Would the world's best professional basketball player of all time, one that relishes in competition, steer you wrong when it came to what sportfishing yacht you should buy? Michael Jordan has made headlines, since retiring from the NBA, in the world of competitive offshore fishing after purchasing the jaw-dropping Viking Yachts 80. Because of his celebrity status he makes headlines every time he competes including when he landed a 442-pound Marlin in 2020 and then a winning 24-pound Mahi at the Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament.
The Viking 80, like Jordan, is at the pinnacle of achievement, superior in many ways to its peers. This sportfish superiority does not come with a hefty price tag though, as no corner was cut in construction or equipment choices. Viking Yachts is widely known for being 'simply the best'.
The base price of an 80-foot Viking is over $8 million with the CAT C-32A 1,925MHP base engine package. Upgrading to the larger MTU M96L 2,635mhp engines can add nearly $900,000 to the total cost of the yacht. Including additional options like Seakeeper gyros, Eskimo ice machines, water maker, and other equipment can bring the price even higher. "Even a used Viking 80 will list for between $7-$8 million," said Rich Lucas, Viking Brand Manager for SI Yachts.
Check out this Viking 80 Enclosed Bridge filmed by BoatTube at the Miami Boat Show:
Why is the Viking 80 so expensive? "A Viking sportfish is similar to a Rolls-Royce in terms of setting the standard for quality," continued Rich. "When you purchase a Viking, you know you are getting the most technologically advanced sportfish that's been constructed with the very best materials. There is no cost cutting and Viking has made a tremendous investment to have the top equipment available. That quality is reflected in the price of the boat."
The hull of the Viking 80 is created using a Baltek end-grain balsa wood that is resin-infused, Airex foam core with e-glass Carbon fiber hybrid laminates. The composite bulkheads are also all resin-infused. Even the fuel tanks are infused fiberglass with balsa coring on the sides that is then sealed to the hull with resin foam. The result of this process is a lighter boat (the displacement at standard fuel load is 150,188lbs.) that is structurally stronger, stiffer, and faster.
(Below: The Viking 80 is fast for its size and is able to reach speeds of over 40 knots.)
While its 216-square foot cockpit makes this an exciting sportfishing boat to compete in, the Viking 80 can also be enjoyed as a luxury cruising yacht. There are 5 cabins on this vessel, each beautifully appointed with high-gloss walnut joinery. The master suite is akin to your finest room at a 5-star resort and stretches the full 21' 4" beam of the yacht. Even the king-size bed lifts up using gas pistons, revealing a large area underneath for storage. Two of the 5 guest bedrooms feature queen-sized beds, while the other two cabins have bunks. All of the bedrooms have their own private bathroom.
When you're note rejuvenating in the bedrooms from a long day of cruising or fishing, the salon has all of the comforts of home. Considered the 'Great Room' of the yacht, the salon is bathed in high-gloss walnut cabinetry and furniture. There is a 65" HDTV that can be easily raised or lowered inside of its cabinet with the push of a button. From the leather furniture, to the incredible sound system, you may never want to leave the inside of your Viking.
As a new owner begins to add on options and equipment when building a Viking 80, there are inevitably going to be additional costs that can move the final price tag even higher. There are also some unique features that can be added to the boat when built that you may never even think, of such as a hidden electric safe under the master berth. Here are a list of just some of the options that can be added to the Viking 80 that will affect the price:
- Upgraded interior from walnut to a satin finish
- Air conditioning in the cockpit
- Seakeeper 35 Gyro Stabilization
- Custom hull color gelcoat
- Changing your 80 Convertible to an Enclosed Bridge
- 1,400 GPD water maker
- Eskimo ice machine
- ElectroSea centralized seawater system
And because Viking does semi-custom builds, they invite you to challenge them with any requests for specific needs you may have while designing your own Viking 80. You may be surprised as to what can be done
(Below: Hidden storage cabinet for your high-end fishing gear.)
Whether looking to purchase a new boat or find a pre-owned 80-foot Viking on the brokerage market, expect to pay a premium for this sportfishing yacht. SI Yachts are experts when it comes to Vikings and are one of the oldest dealers in the world. We have been helping our customers buy or sell their boat since 1964 and have countless repeat clients that come back to us for our high-level of customer service. We invite you to experience the difference that SI Yachts can offer in your search for the perfect Viking or to sell the one you own. Contact us today to get started by emailing Sales@SIYachts.com or call our main office at 1-718-984-7676.
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