80 Convertible
The Viking 55C is a 56-foot convertible sportfishing yacht with a flybridge that was launched by New Jersey-based Viking Yachts in late 2012. This boat is considered to be a relaunch of the original 55C, a vintage model that was produced between 1997 and 2004. Viking sold more than 150 models of the older yacht, and though the all-new Viking 55C shares the same graceful style and mid-size capacity as its forebear, everything else on board this cutting-edge yacht, from navigational tech and high speeds to interior design and fishing equipment, is brand new.
As with other Vikings, sportfish buyers have the option of installing a custom Palm Beach tuna tower on this yacht for elevated piloting and fish-spotting. Though even without a tower there is great al-fresco piloting to be had from the open flybridge. A pair of helm chairs sit across from a walk-around helm station that has been tailor-made by Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics. Experienced owner-operators will enjoy utilizing the Furuno NavNet display, ZF single-lever controls, VIPER steering, Garmin GPS, Simrad autopilot and a FLIR thermal imaging system to help them navigate towards tuna-rich waters. There is also room up here for plenty of seating across a pair of side chaise-longues and a forward-facing sofa built into the helm console with views out across the foredeck.
(Enjoy this review of the Viking 55 from Yachting Magazine from 2012)
One level down and the serious business of fishing is focused on the 151-square foot aft-cockpit that comes lined in either non-slip fiberglass or durable teak. Out here you will find a transom door with a lift gate, Rupp outriggers, flush rod holders, a live-well, an Eskimo ice-chipper, an in-deck fishbox, tackle storage, fresh and salt-water wash-down hoses, chunky grabrails and a floor plate for a Release Marine fighting chair. Should you need to take a break after hauling record marlin onto the deck, then you will be pleased to know that the cockpit also features a mezzanine level with a raised Sunbrella sofa and a drinks chiller.
What really turns the Viking line of convertibles from mere utilitarian sportfishing yachts into family cruisers is the sense of comfort and luxury to be found once one steps inside, and the 55C is no exception to this rule. Rosewood Amtico flooring, glossy grain-matched teak cabinets and joinery, plush carpeting, authentic cream leather upholstery and recessed lighting offer a sedate ambiance in the salon, where you will find an L-shaped sofa and a burl-accented coffee table to port and cabinet-space with a TV stand to starboard. Moving further inside there is a U-shaped dining sofa hugging a breakfast table and an island galley kitchen with granite work surfaces, a cocktail bar with two stools, under-counter Sub-Zero fridge-freezer units, a combination microwave oven and a three-zone hob.
Below deck accommodation is just as sumptuous, and there is room for up to six overnight guests across three en-suite staterooms. A generously proportioned twin berth to port is joined by a double bedroom nestled up against the bow, while a starboard side owner’s stateroom impresses with a queen-sized island bed, bedside cabinets, maple-lined hanging closets and a bathroom with a fiberglass shower stall.
The 55C is one of the most rapid yachts in its class, with top speeds of around 42 knots provided by a pair of MAN V12 1550MHP diesel engines. At a more leisurely pace of 30 knots this yacht has a range of around 440 nautical miles, more than enough to take a trip down to the Florida Keys, while a reinforced fiberglass hull with prop pockets proves balanced and efficient across both inshore and bluewater conditions.
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.
