Viking 50 Billfish

The Viking 50 Billfish is the latest addition to the New Jersey builder’s line-up of specialized sportfisherman models. Viking Yachts has left no hooks unsharpened delivering in this tournament contender.

The clutter-free 170-square-foot cockpit is an eye opener. Hull number one was built for an experienced tournament angler who plans to keep the boat in Hawaii. Future 50 Billfish models also can be tailored to the needs and expectations of their owners. 

The rounded coaming offers comfort, and a 39-inch-to-the- waterline dimension enhances quick releases. A molded and grippy non-slip fiberglass sole is standard, but our test boat had a custom teak cockpit and cover boards. An outward opening transom door includes a lift gate for safely boating large fish.

The gentle crown of the transom pushes away water when backing down. Gunwale rod holders are standard, and six more can be added to the cabin-side haunches. Beneath the port and starboard coamings are 30-amp 12-volt DC and 30-amp 24-volt DC outlets for electric reels. Port and starboard insulated fish wells are tuna sized and have split lids with gas struts for ease and safety. 

A factory installed Seakeeper SK10 gyro stabilizer resides in the lazarette accessed from a centerline hatch with deep gutters and overboard drainage. The split mezzanine design delivers convenience and comfort including an L-shaped lounge on the port side. A Garmin 8612 MFD and Fusion stereo line the inner starboard haunch. Undermounted boxes supply both freezer and refrigeration space, as well as ample tackle and gear stowage. A step box cooler at the salon door keeps the crew refreshed without the need to leave the cockpit. 

Access to the snow-white Awlgrip engine room is through a centerline hatch in the mezzanine. Inside the hatchway are engine gauges and temperature monitors for the various refrigeration systems. Inside there is 63-inches of headroom on centerline that tapers to 36 inches forward of the MAN V8-1200 CRM 1200 HP diesel inboard engines. A 21.5 kW Onan genset is abaft the port engine. 

Accessible and well labeled seacocks and sea strainers make routine chores quick and easy.  A second hatch forward conceals the Electrosea ElectroStrainer designed to combat barnacles and marine growth. 

A wide platform contains water manifolds and the Dometic air conditioning units for the salon, two staterooms, and the Eskimo ice maker.  To port is the Optimus steering, the Grundfos water pump, a Frigibar freezer and an Asea DBT isolation transformer. To starboard are a second Asea DBT isolation transformer and the Spot Zero watermaker. 

The command station on the flybridge supplies unfettered visibility and is outfitted with Release Marine helm and companion seats, lounge seating, a faux-teak finished pod, single-lever electronic controls, a stainless wheel and a six-rod rocket launcher on the aft rail. Viking’s subsidiary, Atlantic Marine Electronics, equipped the flanking boxes with a plethora of controls and accessories including a pair of Icom VHFs, Lenco tab displays, ZF back up controls, bilge pump switches, bow thruster and Seakeeper controls. 

Read Next: Viking Yacht Company’s Bill Healey: the Life of a Legend

The Furuno CSH8L sonar control box is below the pod, with a remote control in the port box. Engine displays nest beneath a raised pod with a pair of 22-inch Garmin 9222 MFDs. The fiberglass hardtop is scalloped to allow room for a Garmin 8616 MFD, a Garmin autopilot, a Garmin TD 50 temp gauge and additional accessories. A commercial-grade Furuno 25kW radar spins a 6.5-foot open array antenna.

Palm Beach Towers, also a Viking subsidiary, designed and crafted the custom five-foot-gap tuna tower with a 53-inch sport-style control box that features a Garmin 8612 MFD, Icom command mic, ZF control levers, and a convenient drink holder. 

While the emphasis of the 50 Billfish is a pure fishboat, the interior boasts comfortable accommodations with a clever twist. The climate-controlled, gloss-walnut interior with horizontal grain offers a spacious salon thanks to the boat’s 17-foot, 1-inch beam. Entered via the sliding electric door from the cockpit, the cabin’s L-shaped lounge and high-low cocktail table to port are complemented with a four-seat dinette to starboard. The dinette is raised above the Amtico floor to provide room for a slide-out tray with rod stowage for six outfits. A split-galley offers manufactured stone counters, under-counter refrigeration, cooking appliances, a stainless-steel sink and an ice cube maker. Layouts include two or three staterooms, and two heads with stall showers. 

This boat boasts a new hull design based on the Viking 50 series. The 50 Billfish, however is unique in its simple mission as a marlin hunter, featuring different mechanical and engine layouts, fuel tank configuration and weight distribution. The resin-infused hull includes cored composite construction, E-glass laminates and carbon fiber reinforcement.

In the ocean off Palm Beach, the test boat with full fuel and water hustled to a top speed of about 44 mph. Its computational-fluid-dynamic designed running surface leaves a clean wake, and at speed the machinery noise from the engines is dampened by ocean water rushing past the hull. The boat also has the range offshore anglers need. At 1,800 rpm, the boat averaged nearly 35 mph, consuming 80.5 gph for a 510 mile range. At 2,000 rpm, the boat hit nearly 38 mph for a range of 437 miles while using 102 gph. 

This boat was made to fish. With classic styling, an uncluttered profile, eye pleasing teak treatments, poise and power, the 50 Billfish is all that and so much more. It’s what you would expect from a family owned and operated company with a 62-year history. 

Specifications

Viking Yacht Company – New Gretna, New Jersey; vikingyachts.com