Viking said it attracted a record 300 attendees last week for its Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks Dealer Meeting and Sea Trial event. It was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The company said in a statement that it provided sea trials for five new models that included the 38 Open Billfish, the 46 Billfish and three Valhalla V Series center consoles, the V-33, V-37 and V-41.
“Five new models – that’s an incredible accomplishment,” said Pat Healey, Viking president and CEO, in the statement. “Re-design, re-engineer, re-invent. This is what we do at the Viking Yacht Company. It’s hard work, but we have a team with a lot of good people all pulling in the same direction, and that’s what really makes the difference.”
Over 50 sales personnel from Viking’s domestic and international dealer network, 80 customers and 15 media members attended the event at the Golden Nugget’s Farley Marina. Beyond the five new models, Viking’s 38 Billfish, 44 Open, 44 Convertible, 58 Convertible and the Viking 72 were also available for sea trials.
The company said that the boats ran “nonstop” for three days, with 30 dealer sea trials, 39 customer sea trials and 20 sea trials for 11 media organizations.
The Valhalla Boatworks V Series center consoles were well received. “We’ve been waiting eagerly for these boats,” said Michael C. Galati from Galati Yacht Sales in the statement. “And every one of them was spectacular. Our customers are thrilled.”
Viking entered the center-console market in February, with the introduction of stepped-hull outboard-powered boats. The V Series project went from conception to completion in 15 months. “Very few companies could pull off what we’re doing,” said Healey. “We’re attacking the center console business the same way that we’ve attacked the sportfishing and the motor yacht business – by pushing the envelope to build a better boat every day.”
The new 46 Billfish and the 38 Open Billfish also received praise from dealers and media. “This is a true sportfishing machine in a segment of the market that has been ignored for years,” Marlin magazine’s Karl Anderson said of the 46 Billfish in the statement.
“It’s a home run,” added Gary Caputi, representing Anglers Journal magazine. “Very impressive.”
The five models will make their world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Viking’s display will have 21 boats from 33 to 93 feet.
