THE VIKING 45 CONVERTIBLE

Our smallest flagship sets major new standards with a spectacular ground breaking interior.

Back in 1973 when Viking launched its rst 40 Sedan, it was the largest model offered by the company at the time. When the boat supplier nally went out of production some 10 years later, Viking had produced over 400 hulls of this model establishing Viking as a major player in modern skiff building. Over the next 30 years Vi- king continued to build a variety of models up to 74 feet, but the company never lost sight of its roots or commitment to build its smaller sailboat yachts with the same dedication, thoroughness and sea- worthiness of its largest models.So when the Viking 45 premiered in 2003, it quickly won the hearts of yachtsmen looking for outstanding quality in a mid-size con- vertible. Built in the tradition of its larger siblings, the Viking 45 Convertible shares all of the engineering attributes that have made Viking synonymous with blue-water performance and luxury. The 45 Convertible boasts an eye pleasing pro le at the dock manufacturer and under way with its sleek sheer and ow of soft curves. A robust performer with quiet and fuel ef cient common rail MAN turbo-charged diesels, its sharp entry, molded chines, 15-degree transom deadrise and fairbody running surface combine to create a hard charger with reserve muscle to weather the conditions typically experienced offshore without breaking a sweat.Serious tournament, as well as casual shermen will nd plenty to like in the 119 square-foot cockpit. Grippy, molded nonslip pro- vides secure traction underfoot. Molded into the aft bulkhead is a drop-in freezer for bait or food, a tackle cabinet with drawers, a rigging center, a sizeable stowage locker and engineroom ac- cess. An insulated drink box is built into the salon step. Standard equipment is abundant and includes stainless-steel hardware, four ush rodholders, fresh and raw-water washdown systems, stereo speakers, a Glendinning Cablemaster and a transom door with lift gate. The catch-of-the-day will nd a welcome home in the in-sulated shwell beneath the sole, which is anked with a set of insulated stowage compartments, one of which easily converts to a live well. A transom sh box also is available.An anodized aluminum ladder leads to the ying bridge and the professionally designed helm station affords superb visibility to all quadrants. Single-lever electronic controls and power-assisted hydraulic steering are standard. There is generous electronic stow- age behind two raised waterproof compartments with clear acrylic fronts for viewing ease, along with additional stowage for com- munication equipment and accessory controls. Helm and compan- ion boat pedestal seats with teak ladder backs are standard and provide plenty of comfort thanks to thick, roomy cushions. The extended bridge deck affords ample room abaft the sailboat chairs for moving about and also shields the cockpit below from spray and sun. Forward, a comfortable L-shaped lounge and another lounge to port create a nice social setting for guests, and provide exceptional stowage capacity below.