80 Convertible
The Viking 50 Open is a 50-foot express sportfishing yacht that was launched by New Jersey-based Viking Yachts back in 1999. This yacht was a real game-changer when first released to the public, becoming the first open express fishing boat to break the 50-foot barrier. An ingenious open-plan deck design managed to combine plenty of relaxation space on a lay-out that kept the forward helm station just steps away from the aft-cockpit. Though no longer produced as new at the Viking factory in New Gretna, NJ, the 50 Open remains hugely popular on the used and charter markets thanks to its sporty style, its low center-of-gravity, high speeds and a track record of tournament success.
For those who prefer piloting from an elevated position then this yacht can come fitted with a lofty tuna tower provided by either Pipewelders or Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers. Though even without a tower there is excellent visibility from a central helm position on the 124-square foot command deck with views out of a crystal-clear curved wind-shield. The helm station is sculpted out of fiberglass with electronics hidden behind a water-proof cover, and features Simrad autopilot, Furuno radar, Bennett trim tab controls, Panish engine controls, power-assisted steering, a pair of ICOM VHF radios and a trio of teak and leather Bluewater helm chairs with footrests. Also on offer in the command deck, which is covered with a fiberglass hard-top with partially open aspects to the rear and sides, are teak floors and space for an L-shaped Sunbrella sofa, a starboard love-seat and a wet-bar console with an ice-maker and a fridge.
To the rear of the boat sits a 144-square foot cockpit, larger than most you will find on a yacht of this class, that has been fine-tuned for the tournament experience. There is a transom door with a lift gate, a tackle cabinet, a freezer, an Eskimo ice-chipper, an in-deck livewell, recessed fish boxes, rod holders, a cable-handling system and a floor plate for a fighting chair.
Below deck spaces on the Viking 50 Open are accessed via a water-tight companionway door at the front of the command deck, which leads you down to an open-plan lobby with an L-shaped corner sofa and a galley. The galley kitchen features Corian worktops, a Sharp Carousel convection oven, a Sub-Zero fridge-freezer, a two-zone electric hob, teak and holly cabinets and a large sink. There is also a daybed in this spacious lobby area that can be swiftly converted into a pair of bunk beds for extra overnight accommodation, as well as a day head bathroom. Toward the bow there is an en-suite master bedroom with a queen size bed, cedar-lined hanging closets, plush carpeting and a bathroom with a fiberglass shower stall, a vanity mirror and molded Corian surfaces.
Though the Viking 50 Open was launched more than 20 years ago it still proves to be one of the swiftest yachts on the water with top speeds of around 42 knots thanks to a pair of 1200MHP MAN V12 diesel engines. A fuel tank holding 3,040 liters, meanwhile, will enable you to head far and wide in search of plentiful pelagic fish stocks.
As a new Viking dealer and a leader in used Viking Yachts brokerage sales, SI Yachts is strategically positioned to assist you in the purchase or sale of a boat. From our proximity to the Viking shipyard, to our industry-leading Northeast service team, we offer a level of personal, customer service that others cannot. We can also take your existing boat in on trade towards the purchase of a new or pre-owned Viking. Give us a call today to begin talking about how you can enjoy the water this season on your new boat or yacht.
