WRITTEN BY: Rob Bowman
Aug 12, 2024 
World famous soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo once said, "To me, being the best means proving it in different countries and championships." No matter where you travel to on the planet, there is no more prolific or successful builder of tournament sportfishing boats than Viking Yachts. As for championships, recent wins by Viking owned teams include a championship at the Bermuda Triple Crown and Tri-State Shootout, among others.
After a successful run of the Viking 80, whose reputation as the most successful sportfishing yacht ever precedes it, the new Viking 82 Convertible will make its debut at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October.
"A lot has been learned from Viking 80 owner feedback, along with the demo 80's that were being fished," said Rich Lucas, Viking brand manager for SI Yachts. "It's hard to believe the new 82 Convertible could possible improve upon such an incredible model, but Viking found a way to get it done. Everything from performance, maneuvering, comfort, and fishing qualities have been enhanced or improved on the 82C."
For more information about availability and pricing of the new Viking 82 Convertible, please contact our Viking specialists at sales@siyachts.com or by calling our main office at (718) 984-7676.
WHAT PERFORMANCE ASPECTS WERE CHANGED ON THE VIKING 82?
Back in 2016 when the Viking 80 was first tested, it featured the optional twin MTU Series 2000 V12 1,945HP engines and has a displacement of just over 145,000 lbs. In 2024, the new Viking 82 Convertible is outfitted with the Viking Advanced Propulsion System which according to the shipyard, "utilizes struts and rudders with modified shapes to minimize hydrodynamic resistance and improve performance."
The 82C is now equipped (as an upgrade) with twin MTU 16V2000 M96L 2,635HP and has increased in weight by more than 10,000 lbs. Thanks to this advanced propulsion system however, the new 82 Convertible will produce a top speed of 42 knots and a cruise speed in the mid-30 knot range. "The ride quality will be even better (than the 80)," the shipyard said. The base engine option on the 82C is the CAT C32A 1925MHP and there are four other options all leading up to the 2,635's.
(Below: The engine room inside the Viking 82 Convertible.)
HOW MANY SQUARE FEET IS THE COCKPIT ON THE 82 VIKING?
The cockpit space on the Viking 82 measures just under 230 square feet, up from 216 on the previous Viking 80 model. Being that this is the part of the yacht where battles are won and lost, Viking has designed this space to give anglers the room and equipment they need to win tournaments. The cockpit is loaded down with features, here are some of them:
- Dedicated area for a Seakeeper 40
- Transom door and lift gate
- Transom Fishbox/Livewell
- In-Deck full length fishboxes with split lids
- Huge shaded mezzanine with seating
- Refrigerated boxes (2x) on mezzanine
- If enclosed bridge version, a ladder is in the mezzanine to bridge aft deck
In other words, even if the fish aren't biting, there are worse places to be than lounging on the mezzanine sofa with a cold beer in hand.
OPEN FLYBRIDGE VERSUS ENCLOSED BRIDGE FEATURES
The flybridge on the 82C is a captain's dream, providing clear sight lines to fish hooked behind the boat thanks to an 8-inch raised platform that the helm rests on. There are 3 comfortable Release Marine helm seats behind the walk-around center-console. Plenty of seating and 360-degree views on the flybridge make your guests' experience on your sportfishing yacht enjoyable from all areas. If you've ever been on board the new Viking 90, there are many similarities between the two models when it comes to the design and amenities on the flybridge. Other features include:
- Optional air conditioning
- 4 17-inch multi-function displays in a recessed, black-acrylic dashboard
- Dual radio boxes with split lids
- Teak helm pod
- Stainless Steel steering wheel
- Single lever controls
As usual with Viking, the 82 Enclosed Bridge version offers a luxurious experience in the climate-controlled helm area. There are two staircases to the enclosed bridge, one from the mezzanine to the upper aft deck and one from inside the salon.
DO PEOPLE BUY VIKING YACHTS FOR CRUISING?
While Vikings are generally known as a hardcore, offshore tournament sportfishing boat, there are plenty of owners who pull up their outriggers and use their yacht for luxury cruising. Every space on board exudes comfort, attention to detail, and high quality. What's the fun of spending a week on your yacht if you can't relax? Stepping inside the salon of a Viking is akin to the finest luxury motor yachts built today.
(Below: The main deck interior layout of the salon, galley, and dining area.)
Along the portside of the mezzanine is an electric sliding door that opens to a haven from the sun and saltwater. The salon of the Viking 82 is bathed in a horizontal-grain natural walnut, which owners can choose either a satin or high-gloss finish. Adjacent to the salon door is a day head for convenience. There is a U-shaped, wrap-around sofa that has storage space underneath it and a walnut coffee table, all of which give your guests full view of the large HDTV.
Nearby on the port side is a raised platform that fits the dining table and U-shaped seating around it. Windows along each side provide great views from this position, as well as fill the interior with natural light. And just below that raised platform? You guessed it - more rod storage!
On the starboard side and across from the dining area is a galley equipped for long-distance, overnight fishing tournaments. Let's face it, when you have a team of people on board fishing and in the sun, feeding the crew can be quite an undertaking. Luckily for owners, no one understands the need for serious prep room, refrigeration, and top end galley appliances quite like Viking. The galley features:
- 2 under-counter refrigerators
- 1 freezer beneath the countertop seating area
- Electric cooktop & conventional oven
- Stainless steel sink
- Drawer storage
- Microwave Oven
- Trash Compactor
- Dishwasher
In other words, the Viking 82 is outfitted with everything you need to feed your fishing team or keep you stocked during our cruising adventure.
HOW MANY BEDROOMS ARE ON THE VIKING 82?
Moving forward through the galley and dining area is a companionway that is the epicenter of the lower deck. It features a dedicated rod and tackle storage locker that can be fully customized to the owner's preferences and fishing team logo. The companion way also features a private, dedicated staircase to the master stateroom, as well as a full-size stackable washer/dryer combo concealed behind a Walnut door.
The master suite is placed midship and stretches the full 21-foot beam giving the owner plenty of space for relaxation. The king-sized walk-around berth is center in the room with end tables on each side. For luggage there are port and starboard maple-lined closets and credenzas. A vanity and desk area are found starboard. The master bathroom features twin sinks, multiple drawers, a huge walk-in shower, and even a mirror on the ceiling as an option!
The four additional staterooms found forward on the Viking 82 all feature their own en suite head with separate shower. Two of the four cabins (the VIP and one other) feature queen walk-around berths. The crew cabin si found next to the rod and tackle storage closet in the companionway. Overall, the Viking 82 can accommodate 10 total guests on board, including the owner.
WHAT DOES THE VIKING 82 COST?
There are many factors which can change the final cost of a brand new Viking 82 Convertible. From engines options, electronics, custom requests, and other decisions made by the future owner, the best way to get an accurate cost is to work with a SI Yachts Viking specialist that can personally walk you through all of the standard features and options to choose. The base price of the Viking 82 is $9,670,000 and will not change through the end of 2024.
As one of the oldest Viking dealers in the world, SI Yachts is uniquely situated within driving distance from the Viking shipyard in New Gretna, New Jersey. We can offer you a more personal, hand-held experience when customizing and building your very own Viking. We also continually have new Vikings in-stock and on order, along with access to hundreds of used Viking Yachts both on and off the market. Whatever your needs, please contact us today at Sales@SIYachts.com or by calling one of our offices located in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Florida.
