[JerryLee]

Does anyone have any experience with a 40' Viking? Info such as hull dependability and resistance to separating, performance and fuel consumption with 6-71's, and overall quality? I believe it to be a good boat, but I have heard they are somewhat slow.
Thanks!
JerryLee

[CTdave]

What year Viking? If it is an older model which I suspect, they are built like tanks. Strong, heavy hulls but with 6-71's will be quite slow. I'm in the process of selling a '78 42' Post Sport Fish which was one of the faster hulls of it's time. It weighs 30,000 lbs & has a relatively flat hull toward the aft end but with 6-71s only cruises at 17.5 kts @ 2100 rpm. Sorry I can't tell you more.

ps... I have a small deposit on the Post but it still could be yours for $110,000.
The buyer has a few issues he needs to iron out so I could get out of the deal if anyone is interested.

[JerryLee]

It was a 1980 model. Absoluetly beautiful. But, slow and fuel inefficient I was told. It was the kind of boat if you wanted one to park in a yacht basin and mostly just sit on and take out in the bay occasionally.
Thanks for the offer, but I think I will stick with the kind of boat that most offshore fisherfolk look for in my area..middle Texas coast. Most guys go fo something in the 33-37 foot range. I am in the process of selling a 27' Phoenix and am looking for something a little bigger. I particularly like the 35 Bertram, although they are older you can find them in real good shape.

[YachtForums]

Hi Jerry,

Welcome aboard!

A close friend of the family has an 1989 41' Viking with 6-71's. He's also a seasoned fisherman that has an article coming out in a sport fishing magazine next month. I know he'd be happy to speak with you. Here's some contact details...

Randy Parrish
DParris3@bellsouth.net
850-934-1928

He's a good guy and always willing to talk boats. He's especially knowledgeable on Vikings. From previous conversations (I'm recalling from memory), he's indicated a few things about Vikings of this era that you want to consider...

Viking's hulls are 15.5 degrees. Other manufactuers, with less or more deadrise, have adopted the same over the past couple of decades, as this has proven to provide good stability, speed and a comfortable ride when the going gets rough.

Previous to 1989, Viking's were equipped with 6-71's running "dry" turbos. They tended to run hotter and produce more heat (read: more problems) until the "wet" turbo's were integrated in post 1989 era models.

Expect a cruise speed of around 21 knots, topping out around 25 knots. Fuel burn will vary with load, but generally speaking... expect around 33-35 gallons per hour.

1989 was the last year (I think!) before the style change. So if you're looking for a "late-model" looking boat, without the associated price, shop for early 90's models.

I'm recalling this from a conversation some time ago, so don't take my word as gospel. Maybe some others can chime-in here with more exact info.

Best of luck!

[alloyed2sea]

Well, I think 1980 was the first year for all-wood interior ( by that I mean teak joinery) being standard. Maybe it was 1982.
The only problems hull wise would be to look for any moisture penetrating around the cleats and any other areas pierced by screw-crazy DPOs (dreaded previous owners). The side of the hull near the transom could also use moisture meter test - but in fact, most Viking hulls are bullet proof.
Just get a good surveyor, and go over the boat WITH him/her - that way, the survey pays for itself and you learn alot about your next boat.
Cheers!

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by JerryLee

Does anyone have any experience with a 40' Viking? Info such as hull dependability and resistance to separating, performance and fuel consumption with 6-71's, and overall quality? I believe it to be a good boat, but I have heard they are somewhat slow.
Thanks!
JerryLee

We now own a 1988 40'. This Viking has proved it's self over and over again. We are very pleased with it. This is our second Viking. If you want to visit the plant they will welcome you. There you will see quality made. We will be selling ours this yr or next. Whenever we can part with it. They are not a slow boat by no means. We have lots of teak interior (that we love) that looks very rich especially at night with the lights on them. We chose the 2 stateroom plan. We have not been sorry because that room does multi tasks. We have detroits/J & T and finds they are plenty fast for us to fish or travel. Any other info you would like to know about Vikings (I live near the plant)my e mail is ruffian111@hotmail.com. Good luck you have chosen to look for a great boat.

[Capt J]

Originally Posted by JerryLee

Does anyone have any experience with a 40' Viking? Info such as hull dependability and resistance to separating, performance and fuel consumption with 6-71's, and overall quality? I believe it to be a good boat, but I have heard they are somewhat slow.
Thanks!
JerryLee

You didn't mention whether they were the turbo model or naturally aspirated. The 40' viking is a solid well built and well designed boat. I ran one in that era with the natural 6-71's and it was quite slow 12knots cruise at 15 knots tops. The natural version was also very very loud (the turbo quiets down the DD's quite a bit) My friend owned a 1989 41' with 8-92's ti's and that boat cruised at 21 knots to give you an idea on the speed difference. I believe the 6-71ti's will cruise around 16 knots.

[Robert Vandeuse]

We have owned a 40 ft Viking for over ten years and enjoy the boat very much. However, your question about "separation" is important. We are currently seeking advise on how to repair the main deck near the bow pulpit. This area has just started to become soft indicating water intrusion. We have been advised that the windlass mounting hardware probably is the cause of the water entry. We joined this forum specifically looking for information on how to best attack this problem. I would advise you to check this foward deck area if you pursue the Viking.

[viking 40]

I have a 74 viking 40'. When i say the hull is rock solid, I meen ROCK. I have to use self tapping screws to remount a bilge pump. I love the flared bow. neither Hatterass nor Bertram were flaring the bow back then.
From information I got from Viking ( they still had the original folder on her sale), she was custom ordered by the owner of the Cat dealer in new orleans and he ordered her with 3116 cats. he replaced those after a couple years with 3208 cats w/twin turbos. She still has those engines and I love them. She does 16-18kts wot. I cruise at 12kts.
They didn't splurge on interiors back then, which is fine with me. Some of my buddys that fish with me, I wouldn't let in my house.
For a 34 yr old vessal, she is in incredible shape.