{"id":55083,"date":"2017-06-19T07:37:28","date_gmt":"2017-06-19T11:37:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/?p=55083"},"modified":"2023-05-08T09:44:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T13:44:48","slug":"keep-your-options-open-viking-48-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/keep-your-options-open-viking-48-open\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Your Options Open: Viking 48 Open"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n This yacht\u2019s hull has enough flare to shrug off most any sea, and her running strakes help keep her on the straight and narrow.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

Atlantic City is a gambling town that\u2019s not particularly well-known for its gentlemen. (I\u2019m from New Jersey, so I\u2019m allowed to say that.) But that\u2019s why it was more than a little ironic that I met the Viking\u00a048 Open there, because the 48 is the near apotheosis of what a gentleman\u2019s sport-fisher should be. This is a boat that can fish hard and cruise easy. She has plenty of design features, onboard amenities and tantalizing options that make her as well suited for a sailfish tournament as she is for an evening cocktail cruise \u2014 and for just about everything else in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

The first thing to know about the 48 Open is that she\u2019s a Viking and, thus, her fishing pedigree is enviable. She has a 124-square-foot cockpit with more than enough space for everyone on board to maneuver around safely, \u00adespecially during the sometimes \u00adfrenzied action after a\u00a0fish has struck a bait. Next, a transom fish box doubles as a livewell. That box\u00a0can also be drained and used as extra stowage, most likely for snorkeling \u00adequipment, it seems. Another double-duty feature is the transom tuna door, which lets you haul in prize catches and makes getting in and out of the water easy, even when wearing that snorkeling equipment on, say, a free-diving adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The forepeak master makes this yacht a true weekender with her queen berth and maple-lined lockers.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

A laminated aluminum plate in the sole serves as a base for a fighting chair, and if you happen to go drifting, you\u2019ll be thankful for the flattened after section of\u00a0the hull. Viking reduced the transom deadrise from 15 degrees on previous models to 12 degrees on more recent builds. That design choice, coupled with a Seakeeper 9 gyrostabilizer that I bet will prove a popular option, should keep everybody comfortable (or at least functional) at slow speeds in sloppy seas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n

332\u2009 nautical\u2009 miles maximum cruising range at 36 knots<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

The flattened after section has other benefits too: For one, it helps get this vessel up and out of the hole quickly. My test boat fired onto plane when I dropped the hammer, and the twin 1,200 hp MAN V-8s roared to life. We registered an even 40-knot peak velocity as the 48 sliced cleanly through a moderate 2- to 3-foot-high North Atlantic chop. Backing off the throttle just a wee bit to 2,100 rpm produced a fast cruise speed of 36 knots while burning 103 gph. If you\u2019re feeling more economical, cruise her at 30 knots and 1,800 rpm while burning a pleasingly modest 75 gph. My test boat was as nimble as I\u2019ve come to expect of Vikings, \u00adparticularly the smaller ones. I carved a whole bunch of hard S-turns through the whitecapped slop, and the Viking\u2019s hull, with its razor-sharp entry, clung to the water with a gorilla grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n That highly polished teak console is a Viking standard that creates an extra touch of understated class.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

From the vessel\u2019s helm, I couldn\u2019t help but notice that the yacht\u2019s command bridge is well-suited to socializing, with two separate dinettes with L-shaped settees, including the forward-facing seating that guests will crave in a seaway. (Mezzanine seating is also available in the cockpit.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Below, the 48 has an en suite forepeak master with an island queen berth and maple-lined lockers. The starboard-side guest stateroom has twin bunks. The accommodations are everything a family might need for a three-day weekend getaway, say, to Martha\u2019s Vineyard or perhaps the Abacos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n That tuna tower serves a dual purpose: It gives the captain a bird\u2019s-eye view of the fish, and it lets him get some well-deserved peace and quiet.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

Viking insiders describe this boat as a convertible, but not in the way that we usually mean in reference to yachts. They mean it in the way we describe a car with the top down. This boat is designed for fun. The open layout means that if you\u2019re fishing with your kids, you don\u2019t have to scurry down off the bridge when one of them hooks a mahi. You\u2019re right there in the middle of the action, showing them the ropes, from setting the hook to landing the thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

The same rules apply when you\u2019re cruising. Those dining settees are where your guests will be sitting, and you can easily chat along with them while you man the helm. The open layout has proved \u00adpopular with young families as well. Think about it. Who wants to carry a baby up a ladder in a seaway? Nobody in their right mind, that\u2019s who.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The 48\u2019s cockpit is the boat\u2019s meat and potatoes when it comes to fishing. Note the rocket launchers, tuna door and in-sole fish box.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

However, this boat also has a tower made by Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers, so if you want to keep in line with the 48\u2019s gentlemanly pedigree, you may politely excuse yourself and man the boat from up top. That way, you can get a better eye on where the fish are \u2014 and with a full electronic setup at the helm, that tower can become a de facto flybridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

And also, well, having a tower lets you get away from anybody not bold enough to climb that ladder. The builder is well aware of the subtle duality. Sometimes a guy just needs some room to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n A hatch in the cockpit accesses the optional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer \u2014 a tempting addition.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Viking takes engine rooms seriously.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

THOR’S HAMMER<\/strong>\nThe 48 comes with twin MANs in 900 hp, 1,000 hp or 1,200 hp versions. Our test boat had the big guns, which have proved a popular option thanks to their blend of speed, efficiency and durability. The engine room itself has good access to all major components, including to the sides of the engines \u2014 not something every open fishing boat can say. When you combine the 48’s considerable engine mojo with a hull that has a sharp entry, a flat after section and molded running strakes that aid maneuverability and tracking, what you get is a yacht that can truly fly. Albeit, without a flybridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The galley and living area below allow a place to retreat from the elements.<\/span>\n Forest Johnson<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

Another nice attribute of an open boat is that she\u2019s easy to clean. Sans flybridge, the 48 is a different beast than some of her sister ships when it\u2019s time to wash up. She\u2019s simply a lot less boat than a big ol\u2019 convertible. Take her out, cruise her, fish her, do whatever you want. Bring her in, rinse, chamois and that\u2019s that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Ease of operation and maintenance is a big reason why the Open line has been so successful for Viking. The company builds a 42, 46, 48 and 52, with a 44 set to debut this fall in Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

I may have tested the \u00adViking 48 Open in a town not \u00adusually known for its gentlemen \u2014 though surely known for anglers, and a whole lot of other guys just playing the angles. But in a very real sense, this fun and versatile boat proved herself lucky enough to truly be called a lady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The command bridge has seating that lets the skipper remain part of the action.<\/span>\n Forest Johnson<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Viking <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The 48 Open has an eminently usable layout. The cockpit is highly functional. The bridge deck is built for conversation. And the accommodations level has all the living space and privacy expected on a boat this size.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Viking 48 Open is an easy-to-cruise, wash-and-wear, gentleman\u2019s sport-fisher with a serious pedigree.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44116,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Kevin Koenig","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"20170619","hydra_display_updated":false,"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"163","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The Viking 48 Open is an easy-to-cruise, wash-and-wear, gentleman\u2019s sport-fisher with a serious pedigree.","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Keep Your Options Open: Viking 48 Open %%sep%% %%sitename%%","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","arc_story_id":"23GMFZX6RZDELIJJYHA4RSMR6Y","arc_website_url":"keep-your-options-open-viking-48-open\/","custom_permalink":"keep-your-options-open-viking-48-open\/","arc_subtype":"right-sidebar","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"sponsored_image":0,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"\"\"","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[163],"tags":[1283,182,324,164],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55083"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55083"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55083\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}