2008 Viking 54 Convertible

The Viking 54 sets new milestones of innovation while integrating ideas garnered from sales and owner feedback, as well as thousands of hours logged by our Viking demo teams on the tournament trail. "We're in a constant state of refinement," says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. "Everything from interior and exterior design and accommodations to performance, fishability and ease of operation are evolving."

The 54 presents an eye-pleasing profile that's unmistakably Viking, with signature design traits such as a gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, aggressively raked stem, double chines, hull-side vents and deftly placed exterior feature lines.

Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, the Viking Design and Engineering Department has optimized the 54's running surface for maximum performance. Now an integral part of the design process, our in-house CFD allows us to run numerous virtual sea trials to fine-tune the shape of the hull bottom for increased efficiency. We can also analyze pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness and modify strakes and chine shape and size.

The hull is built with an engineered composite of fiberglass fabrics and coring that's vacuum-infused with vinylester resin. Utilizing a calculated resin-to-fiberglass ratio, great stiffness and strength is brought to the structure while minimizing weight. The structural bulkheads and fuel tanks (which are customized to the shape of the hull) are also resin infused. The hull-to-deck is through-bolted every three inches and fiberglassed from inside for a rock-solid union.

The 54's business end offers more space than any other boat in its class. The 154-square-foot unobstructed cockpit comes to the fishing wars with the ammunition to put you in the winner's circle, starting with molded non-skid on the cockpit sole for grippy footing (even when wet) and large scuppers to drain water quickly. The cockpit, covering boards and mezzanine can be finished in teak, which also delivers excellent traction with low maintenance.

A walk-through transom door with a lift gate takes the work out of boating a trophy catch. And when you're release-fishing, a three-foot reach to the waterline means you can quickly turn a billfish loose. Anglers will appreciate Viking's signature rounded cockpit coamings and toekick for those lengthy stand-up battles. Flush rod holders, recessed stainless-steel hawse pipes and cleats keep the cockpit clear. 

Multiple insulated fishboxes of various capacities increase flexibility. The raised transom box can be used as a live well, fishbox or general storage. A full-length in-deck fishbox spans the starboard side, while the port side holds two storage compartments with the forward serving as an optional live well. A mounting plate laminated into the sole will anchor the mightiest of fighting chairs, and you can also opt for a rocket launcher or table. All in-deck boxes are finished on both sides, and their lids are equipped with latches and thick rubber gasketing to prevent water intrusion. Deep gutters with overboard drains rim the hatch perimeters. A single centerline lazarette hatch (available with power actuation) opens nearly 90 degrees for full viewability and access to the available Seakeeper as well as the steering, trim tabs and drain pumps.

Guests will be enamored with the raised observation mezzanine (pioneered by Viking) as they watch the action in comfort, shaded by the flybridge overhang. Smart storage solutions abound, with freezer and cooler space under the mezzanine for baits and drinks and a tackle cabinet on the starboard side. The inboard portion of the mezzanine provides access to the engineroom. An anodized aluminum ladder with nonslip treads (and a handrail at the top) provides secure egress to the flybridge. In the salon step, an insulated drink box means you can quench your thirst without missing any of the action.