Raising the bar again, the Viking Yacht Company is proud to announce its latest large sportfishing yacht – the 82 Convertible. The five-stateroom, six-head world-traveler builds upon the tremendous success of the Viking 80, pushing the genre to new heights of excellence.

“We’ve taken a boat that has been proclaimed by the sportfishing community as the most successful 80-foot sportfish boat ever and improved upon it,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “We’ve been able to design and build a better boat by using our experiences on multiple Viking 80 demo boats and collecting a tremendous amount of feedback from owners, captains and mates. And like every new model, the 82 is going to be bad-ass – another industry leader.”

The Viking Yacht Company, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has delivered more than 110 convertibles over 80 feet. The first-generation 82 Convertible was introduced in 2009 during some of the toughest economic times in recent history, and still 27 boats were sold.

Viking’s largest-ever sportfisher – the 92 – premiered in 2014. Twenty-one 92s were delivered before misguided emission regulations forced the model to be discontinued. The Viking 80’s numbers are astounding, with 54 boats delivered. Our new flagship, the Viking 90, has been utterly unstoppable since its recent world premiere, with 16 boats sold and eight delivered.

And now here comes the 82, proving once again that Viking is the leader in the design, development and production of the biggest convertible sportfishing yachts in the world. The 82 will be offered in three different models – open bridge, enclosed bridge and sky bridge. Hull No. 1 will be an open bridge model with a Pamlico Blue gelcoat and a custom tuna tower from the Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers. The yacht will make its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Oct. 30-Nov. 3., and then serve as our demo boat.

“Like the 80 and our previous large sportfishing boats, the 82 will prove that a boat of its size can not only meet the demands of the tournament circuit – but also win,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “We’ve broken that barrier, and we’re doing it again with the 82, making refinements and improvements in every area – speed, performance, ride, maneuverability and fishability.”

Design/Performance

With a length overall of nearly 83 feet, our new convertible presents a long, sleek and strong profile. Her gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, double strakes and chines, deftly placed molded-in deckhouse and bridge style lines and swept-back black metallic mask are unmistakable Viking traits. The 82 features exterior stylistic refinements of the 90, including deckhouse window and hull portlights with chamfered edges and the latest hull-side engineroom vent design. The 82’s hull sides also boast a prominent feature line that appears to flow through the tinted port light.

The 82’s performance was optimized through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), software that allowed the Design and Engineering team to analyze the longitudinal center of gravity and pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness, and modify strakes and chines to increase running efficiency.

The Viking 82 will also be offered with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System (AVPS), which utilizes struts and rudders with modified or “twisted” shapes that minimize hydrodynamic resistance, improving performance. “The strut is designed to improve the in-flow of water to the propeller, while the rudder minimizes resistance in the flow of water from the propeller,” says Viking Naval Architect Joe Snodgrass. “These improvements allow us to use a larger propeller and gain speed.”

With twin 2635MHP MTU 16V 2000 M96Ls and the Advanced Viking Propulsion System, performance levels are expected to be in the same range as the latest Viking 80s – 42 knots at full load with a cruise of 36 knots.

“The 80 delivered an extremely smooth, fast and dry ride,” says David. “Built at roughly the same weight as the 80 and benefitting from an additional 2 feet in length, the 82’s ride quality will be even better.”

Fiberglass and carbon fiber/e-glass hybrid fabrics, resin infusion, Light Resin Transfer Molding and the use of a variety of core materials – with specific densities for their location – in the build process maximize strength and weight savings. A modified vinylester/epoxy resin is used throughout the hull for maximum blister protection and optimal structural performance.

“We review each component within the build to optimize the structure required to meet its purpose,” says Viking Vice President of Design and Engineering Lonni Rutt. “Every material and method of construction is chosen for specific reasons.”

Cockpit/Flybridge

The 82 gives you more cockpit space and a larger mezzanine that allows for increased storage and a new extended lounge to starboard. Just under 230 square feet, the cockpit is built with everything you need to make it to the Winner’s Circle, including a transom door and lift gate, a transom fishbox/live well and full-length in-deck fish boxes with split lids to port and starboard. The Viking 82 is engineered for the installation of a Seakeeper 40, easily accessible via a single cockpit hatch on centerline with optional electric actuation.

The mezzanine holds an abundance of storage, including a tackle cabinet, ice chipper storage box and a refrigerated step box to port. Access to the engine room is via the centerline mezzanine steps, and there are two refrigerator and freezer boxes to starboard. The flybridge overhang is designed to keep guests cool and dry, and optional air conditioning is available for added comfort.

The flybridge, which applies many of the design concepts of the Viking 90, is anchored by a walkaround center console with a full-width helm platform that accommodates three Release Marine helm chairs with teak ladder backs. The 8-inch-high platform offers 360-degree visibility, a clear view of the cockpit deck and excellent access to all instrumentation. The console’s recessed black acrylic dash holds four 17-inch multifunction displays (MFD). The clean, streamlined and operator-friendly helm also features dual radio boxes with split lids housing instrumentation and controls, a teak helm pod, single lever electronic controls and a stainless steel steering wheel. Air conditioning can be added to the helm, as well. Hull No. 1 will feature a custom navigation, communication, fishfinding and entertainment package from Atlantic Marine Electronics, also a Viking company.

The 82’s center console features an integrated full-length forward lounge with standard air conditioning in the backrest and storage underneath that’s available as an optional freezer. Dual freezers forward allow you to store different baits separately. The forward flybridge is also home to a convenient sink and refrigerated drink box. Seating modules to port and starboard each hold back-to-back lounges that share a backrest.

Our enclosed bridge (EB) model offers a totally climate-controlled helm area and a luxurious second salon. Viking has been building enclosed bridge convertibles for 30 years, and this experience is unmatched in the industry, with constant evolution in design, ergonomics and comfort. Access to the enclosed bridge is provided by a ladder from the mezzanine to the EB’s aft deck or a staircase inside the salon. The salon is appointed with a raised L-shaped lounge with walnut table to starboard, a refrigerator, an HDTV and ample storage. An unobstructed one-piece windshield provides gin-clear visibility at the forward control station, which features a one-piece raised black wraparound electronics pod with integrated visor holding up to five MFDs. Two double companion chairs side the centerline Stidd helm chair.

If you like the salon-like features of an enclosed bridge but also want to run the boat from an open bridge occasionally, the 82’s sky bridge model is for you, providing the best of both worlds. The elevated bridge’s port-side console has a fully equipped helm with a recessed black acrylic panel for flush-mounted MFDs. Guests can enjoy the view from a forward L-shaped lounge (with underneath storage), with easy access to a forward refrigerated drink box and a sink.

Accommodations

The interior of this amazing yacht features a horizontal-grain natural walnut throughout, available in satin or gloss finishes, and interior doors with horizontal and vertical grains and ebony inlays. Enter the salon from the mezzanine through a port-side electric sliding door. You’ll immediately notice the abundance of natural light pouring in through the shapely salon windows. To port, there’s a convenient day head, making trips below unnecessary during fishing excursions. The open-concept design features three distinct gathering areas with a straight walkway that extends from the salon door to the forepeak, accentuating the sense of depth and space.

To starboard, a wraparound sofa – with storage below and accompanied by a walnut hi-lo table – provides an excellent view of the large port-side HDTV, which rises from the entertainment center cabinetry. Forward on the port side, the dinette easily accommodates five with plush seating and a walnut table. The dinette sits on raised platform, giving guests an excellent view outside while providing rod storage in a pull-out drawer below.

The fore-and-aft style of the galley maximizes useful space with two under-counter refrigerators and one freezer beneath a second dining area with a raised bar and three stools. The outboard counter accommodates a double-bowl stainless steel sink, electric cooktop and conventional oven and drawer storage. A microwave oven, trash compactor, dishwasher and upper and lower cabinet storage round out the conveniences. In the pantry forward of the galley, a bunk can be added for a third mate or extra guest.

The Viking 82’s larger size can also be seen in the forepeak, where you’ll find five generously appointed staterooms and additional space in the companionway for a dedicated rod and tackle locker as well as a laundry center. The latter features a full-size stackable washer and dryer with centralized control panel for easy operation. The rod and tackle locker can be customized to the owner’s liking. Beautiful walnut doors conceal both of these spaces.

The full-beam midship master stateroom is accessed via a private staircase off the companionway. This royally appointed suite boasts a king-size walk-around bed, end tables and an HDTV. Overhead LED lighting with dimmers, decorative indirect rope lighting and an upholstered headboard accent the space. Other highlights: port and starboard maple-lined hanging closets and credenzas, a vanity/desk area with stool to starboard and a seating area to port. The expansive head includes twin sinks with seven drawers of storage below, a large walk-in shower and an optional mirrored ceiling.

All staterooms include their own ensuite head with separate shower. The VIP stateroom forward and the guest cabin aft are both appointed with walk-around queen beds. A guest and crew stateroom are on the port side, each with upper and lower berths. The crew stateroom is immediately adjacent to the rod and tackle locker.

Engineroom/Mechanicals

From an engineering standpoint, the Viking 82 is peerless. Painted in a gleaming Snow White Awlgrip, the engineroom provides excellent visibility and ease of maintenance. There’s plenty of space to access all sides of the 16-cylinder powerplants and numerous components and controls. The engines are mounted to the stringers that are reinforced with integrated aluminum for a strong, clean installation.

The standard 32 kW generators are aft of the engines for center of gravity purposes; their location also provides outstanding accessibility outboard to the hull-side vents. The Murray Ventilation System utilizes six fans that push and pull a maximum amount of air through the engineroom.

Our Centralized Seawater System reduces complexity and increases reliability and component longevity throughout the boat. Always striving to improve maintenance, Viking has worked closely over the past several years with ElectroSea on the development of its CLEARLINE System and SeaStrong pumps. The 82 utilizes these pumps, which are seal-less, as standard equipment. The 82 is also offered with the game-changing CLEARLINE System, which uses chlorinated water to prevent marine growth in seawater plumbing lines.

The 82 utilizes many proven systems, including digital switching from Octoplex as well as the Optimus Electronic Power Steering system. The yacht is also equipped with composite seacocks, eliminating corrosion, increasing longevity and decreasing weight. In addition, the 82 is engineered for many systems previously provided as custom installations that are now offered as optional and standard components, such as omnidirectional sonar, multiple water makers and crushed ice machines, tuna tube bait systems and extensive refrigerated storage boxes.