In what is certainly the most successful launch of a large
new yacht we can remember, the Viking 82 hit the river behind the company’s
New Gretna, New Jersey plant recently and is said to be ahead of schedule. But the
boat won’t be on display at Norwalk, Annapolis or even the Ft. Lauderdale shows,
and will make her debut at a Viking VIP Preview at the company’s Riviera Beach,
FL facility January 30-31, 2009. Beneath that immense foredeck there are four large
staterooms and a crew cabin. Note the portlight in the hull denoting the full-beam
master. Bella!
|
Note on the starboard side what appears to
be an even larger portlight. Could this be an Italian influence?
|
With over 1,400 employees Viking Yachts is the largest company building motoryachts
and convertibles by far. The company has invested $10 million in a new plant facility
to build their large yachts, and by the look of their order book their staff will
be busy for years to come.
When the boat was first announced over a year ago the press release said that the
boat’s “…gorgeous sheer and the symphony of soft, seamless curves are a true feast
for the eyes.” Now, seeing the 82 in the flesh, so to speak, we couldn’t agree more.
She has 9’ of freeboard forward and 3’ at the cockpit and she carries a 21’ beam.
Her cockpit is 235 sq. ft. She has all of the equipment and amenities that one would
expect on such a vessel. You will note below in the accommodation and deck drawings
that several plans are available, with the flying bridge plans quite different.
The boat will also have an optional enclosed flying bridge and a spiral staircase
is available.
Viking seems to have thought of everything, including optional misters to cool you
down when in Costa Rico and sitting out on the mezzanine. The boat is powered with
twin 2000 diesels which the builder says will push her at over 30 cruise
and mid-30s WOT.
This boat was primarily built for the elite club of big game fishermen who roam
the world’s most fruitful fishing grounds hunting for the perfect billfish and the
thrill of a marlin lighting-up in neon blue as it streaks through the water to steal
a bait. It is not hard to picture the Viking 82 off Kona or Lizard Island – in fact,
she is almost as bit as Lizard Island.
For an invitation to Viking’s VIP debut simply call the plant. Trouble is, of course,
there will not be one of these available for a couple of years. We are sure, however,
that Viking would be glad to put you in one of their smaller boats while you wait
on the big Kahuna.
|
|
|
|
|