[jeffr]

Hi folks:
I was looking at a 48 Viking but was told by many that it was a "wet" boat. Also told that I need to go at least to a 55 viking to stay dry.
Any ideas on what length of Viking will get me a dry ride? Or maybe a year model if there was a design change?
thanks

[Capt J]

I've heard the 80's 48 Vikings were pretty wet as was the newer late 90's+ 55's were very wet. I'm not sure on the others, I know the 61' is pretty dry and I think the 2001 era 50's were also......

[RT46]

my experience is that the 48 and below are wet boats.

They are wetter than their reputation, but, with that being said, in my opinion Viking is the best "production" SF.

(I know it is not a production boat, but it really is not a custom boat either)

I do not have significant time on Vikings larger than 48.

Viking always gets my first look when I consider a SF.

You really cant beat them for overall quality and customer service.

Also, Viking seems to be one of the only survivors owned by individuals which has not changed hands.

[glashole]

what would our definition of wet be?

sitting at the helm and getting spray
general spray onto the boat?

plus the size of the waves would play a major part of this

4ft vs 6ft vs 10ft??

[PacBlue]

Prior to production year 1999, is there a really dry 48SF out there? Newer Cabo 47 comes to mind, but they are still looking for big bucks on the used market.

A used 48 Viking SF can give you a lot of bang for the buck, but I would personally have to give the nod to a pre-1999 50 Bertram. Both will cruise in the low to mid 20's with 8V92TA's depending on gear/tower/equipment.

Viking is always tweaking their hull designs with new models, so I am not so sure if it is a length factor to get to a dry (subjective) hull or is it a build year factor when they hit the right design for the dryer hull?

[jeffr]

Hi guys.
I was told by a captain that he worked a 48 viking in 3 foot seas and at cruise the fly bridge was wet with spray. I had a 47 Cabo and never had that problem, but was looking at deals and it seems that there are more of the vikings on the market than the cabo and they have a nicer interior for the boss. I was told that I would need to get above 54 feet on a late model viking to get a dry ride that didn't "pound".

I agree that the bertram is a battlewagon, but prefer a late model boat.

so what is the best ride for dry, stable, no pounding, but no rolly polly when sitting idle bottom fishing? It seemed to me that the late model viking hull was the best compromise between the custom carolina hull that is great for rough seas, but also not too rolly when bottom fishing. I like the cabo, but like you said, they are too darn pricy for the used market. the 48 cabo with cat engines would be ideal otherwise.

[RT46]

Jeffr,

I think you are right, the 48 Viking is a lot of bang for the buck.....

There are a lot of nice 48s out there for well under 200K

[jeffr]

what about the 55 Viking? Is it considered a "wet" boat or "dry"? i.e. If you are on the flybridge in a 3 foot sea with a little wind, will you get wet from spray or can you stay dry up there?

[jeffr]

Sorry guys: I'm looking at a 2002 55 Viking, so a later model boat is the question about "wet" or "dry".

thanks mucho.

[Capt J]

Originally Posted by jeffr

Sorry guys: I'm looking at a 2002 55 Viking, so a later model boat is the question about "wet" or "dry".

thanks mucho.

The 55's of that era aren't wet, they're a SUBMARINE.