{"id":61187,"date":"2023-10-20T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/?p=61187"},"modified":"2023-10-20T13:23:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T17:23:36","slug":"viking-90-sky-bridge-reviewed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/yachts\/viking-90-sky-bridge-reviewed\/","title":{"rendered":"Reviewed: Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge"},"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 The expansive single-pane windshield at the enclosed bridge creates a crystal-clear visual field ahead.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking Yachts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n

Viking Yachts built 21 of its 92-foot convertibles in less than seven years, so the New Gretna, New Jersey, boatbuilder knew there was strong demand for supersize sport-fishermen. But a pending change in emissions regulations involving selective catalytic reduction would have forced the addition of costly, heavy equipment to the engine rooms, decreasing performance and efficiencies. As a result, Viking ceased production on its 92-footer (and its 93 Motoryacht<\/a>) and developed a 90-foot convertible that would fall just under the required size for the rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, that Viking Yachts 90<\/a> has arrived. Hull No. 1 is a Sky Bridge model in what the builder calls Kingston Grey. Convertible and Enclosed Bridge versions are also available, with at least seven more hulls in production or ready for the molds as of this writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I stepped up to the 24-foot-high perch on the Sky Bridge, I felt like I could almost see the Earth\u2019s curve. Triple multifunction displays and twin covered consoles for radios and switches flanked the Palm Beach faux-wood helm. The Sky Bridge also offers a great vantage point for eyeing baits behind the boat.<\/p>\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 Sky Bridge on the Viking 90 is perched 24 feet above the sea.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking Yachts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Below, at the enclosed bridge\u2019s helm, five multifunction screens wrap toward the captain\u2019s position, creating a true glass-helm setup. Every navigation, fishing and operational function can be monitored here. There\u2019s room under the screens for additional engine monitors and radios, as well as space on the console for more electronics. To aid the skipper\u2019s visibility, the forward windshield is one piece until it reaches the corners. There are three beefy wipers, and no mullions to block the view. Flanking the captain\u2019s chair are two double bench seats so guests can also enjoy the commanding views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running to and from the fishing grounds can take time\u2014well, not too long at a 33-knot cruise speed\u2014but for those longer runs, this yacht\u2019s all-weather enclosed bridge provides the comforts of home. This space has the same high-gloss walnut woodwork, fabrics and features found throughout the yacht. Dual fridge drawers are in an end table, reducing trips to the galley. An L-shaped settee with a wood coffee table is to port, and an interior curved staircase is nestled into the after corner, leading to the main deck.<\/p>\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 High-gloss walnut adds elegance in the salon. Super-soft seating is welcome after a long day in the cockpit.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking Yachts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

One might think that getting a 90-foot yacht up to speed would take a minute. Not so. Hull No. 1 is powered with optional twin 2,635 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L diesels, which provide a 38.2-knot top hop and the aforementioned 33-knot cruising speed, with\u00a0a range of approximately 600 nautical miles. Standard powerplants are twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C32A diesels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to having solid speed, this hefty 90-footer (with its 193,000-pound displacement) is nimble and responsive to wheel input in real time. Backing down, the 90 runs true and is agile, with the ability to spin in any direction on a dime. I noted limited splash and overflow into the cockpit as we ran several backing-down scenarios.<\/p>\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 In addition to the Sky Bridge version seen here, the Viking 90 can be ordered with an enclosed bridge or as a convertible. In all versions, the ready-for-battle 224-square-foot cockpit is standard issue, as is the dual-level mezzanine.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking Yachts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

As I stepped into the main salon off the dual-level mezzanine, my eye was drawn to the wraparound galley to starboard. It has a backlit stone countertop and every appliance needed for formal meals or pre-fishing snacks: a four-burner electric cooktop, Sub-Zero fridges and freezers, and a dishwasher. Five fixed stools ring the L-shaped counter for casual dining with family and crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 42-by-78-inch dining table to port is on a raised platform with an artfully crafted walnut-veneer centerpiece. An opposing walnut band separated by polished chrome inlays is ringed by high-gloss black paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests can relax after dinner in the U-shaped settee aft and to port, across from the 65-inch HDTV. Walnut and teak woods add a warm feeling to the interior spaces. Ultraleathers and fine fabrics are used on furnishings to create seating that\u2019s soft, supple and tough to leave.<\/p>\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 For the traveling angler, the Viking 90\u2019s galley is ready for fast or formal meals, from the four-burner cooktop to the Sub-Zero fridges and freezers.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking Yachts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Outside is a serious setup for angling aficionados. The 224-square-foot cockpit (same size as on the Viking 92) is ready for battle with mammoth-size marlin, thanks to a fighting chair, a rocket launcher, a table or some other combination of an owner\u2019s choosing. Twin 103-gallon in-deck refrigerated fish boxes can keep the bigeye cold, and a 203-gallon transom livewell is ready for the baits to stay frisky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many times, sport fishing is a spectator sport, and the Viking 90 accounts for that. The two-tiered mezzanine has three areas that allow the crew to keep an eye on the spread and for guests to watch the action. The lower section has a sofa on centerline. The upper area has an L-shaped settee to port with a teak table, and there is a cushioned bench to starboard. The latter two spaces are under the flybridge overhang, protected from the elements. Under each seat is stowage, either for fishing gear or cold drinks. Backrest air conditioning is available in the seating.<\/p>\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 Designed by fishermen for fishermen, the engine room offers walkaround space to spare, even with twin 2,635 hp MTU diesels resting inside. There is unimpeded access to all regular service points.<\/span>\n Courtesy Viking Yachts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

There is also a dedicated watertight hatch in the deck for a Seakeeper 35, allowing for easy maintenance or equipment swap-outs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge is an impressive vessel. All at once, it\u2019s a bluewater-ready sport-fisher that can chase pelagics around the planet, a tournament contender that can accommodate a sizable crew, and a true yacht that offers a high level of luxury and relaxation when the day\u2019s fishing is done.\u2009\u2009<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Comfort Equation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Viking, each of the 90\u2019s five guest staterooms and the crew quarters were analyzed inch by inch to maximize functionality. An elegantly appointed full-beam master stateroom is amidships with a king berth, a Jack-and-Jill head with a central shower stall, a vanity, a sofa, a maple-lined walk-in closet and a 65-inch TV. The forepeak VIP is en suite, with three more en suite guest staterooms between the VIP and the master. Crew quarters are aft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hull Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enhanced lifting strakes, redesigned prop pockets and refined driveline components (custom struts and rudders) all add to the performance I experienced on board the Viking 90 Sky Bridge. Viking\u2019s engineers got here via computational fluid dynamics that let them visualize the flow of water under the hull to optimize its form. This technology lets the builder\u2019s team test multiple permutations much faster than traditional tank testing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Systems Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Viking 90 Sky Bridge\u2019s power management and electrical controls are handled via an OctoPlex digital-switching system, which reduces wiring and allows for multiple displays throughout the yacht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the next step:<\/strong> vikingyachts.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The feature-filled, 38-knot Viking Yachts 90 Sky Bridge is ready to take adventurous anglers anywhere.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":61190,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Tom Serio","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"","hydra_display_updated":false,"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","arc_story_id":"","arc_website_url":"","custom_permalink":"","arc_subtype":"","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"sponsored_image":false,"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":true,"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":"","sponsored_url":"","social_share":true,"ad_targeting":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true},"categories":[163],"tags":[2143,2125,884,324,533,164],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61187"}],"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\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61187"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61187\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61187"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61187"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61187"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}