Viking 72 - Fast Lane
by Viking Yachts 7 Apr 2023 06:30 NZST
Viking 72 © Viking Yachts
A 45-plus-knot fish-raising powerhouse, the Viking 72 rules the seas with unbeatable performance and outstanding accommodations for fishing, tournaments and long-range cruising.
The four-stateroom, five-head yacht’s success (we’ve delivered more than 60 of them!) stands out as a milestone for Viking – one achievable thanks to the finest boatbuilders in the world. Let’s meet a few of them as they work on several 72s at our plant in New Gretna, New Jersey.
Many Viking shipwrights have decades of experience, which they pass along to the next generation of boatbuilders.
Above: Rough Carpentry Leadman Rosa Cruz (giving two thumbs up) is a 30-year Viking veteran. He’s working with Hector Caballero – who began his career at Viking about 18 months ago – as they install a credenza in the owner’s stateroom of a 72.
“The unit must fit precisely,” says Rosa. “We have great attention to detail, and this is how we build a better boat every day.”
Above: In the same yacht (hull No. 65), Salomon Lopez is focused on installing electrical cabling that will be routed to the galley.
Above: A few boats up the production line, Jason Bantum (of Michael Bantum, Inc., a Viking vendor) has finished securing the teak in the cockpit of hull No. 64. He's shown removing the mechanical fasteners used to hold the planks in place, which are bonded to the fiberglass sole with epoxy.
Above: Only steps away in the salon, Finish Electrician Carlos Hernandez installs the automatic control box for the electric sliding d?oor, a standard feature on the 72 and the majority of our yachts.
A view aft of No. 64 shows the yacht's massive foredeck, signature black mask and tournament-proven open flybridge. Throughout the production line, our management team and shipwrights make sure that key areas and components are protected (blue, tan and yellow materials) - a necessary part of efficient boatbuilding.
Above: The engine room of a recently delivered 72. Finished in Snow White Awlgrip for easier maintenance, the mechanical space shines as a marvel of marine engineering. Twin 2635MHP MTU Series 2000 V16 M96L diesels power the 72, not only providing speed but acceleration and torque to give the boat incredible responsiveness and maneuverability.
Summer is only months away, and picturesque destinations will soon be filled with gorgeous Vikings. Above: Two 72s sitting pretty in Nantucket last summer. Both are open bridge models with tuna towers from the Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers. Whirlwind with its Nardo Grey gelcoat, and El Diablo (right) featuring custom black exterior paint.
For more information about our 72 Convertible, please contact your authorized Viking dealer.