Viking Yachts 46 Billfish
The Viking team has just announced that the new 90 Convertible will become the flagship model in its sportfishing yacht range. During a press conference on opening day of the 2021 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Viking made huge waves with the new model announcement. It was this same boat show in 2014 when the 92 Convertible made its world premiere, so it’s only fitting that its predecessor, the 90C, was announced here as well.
The 92 Convertible will be retired with many well-known vessels built over the years including the FA-LA-ME, DOUBLE BARREL, MAKARA, and others. A total of twenty-one 92's were built over the years.
The 90 Convertible is the culmination of everything Viking has learned, developed, and improved over the last decade. With countless hours fishing at sea and utilizing all of the exceptional owner feedback received, everything from the hull design, the equipment on board, and the layout of the yacht are perfectly dialed in for the ultimate offshore fishing experience. The new Viking 90 will be the pinnacle battle-wagon for sportfish enthusiasts that sets the standard for all others.
“We’ve taken all the incredible qualities of the 92 – the interior layout, the accommodations, the style, the amenities – and merged them with greater performance, technology and versatility,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “The 92 was the Bentley. This is the Ferrari.”
The Viking 90 will be offered in 3 different versions – the 90 Convertible, 90 Enclosed Bridge, and 90 Skybridge – exactly as the 92 was offered.
“I can tell already that our Viking 80 owners are going to love the new 90,” said Rich Lucas, Viking Brand Manager for SI Yachts. “This is truly a fitting ‘heir to the throne’ for Viking.”
For pricing, availability, and more information on the new Viking 90 Convertible, please contact us through the form on this page, by calling our main office at 1-718-984-7676, or by email at Sales@SIYachts.com.
Here are several highlights of the new 90C:
The Cockpit
As with all Vikings, the cockpit is without a doubt designed for serious business on the water. With a beam of over 23-feet, the cockpit on the 90 Convertible has ample room for maneuvering around the angler and other crew during an intense battle. It spans a full 224 square feet.
The focal point of the teak cockpit is the Release Marine Fighting Chair, rocket launcher, or table. There is a massive 203-gallon transom live-well/fishbox, as well as a pair of full-length 103 gallon in-deck fish boxes. There are multiple flush-mounted rod holders, frozen bait storage, and tackle storage. There is a dedicated space for a Seakeeper 35 that is water-tight. With the Seakeeper turned on, trolling or bottom fishing has never been more stable and enjoyable.
Your guests will also appreciate the Viking signature dual mezzanine seating that is a few steps up from the cockpit. This shaded, elevated seating area is also air-conditioned and provides stadium-quality views of all of the action. Portside, there is a L-shaped aft-facing lounge and a teak table. Starboard side, Viking has built in a hub for grilling, and icemaker or refrigeration, depending upon the owner’s needs.
The mezzanine also provides access to the engine room and crew quarters via a centerline access hatch.
The Flybridge & Helm Station
A portside staircase leads from the cockpit to the spacious flybridge area. Sportfish owners have for years made convertible-style yachts the most popular because of the openness of the helm and the visibility all around your vessel. Three Stidd chairs sit behind the centerline helm station with the middle captain’s chair elevated. Air-conditioning vents push cold air to the captain and his guests. Speakers are found throughout the sides of the command deck.
The helm console itself is ergonomically designed for easy reach of controls. The stainless steel steering wheel, single lever controls, and 3 displays give the captain complete control of the yacht. The hardtop has a built-in space for teaser reels overhead. All electronics are installed by AME, Viking subsidiary marine electronics company, for unparalleled quality control.
Forward of the helm console in the flybridge are additional seating areas for guests to enjoy the ride. Bench seating is found port and starboard with more drinkholders. Additional storage spaces are found under the seats. A u-shaped couch with teak pedestal table provides a great space to dine al fresco with a view!
If desired, the 90 Convertible can also be outfitted with a Marlin Tower from Palm Beach Towers. Customized to fit your vessel, this tower features a full set of controls and additional seating, along with unprecedented views. See birds hovering before your competition!
Salon & Galley
Stepping inside the salon doors, it becomes immediately apparent that Viking does not build your ordinary sportfishing yacht. Viking’s new 90 Convertible is equivalent to the finest luxury motor yachts on the market and offers everything needed for extended fishing (or cruising) adventures. The interior volume is abundantly noticeable and the ambiance of Viking’s décor sets the perfect mood.
As you enter the salon, portside is a large couch that wraps around with two cocktail tables and additional chairs that creates a wonderful space to enjoy conversation with friends. A 65-inch flatscreen television sits across from the couch, perfect for watching the big game while catching big game! Owners will appreciate the stunning horizontal grain natural walnut wood that provides warmth and style to the interior. Viking does offer customization opportunities equivalent to many custom boat builders.
A large, well-equipped galley with an abundance of storage and counter space is found starboard. Viking equips every model with only the highest quality refrigeration, freezers, and cooking appliances. Corian countertops come in multiple colors to match your décor and there are 5 barstools seated around it. Across from the galley portside is the formal dining area. This area consists of a beautiful teak dining table and chairs for 6 guests.
Accommodations
The Viking 90 will feature 5 guest staterooms each with their own en suite head, plus an additional crew stateroom, with head, aft of the engine room. The master stateroom is placed midship and spans the full beam of the yacht. As anticipated, the master suite on a Viking of this size is exceptionally well-suited for extended fishing trips with ample storage and comfortable accommodations. The king-sized berth is centered in the cabin with nightstands on each side, a seating area, and a massive walk-in closet. His-and-hers heads are featured.
There are essentially two VIP suites, one forward in the bow and one just forward of the master stateroom. Each VIP suite has a queen-sized berth and much of the same storage space as the master. Two additional guest cabins feature either a double bed or side-by-side bunks.
Engines In The 90C
Power options on the 90 Convertible include the base package – CAT C32A 1925MHP engines – or the preferred optional package – MTU Series 2000 V16 M96L 2635MHP engines which were on the 92. Viking is also giving owners the option of CAT C32B 2433MHP should the owner want to stick with Caterpillar engines.
For cruising with multiple guests, their luggage, and additional fuel, the Viking experts at SI Yachts suggest going with the MTU option. It’s expected that the 90C will cruise around 30 knots and have a WOT somewhere near 35 knots. More specific speed numbers and fuel burn will be updated once the 90EB has been fully tested.
Why Did Viking Choose To Build A 90?
“Constantly looking to the future, we embarked more than a year ago on this design,” explains Pat. “It came at a time when international regulations would be taking effect that required Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) in the engine rooms of yachts with a ‘load line length’ greater than 24 meters.
“Understanding that suitable engine and SCR technology for this market was unavailable, the U.S. Coast Guard announced in March a three-year suspension of the regulations in North America. But the development of the 90, which does not require SCR, was already well underway and in 15 months we’ll proudly present the next flagship of the Viking sportfishing fleet.”
Stay up to date with SI Yachts as more becomes available on the 90 Convertible. The 90C will make its world premiere at the 2023 Miami Yacht Show.
