2017 Viking Yachts 44O Open

Vikings reputation for building high performance express models maintains its enviable industry leadership with the announcement of the newest entry, the 44 Open. By their design, express boats cater to the owner/operator who enjoys his time aboard with family and friends and is content to fish hard on Saturdays and yet be equally accommodating when the family prefers to take to the water for a relaxing cruise. Whatever the game, the new Viking 44 scores points handily and is ready to rack up nautical miles while delivering fishability, accommodations, handling and performance.

The Viking 44 Open is a fresh design with a resin infused composite hull and a matrix of fiberglass encapsulated stringers, vacuum bagged cored main and intermediate bulkheads, a customized E-glass lamination schedule and infused fuel and water tanks. An aggressive entry with over six feet of freeboard forward rakes over head seas and its sheer line proudly carries aft with an eye pleasing profile. The running surface is equally adept with 13.9 degree transom deadrise, and two pairs of lift strakes providing lateral response and tracking confidence in any seaway.

The command bridge of the 44 Open shares many of the practical and notable aspects of its larger siblings including our signature and tournament proven centerline helm station on a raised platform for enhanced visibility through the one-piece molded fiberglass wraparound windshield. A Costa Clear side enclosure provides all weather protection, as well as touch screen climate control when the command deck is air conditioned, a popular option. The helm pod available in molded fiberglass or teak and is equipped with single lever electronic engine controls, a polished stainless-steel wheel, and power assisted hydraulic steering. A raised molded fiberglass console complements the helm with room for a bank of three 17-inch monitors for navigation electronics, along with space for engine instrumentation and other accessories. Recessed compartments accommodate radios and additional equipment, plus accessory switches and controls. Like all Viking yachts, the 44 Open can be appointed with custom Atlantic Marine Electronics packages for navigation, communication and entertainment accessories, and using this Viking subsidiary allows the yacht to be delivered turnkey ready.

The spacious command deck with a molded nonslip fiberglass sole affords generous seating options including three adjustable pedestal seats with foot rests. A four-place L-shape lounge with a dinette table is to starboard. As you would expect from Vikings commitment to build a better boat every day, the lounge backrest lifts to expose a convenient fishing rod stowage area. To port, a large integral console houses refrigeration with an ice maker and generous stowage compartments. Overhead rod stowage and a teaser reel compartment are available in the molded fiberglass hardtop.

Outfitted with a custom designed and built Palm Beach Towers tuna tower, another of Vikings experienced subsidiaries, the 44 Open comes ready to fish with a second complete helm with additional electronics, a fiberglass buggy top and Rupp outriggers. The tower is a valuable addition both for fishing and for reading the shallows when negotiating Bahamian waters.

A sliding door and a sturdy staircase with stowage and a concealed central vacuum system lead to the salon affording numerous comfort treatments. With its 16 ft. 4 in. beam, the widest of any boat in this class, the salon is particularly noteworthy by taking full advantage of the square footage fostering a prime social area for relaxing and entertaining. Nicely appointed with professional designer touches and furnishings, the salon features custom Amtico flooring, a 28 inch flat screen television and a multi-directional stereo system.