80 Convertible
The Viking 65 Convertible is a 65-foot open bridge sportfishing yacht with a flybridge that was produced by New Jersey-based Viking Yachts between 2000 and 2005. Though no longer built as new, this vintage model retains an evergreen popularity on the used and charter markets thanks to its sleek looks, high-performance speed, undeniable fishing prowess and sumptuous interior design.
This yacht can be fitted with a custom-made tuna tower from Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers for elevated tuna-spotting and piloting, though even without this addition owner-operators can benefit from a raised helm station on the 65C’s open flybridge. This water-proofed fiberglass helm station benefits from a pair of leather helm chairs, power steering, bow thruster controls and instrumentation provided by Atlantic Marine Electronics. There is also room up here for a large drink cooler, an L-shaped forward sofa with views out across the bow and a side chaise-longue, all covered by a flat, fiberglass top with a removable plexiglass screen available to protect from spray.
Hardcore fishermen will undoubtedly love this vessel’s 179-square foot aft-cockpit, from where many a tournament winner has hauled in record-breaking marlin. The cockpit hosts a transom tuna door, rod storage, flush rod holders, a bait-prep console with a freezer, tackle storage units, Glendinning Cablemasters and a floor plate for a fighting chair or rocket launcher. The cockpit is lined in non-slip and easy to clean fiberglass with both fresh and raw-water hoses, and benefits from plenty of powder-coated grabrails to help keep you upright at the vital moments.
While exterior spaces on the Viking 65C are all about fishing practicality, when you step indoors you will find that the emphasis is placed squarely on luxury, comfort and style. A salon decked out in high-gloss, hand-crafted teak and plush carpeting features a U-shaped leather sofa surrounding a coffee table to port, with plenty of cabinet space to starboard. Moving slightly forward you will find a walk-in galley with granite worktops, a three-zone hob, under-counter fridge-freezer units and a combination oven. There is also a U-shaped dining sofa across from the kitchen, hugging a faux-marble-topped dining table where guests can enjoy sophisticated evening meals while gazing out of panoramic side windows.
Lower deck spaces offer comfortable retreats for up to six overnight guests across an en-suite bunk berth to starboard, an en-suite double stateroom to the bow, and an en-suite amidship owner’s stateroom to port. The owner’s room features a king-sized bed, bedside cabinets, maple-lined hanging closets and a private lounge area with a loveseat.
Central to the Viking 65C’s appeal are top speeds that can keep up with the feistiest bluefin tunas in the ocean, and thanks to a pair of MTU 16V 1800MHP diesel engines you can expect full-throttle speeds of 39 knots. At a more economical 34-knot cruise you will find that this is one of the most balanced and nimble fishing yachts on the market, with the sort of agility you would expect from a much smaller boat. A fuel capacity of 2,000 gallons, meanwhile, ensures that you can traverse the seas far and wide in search of tuna-rich waters with plenty of spare capacity left in the tank.
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.
