2016 Viking Yachts 76C

When it comes to reading about large convertible yachts, the name Viking is the most mentioned builder in the first sentence of every lead paragraph. There are many reasons why. Family owned and operated, Viking has been honing its craft for over 50 years. While some builders attempt to improve with every year they build, Viking has focused from the beginning on April 1, 1964 to build a better boat everyday. This commitment is unrivaled in the marine industry and is but one explanation as to why Viking is recognized around the world as a brand that is often imitated but never challenged where it counts most, out in the deep.

Breaking new ground is a Viking trademark and at the companys 862,000 square-foot facility on the Bass River in New Gretna, New Jersey, a short hop from Atlantic City, another chapter is the Viking 76 Convertible. Built in two versions with Open Bridge and Enclosed Bridge configurations, the 76 C is a magnificent example of Viking quality, design and engineering.

Engineering Pedigree

With even a cursory glance, the Viking 76 Convertibles profile is reason to pause. The raked stem is aggressive and its mission becomes instantly obvious. Similarities to the 82 Convertible, like its dramatic sheer line, the flush foredeck and a pair of fixed port lights which match lines of the hull are sweeping design statements that merge form and function. The wrap around black metallic mask provides a distinctive and distinguished look, which accents the flowing lines of the flying bridge.

Beneath the waterline, a different sense of masterpiece emerges. The convex deadrise shape with sharpened waterline sections showcases stability and sea keeping ability. The convex deadrise adds curvature and form to the hull bottom and the wide beam, which carries well aft, increases buoyancy and lift. Even at flank speeds re-entry is soft to enhance ride comfort and dryness.

Viking has long been active in using its tank testing experience of scale models in the development of new product, and the 76 hull form clearly benefits from such testing. Our design and engineering teams, for instance, compiled hundreds of hours tank testing multiple 82 Convertible scale hull models to study powering and sea keeping characteristics. The data was then expanded to full scale and later validated with actual sea trials conducted by our engineering group. All of the this documented information has been incorporated in the design of the 76 Convertible hull assuring us it will meet or exceed our expectations, based on available power, as well as future propulsion systems.