Viking 50, 55 and 57 Motoryacht bridge clearance

Hello, and Welcome to Yacht Forums.

I would not count on much from an original brochure (IMO). Modifications, folding mast or tops, loading and anything factory / after market changes so much so fast.

I remember Bertram and Hatteras measured (long ago) from the wind screen tops. Hatt had a folding mast that would just lay down. However, tops and frames did not lay down so easy. Later, newer mast were made rigged because of the larger radar, Sat TV domes and more.
Our Bert was not to tall till the hard top was added, Then I piled even more stuff up there.

True measurements will have to be made on any ship considering the loop.

Are you shopping for a particular model Viking or already have one in mind?

You really can't deal in generalities. Often you'll have a couple of measurements, to the top of the windshield and to the top of the arch. Then if it's a hard top you get that measurement as well. But you need to get specific measurements of the exact boat you're dealing with. It changes year to year, boat to boat.

The mfg's number will be to the highest fixed point, but very well may not include radar archs, etc. as they're often an add-on and option. You don't want those numbers anyway though. There's lots of videos we've seen here where the measurement was just a little off or misunderstood. It gets real ugly. Get out the tape. Before we began the Loop with Valhalla (56' Hatteras M/Y) I put this on my spec sheet at the helm :
Bridge Clearance:
37 ft. to tallest mast
26 ft. to masthead light
18 ft 10 in to windshield

Unfortunately we cut it short just shy of Chicago, but yes, arch, bimini and antennae down for the Erie canal. No big deal. The lower helm station enabled us to keep our hats on though. Chicago is generally over 19'1", but we could have taken off the rail and windshield to get another 18" or so if needed although that would have been a bit of a pain.

That's why, although mfgs specs will tell you if you're in the ballpark before purchase, you always want your own measurements.

Also the measurements on the Loop are minimum heights and vary depending on the canal height at the time. For example I've found there's an extra 1-2' of clearance from those measurements provided you're not going through right when the canal opens and all of the snow is melting and draining.

I did the loop in a 1988 75' Hatteras MY in entirety it was same measurement as NYCAP to the windshield, we lowered arch/masthead/bimini top. I also did East Coast to Ohio and Milwaukee on 2 other boats which would only get down to 20'2" and 21' and we had plenty of clearance about 1.5-2' both times in Troy,NY. One was in June one was in May.

The height published by the manufacturer is supposed to be to the tallest point. BUT, it may not include electronics such as radar which could easily add another 1-1.5' etc. etc. Searay is accurate because the boat comes equipped with everything mounted on the hardtop already (electronics etc) and is measured that way. I think you'd have to measure every boat. If you're talking about purchasing an older viking, either the wide-bodies or the one based off of a SF hull, I believe a lot of those had hinged radar arches, but I am not sure. Almost all of the Hatteras' from the 80's/90's had hinged radar arches standard.

Here is a vantage point on 10/15/15 going under the infamous bridge on the Cal Sag on a 1981 56' Hatteras. More room than usual on this particular day. I have now done this trip on two different 56' Hatts and can't say enough good things about them.

Hehehee, I have the same picture when I went through on the 75' Hatteras.

Scott,

I'm also "looking" for a boat in the same length range as your possibilities. I am also limited by bridge heights on the canals in the northern US. (yes I know there are ways around them). Have you looked at the express type boats?

I came to the same conclusion with the help of the knowledgeable yachts men and women as well as the many captains on this forum. I want a forever boat not a starter boat and like the look and space of the Flybridges. Good luck in your search !!