Review: Viking 82' Sportfish Convertible

Viking 82' Sportfish Convertible​

Size is Relevant, But This Fish Is Measured In Scale​

By Capt. Tom Serio​

Introduced at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, the new Viking 82' Sportfish was breathtaking to
behold, but stupefying in size. To say it's big is simply a grand understatement. This behemoth dwarfs
its little brothers like a hormone experiment gone wrong. Still, Viking's beautiful, trademark
sheerline softens her size, while the GT styling shows her true intent.​

When it’s said that something is longer, it’s assumed that just the length is increased. When it comes to a yacht being longer than, say, a previous model, it can result in not just an increase in length, but an exponential increase in interior volume and displacement. Enter the new Viking 82 Convertible; it’s not just longer than its smaller brethren but more voluminous, taller, broader, beefier and well... downright huge! Let’s take a look at Viking’s big bruiser.

From a long string of highly-regarded convertible models which starts at the 42C, the 82C is the crème-de-la-crème of the line, and has broad shoulders to carry the title. Evolved from the Viking Yachts team with years of engineering, designing and building experience, as well as thousands of fishing hours under their belts, the Viking 82 stands head-and-shoulders above the rest.

At first glance, setting off the 82’s profile is the broad bow area. Viewed from abeam, or above or on the nose, this Viking’s bow towers above sea level. With almost 10-feet of freeboard forward, the commanding unbroken sheer just beckons for large waves. And all this height adds lots of space to the accommodations inside. How BIG is it? That’s the 74' on the left. Notice the the Picture-in-Picture inset... that's the 64' on the right!

The crowned foredeck facilitates water removal, be it from a hose or big seas. Just watch your step when transiting close to the edge, as there is no step down from the foredeck to a more-level side-deck. This flush styling makes the superstructure appear to rise out of the deck; clean and simple. Striking is the blacked-out windshield that wraps around the house, incorporating the frameless salon windows into the scheme, and ending with a racy slight upturn aft.

Built to Viking’s high standards, the hull bottom and deckhouse incorporate vacuum-bagged end grain balsa coring, which adds stiffness, strength and durability while maintaining the desired weight. Thru-hull areas such as struts, shaft logs and water intakes are solid fiberglass only. The entire hull skin uses a blister resistant modified vinylester resin. Low density Baltek balsa is used in the hull sides, deck and superstructure, while bulkheads are comprised of sandwich panels of Baltek foam in lieu of heavier plywood. Engine room, bilge, anchor locker and lazarette are Awlgrip finished for easy maintenance and better visibility. Viking’s signature stringer system, which runs the length of the yacht, is made from fiberglass encapsulated foam.

With built-in rodholders, transom fishbox, in-deck storage boxes, and mounting place for favorite fighting chair or table, the self-bailing cockpit is battle ready. Recessed cleats and under-gunnel boxes that hide electrical, cable, phone and water connections give this 255 sq. ft. work area a clean and uncluttered look, which equates to good fish-fighting ability.

For those just wanting to watch or get out of the sun, the mezzanine level area has comfortable aft-facing seats. To reach the wake-watching seats, you'll step up & over the built-in refrigeration, storage and engine room access hatches.

Underway, the bridge, boasting a 23-foot long by 15-foot wide deck, is where it’s at, for captain and guests. Site-lines from the three Murray Products seats are excellent, and the captain can see the cockpit thanks to the set-back walk-around helm and moderately sized aft-bridge overhang. Even though the helm has a clean, uncluttered look at rest, it’s all business when charging big game. The console with acrylic lid is large enough for several displays, be them radar, chartplotters, video, etc, as well as the engine monitor displays.

Hydraulic steering makes maneuvering effortless and electronic engine controls deliver instant response. Radio boxes that flank the helm house switches, radios, controls and more. Bow thruster controls are thumb controlled in the single lever gear/throttle handles.

An overhead panel drops to reveal more electronics, as well as a slide-away panel that protects the outrigger reels...

A freezer and refrigerator keep things cool up top as the action heats up...

If you’re along for the ride, take comfort on the port or starboard padded bench seats, or the center-line round table with circular seating. There is storage in just about every corner of the bridge, including under seats, under the helm and under the forward bridge area.

The view from the crow's nest rivals a condo, short of the grouchy old codgers that dwell in such caves. Like any builder worth their salt, Viking knows the nest is prone to the same, so the lair is equipped with only the basics.

Viking Yachts’ bloodstream has always flowed around fishing vessels, and that focus has not really deviated. But they have also kept their eyes and ears open, learning that it’s not just about fishing; it’s about cruising to/from the fishing grounds, incorporating comfort and amenities and spending time with family and friends. And this is not better understood than with the interior accommodations of the 82C.

“Come in, sit down, and relax”. That’s the inviting allure of the fully carpeted salon, with its L-shaped sofa to port and a 50-inch plasma TV that hides into the teak cabinetry to starboard. Forward to starboard is a three-stool island counter with granite top for casual dining that also contains the deep drawer Sub-Zero fridge/freezers underneath, keeping an open-air feel to the entire area. Under/over counter storage is ample in the galley forward of the island, complete with 4-burner surface cook top, microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Behind the galley is a walk-in pantry. Note the starboard side day-head right next to the sliding salon door. Great idea for keeping the carpet clean.

To port is the dinette, suitable for five around the high-gloss, pedestal table with inlay. Removable cushions reveal additional storage, which would be a suitable place for the decorative columns behind the dinette.

Taking cues from well conceived kitchens, the V-82 sports a true, walk-around island galley. We have no idea why other builders insist on single ingress designs, but this is a most welcome layout. Granite countertops provide an adequate prep area, but for the hungry awaiting, the bar stools are placed too close for those with larger appetites. Viking reps informed this would be corrected in subsequent models.

Need some shut eye? Viking offers two below-deck layouts, both with five staterooms. On the standard configuration, the master is a full-beam, midship get-away, with king bed, sitting area, private head with his/her sinks, stall shower and Headhunter head system. Hull-side windows allow exterior lighting in while not taking away from the lines of the yacht. Optionally the master can be located forward to starboard.

The master head has a his/hers solid cast montego series sinks in a granite countertop, sporting Grohe-Chiara Series faucets with satin nickle finish. The fiberglass shower stall has nickle finished fixtures, and the head flooring is custom Amtico. It's a good size for a sportfish, not too intrusive in size with a modest finish.

Two remaining staterooms can be used for guests or crew with separate bunks, ensuite heads and storage.