Viking 80 demonstrator - another masterpiece
by Viking Yachts 26 Jul 2023 19:27 BST
Viking 80 © Viking Yachts
The Viking 80 demonstrator boat defines our execution of building a better boat every day, as the finest designers, engineers and boatbuilders in the world continue to refine a yacht that is already best in its class - and a proven tournament winner.
Always keeping it fresh, the demo sports our new Valhalla Grey gelcoat and is outfitted with a tuna tower from the Viking subsidiary Palm Beach Towers. The magnificent, anodized aluminum structure features a custom hardtop, 11-foot gap tower, 16 rod holders and an upper station with a matching Valhalla Grey control box.
The Viking 80 delivers an unmatched combination of style, luxury, performance and fishability - attributes that have made this five-stateroom bluewater beauty one of the most popular world-traveling large sportfishing yachts of the modern era. This is hull No. 51, and the fourth 80 used as a demo. Her exterior design traits - unbroken S-shaped sheer, hull-side vents and portlights and feature lines - are unmistakably Viking.
The 80 boasts a custom faux teak transom, mezzanine and aft salon bulkhead and door. Shaded by the bridge overhang and cooled with optional air conditioning, the mezzanine is the place to be if you're not in the teak-clad cockpit fighting a white marlin. A Release Marine Trillion Series fighting chair anchors the business end, which is equipped with all the tackle, rod, fishbox and live-well storage you'll need for success on the tournament trail.
Left: Of course, the 80 is equipped with the latest navigation, fishfinding, communication and entertainment equipment from Viking's Atlantic Marine Electronics, including four 17-inch multi-function displays in the center console, as well as instruments, controls and displays in the split-lid glove boxes siding the teak helm pod. And there's also a drop-down electronics box and a dedicated space for electric teaser reels in the hardtop. Right: Toekick around the console maximizes deck space while providing increased balance and safety. The forward lounge is arguably the best seat in the house on long runs to and from the fishing grounds, and it gets even better with the optional backrest air conditioning on those hot summer days.
In a future Viking View, we'll show you the boat's luxurious interior - and remember to check out our Friday editions for reports on the demo's performance in the summer tournaments. You can also follow the action on social media @vikingyachtcompany and @viking.demo.