I adore my 1972 Viking 32 but have questions

I am still very new here and I look to you veterans for advice and guidance. I understand that many of you Viking owners have much newer boats and are very satisfied (as I am with mine). I am currently underway in an intensive "black mold" removal cleaning project, which is going very well. While doing this I have noticed a few parts I want to replace. These are original factory parts. I have Googled the company and they are no longer in business. I have even tried a few marine vendors and they no longer have these in stock. I don't want to replace the fixture, just the covers. They are aged and finally cracking.






A little background, my husband and I are full time non-traditional return students at the University of Alabama. We own a house across the state and live on our boat Monday through Friday so we can still afford our mortgage while finishing our degrees (I am 42 and he is 46). We spent an entire summer working and saving to afford to buy this boat to live on here in Tuscaloosa while we go to school (the 2 hour one way commutes everyday was killing us).

With all that being said, I love her. This boat is perfect in so many ways and is just in need of regular maintenance (which is being done now). Once we get our Ph.Ds out of the way I know we will upgrade to a new and bigger model, but right now she is home during the week.

I am very split about how I feel. I almost want to be diligent and find vintage light replacements but think it might be time for an upgrade. I have already taken out the original fridge and replaced it with a bigger model(teenager also on board during the week that requires more food than the form sized fridge that was on it ) What is your sincere opinions? And any suggestions?

Also thank you all for making me feel welcome here. This old girl I live on has forever sold me on Viking yachts.

Thanks Mark I, I am kinda leaning that way.

I appreciate the advice about original parts versus upgrades. Since I am still new at this I really wanted to know if I was committing a sin by using modern parts.

Some of her original parts there is no question stays. Like the etched sliding cabinet doors in the head. Those are gorgeous!

I agree about RV stores! They have saved me a time or two when replacing small items.

Thanks for the info RT46 and RER. I will google that RER.

RT46 I would like to replace with AC and DC fixtures.

It's really nice, lots of great scenery. Weather is usually nice. You do have to watch out after heavy rains, lots of large stumps, trees, and crap floating around in the river ways. If you stay in the main channel it is not too bad. We just lost a prop on our 12 ft ski boat this past weekend. It was getting dark and we did not see the stump that knocked the center out of the prop.