietly from behind the valances. In the galley, deep cabinetry and abundant drawer stowage swallows a month’s worth of cruising supplies with ease. Under counter refrigeration provides deep-drawer capacity and allows the area to remain open to the salon and dinette. A home theatre entertainment system is standard and a pop-up plasma television is available. The electrical control panel for shore and ship power is conveniently located at eye level just inside the salon door.

The offset companionway offers some new design opportunities. By moving the stacked washer and dryer forward, Viking’s head designer, Bruce Wilson, was able to create a sizeable starboard stateroom with over and under crisscross berths along with private access to the head. To port, the master stateroom has an athwartship queen-size bed with stowage underneath and a full-length mirror wall of hanging lockers. Forward, the bow stateroom has a queen walk around bed and also is available with over and under berths.

Viking has a major commitment to big-game fishing and maintains two factory demos, which fish all of the major East and Gulf coast fishing tournaments throughout the year. As you would expect from Viking, the 157 square-foot cockpit is overflowing with smart ideas like a refrigerated chill box in the salon entrance step and can be set up to handle any fishing or cruising assignment.
Draft: 5 ft. 0 in.
Beam: 18 ft. 2 in.
Fuel tank capacity: 1501
Water tank capacity: 240