Viking has teased its latest battlewagon, the 54 Convertible. The boat appears to be close to completion, with its debut slated for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show next month.
This is the tenth model the New Gretna, N.J.-based builder has launched in the 50- to 60-foot size class since 2000, with more than 600 Vikings built in that range.
“No one has done a better job in this segment of the market,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey in a statement. “Over the last 20 years, we’ve designed more boats from 50 to 60 feet than any other manufacturer in the industry. This is absolutely our sweet spot.”
For the angler, the 54 is equipped with a 154-square-foot cockpit with raised mezzanine seating atop copious cooler and freezer space. and is shaded by the flybridge overhang. A tackle cabinet is here, to starboard. There’s also a multitude of fishboxes including an in-deck box that spans the starboard side as well as a raised box in the transom that converts into a livewell.
The three-stateroom, two-head layout places ensures space for anglers, friends and family on overnight fishing trips or while cruising. Hull number one has a master suite to port with VIP queen in the forepeak, the standard arrangement; the forward stateroom is also available with crossover berths.
Standard power for the 54 will be MAN’s V12s rated at 1,400 hp apiece, although hull number one went with the optional power package of twin, 1,550-hp MANs. The builder projects a cruise in the mid 30-knot range, with a top end over 40 knots with this propulsion package.
The company released a video that highlighted its commitment to utilizing the latest tech — including Computational Fluid Dynamics — to refine its vessels as well as an introduction to the new 54.
