Viking Yachts is exhibiting two new convertibles at the Miami Yacht Show on Collins Ave., the 68 Convertible and the 44 Convertible.
“The 68 is another legendary boat in a long line of fishing boats in the 60-foot and 70-foot range,” said Viking Yachts president and CEO Patrick Healey, in a statement. “No one is doing the job we are doing today in this size range.
The 68 C is designed and engineered to function equally well as a tournament-ready offshore boat or cruising yacht. With optional twin 1945-hp MTU Series 2000 V12 M96L inboards, the boat tops out at more than 46 mph. The boat is also available with Caterpillar or MAN power.
An optional Seakeeper stabilizer can be added to enhance passenger comfort.
She has a 176-square-foot cockpit, so anglers will have room to fight fish. The deck is reinforced for a fighting chair and there’s a walk-thru transom door. The observation mezzanine has port aft-facing lounges and an anodized aluminum ladder leads to the bridge. Up top, the helm is positioned centrally and electronic trolling valves come standard.
The 68 C’s interior features a four-stateroom, four head arrangement. The salon door is electronically operated and a 49-inch HD TV adds to the pleasure. The air conditioning system features hidden registers behind valances. The island galley has a stone countertop and under-counter refrigerator. Opposite, the dinette seats four around a gloss walnut table.
The 44 Convertible runs on the same bottom as the 44 Open and has nearly 6 feet of freeboard. Chines and strakes are designed to provide lift and stability.
Like the 68 C, the 44 C has a centrally positioned helm with seating on each side. A fiberglass hardtop is available and can be ordered with overhead instrument compartments.
Working our way down, the cockpit has 119 square feet of angling space and standard equipment includes saltwater washdown systems, a transom livewell, transom door with a lfit gate, tackle storage, a cooler and an in-deck fish and storage well.
Belowdecks, the portside master stateroom has a queen-size berth with storage below, a maple-lined hanging locker, a 28-inch TV and speakers. A private head includes a fiberglass shower, a vanity and a Corian countertop. The forward stateroom has a double and single berth and there’s a head with another shower to serve these quarters.
Taking a look at performance, the boat is powered by twin 1945-hp Volvo Penta D13s that power it to more than 43 mph. An optional 1000-hp Volvo Penta is also available. The engine room has a Delta-T ventilation system and an Onan 13.5kW E-QD generator.
