We are looking at a 2005-2006 45 Viking Conv. Any information will be helpful. Mainly, I'm looking for takes on the ride and dryness (or lack thereof if that's the case).
I have a 2003 viking convertible and the ride is dry and smooth whether in a head sea or following sea. It is for sale and details/photos are at www.45viking.com.
Luis, Were you also looking at a Cabo or Merritt or something? I don't think you can go wrong with a 45 Viking. Easy to handle yourself, good sight lines from the bridge and is usually dry. I say usually since most any sportfish can be wet in sloppy conditions (once on a 44 Henriques taking waves/spray over the bridge hardtop it wa so snotty out). Vikings hold their value well and are good fishing machines. You may run across different power options, but if you can take one that has a common rail setup on the diesel engines (like the newre MAN engines and others). They will run better, smoke less, less vibration and more economical. Good luck.
I owned a 45' Viking SF in the Great Lakes. Great boat, good sea boat, never in anything bigger than 8' but no sweat. Hull is bullet proof.
45 Viking Louis, I have a 45' Viking 2005 with 900hp MANN engines in her. She is brand new with full factory warranties. She is currently located in California.
I own a 90 45c that was just surveyed for insurance renewal. The surveyor said my boat was dry as a bone and he rarely ever sees an issue with any Viking. Anyway, we have been any tons of nasty water, have had many different boats over the last 25 years, and this is the safest, most comfortable, best quality boat we have ever owned. I will never own anything else.