VIKING YACHTS 45 CONVERTIBLE Our smallest flagship sets major new standards with a spectacular ground breaking Interior, Back in 1973 when Viking launched its first 40 Sedan, it was the largest model offered by the company at the time. When the boat finally 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 boat 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 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 profile at the dock and under way with its sleek sheer and flow of soft curves. A robust performer with quiet and fuel efficient 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 fishermen will find 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 flush 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 find a welcome home in the in- sulated fishwell beneath the sole, which is flanked with a set of insulated stowage compartments, one of which easily converts to a live well. A transom fish box also is available. An anodized aluminum ladder leads to the flying 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 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 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.

Taking full advantage of the husky beam, the salon has been redesigned to incor- porate a spectacular new layout, which clearly outshines anything in its class. The focal point in the walk-through galley is a Corian topped island with under coun- ter refrigeration. Other appliances are concealed behind beautifully hand-finished teak joinery. Stowage is surprisingly generous thanks to sliding dual-rack systems in the deep cabinetry. A plush L-shaped sofa to port has rod stowage below, and there is a spacious dinette forward that seats four comfortably. The master stateroom also has been enhanced...