Origin and ownership
Viking was founded in 1964 by Bill and Bob Healey in New Gretna, New Jersey. The brand built around in-house production: hulls, decks, hardware, joinery, glass, and fuel tanks all originate at the New Jersey campus, which is unusual at this scale.
The Healey family has owned Viking across two generations. Production has stayed in New Gretna throughout. The 80 Convertible (2018 launch) reset the segment for tournament-spec sportfish at 80 feet. The 90 Convertible (2024) extended the range.
Family-held throughout. Sales and service through Viking Yacht Sales and Atlantic Marine Electronics, both Viking-owned. The factory-direct service model is unusual at this scale and tightens the warranty and refit experience versus a third-party dealer network.
Design philosophy
Viking convertibles use moderate-V planing hull form (typically 17 to 19 degrees at the transom on the Convertible line). Designed for sustained 30-knot cruise in 4-foot head seas.
MAN and MTU diesel inboard are the standard rigging options. Single-engine variants are not available; the lineup is twin and quad rigging only.
Terminology you should know
- Convertible
- The luxury sportfish convertible line. Twin or quad diesel inboard, mezzanine seating, helm pod.
- Sport Yacht
- Open express variant of the convertible platform. Open helm with hardtop, twin diesel inboard.
- Valhalla
- Center-console subsidiary. Separately operated under the Viking parent.
Used-market notes and known issues
MAN i6 1200 fuel-injector pattern on 2017 to 2020 hulls warrants an inspection at 1,000 hours.
Cockpit teak deck wear on tournament-use hulls at five years. Refit cost runs $35,000 to $60,000 depending on hull size.
2019 to 2021 Seakeeper installations on 70 Convertible hulls had a mounting bracket bulletin issued. Confirm the bracket has been updated.
Sales and service through Viking Yacht Sales and Atlantic Marine Electronics, both Viking-owned. The factory-direct service model is unusual at this scale and tightens the warranty and refit experience versus a third-party dealer network.
Resale
Viking resale is the strongest in the luxury sportfish segment. Three-year depreciation runs 5 to 10 percent on tournament-spec convertibles. Five-year depreciation runs 15 to 20 percent. The factory-direct service model and tournament market support the floor.
Where Viking Yachts fits
Buyers cross-shop Viking against Hatteras GT, Bertram, and Spencer Yachts on the luxury sportfish convertible segment. The argument for Viking is the in-house build (hull through joinery), the factory-direct service network, and the tournament-circuit volume that supports resale across the convertible book. Buyers who prioritize Italian fit-and-finish should look at Riva or Sanlorenzo. Buyers who prioritize the heritage tournament-circuit pedigree buy Viking.
