Viking 52 Open vs. CABO 52 Express

man: you got to much money...

Ah, but good taste.
Just remember that you'll have some electrical work to be done with either.

I know the Cabo can be ordered for 50 hertz (European etc power). I have delivered a 52' Cabo express and I personally like the 45' better. The 52 is fast and cruises at 35 knots with the cored hull, but you have to start slowing down sooner then in the 45' with the solid glass hull. The 52' Cabo is extremely stable at any speed. With the cored hull you feel more transmitted through the hull, like a little pounding. The 52' is basically an overgrown 45' with almost the same exact layout and you don't IMO gain much of any more usable space. The staterooms are the same size, you have a little more storage and an overgrown salon and overgrown express deck with the same amount of seating and same size cockpit (at least it felt that way) for a lot more money. I ran a 45' extensively and only had to slow down from 31knot cruise to 25knots one time or day. On the 52' delivery it was relatively calm seas and it was rare that I could run at 35knots and most of the time ran at 24-30 knots. I have never been on the 52' viking, but hear it is very similar. Then again the 52' was brand new and delivering it for the owner and running it very easy. This boat had CATS and I hear the 52's with the MAN's (about 4,000 lbs lighter) ride differently.

Both boats are top notch. The Viking though has a lot more options for customization if you are building one. They have a 52 sport yacht which is pretty much an enclosed express. Also, you can get the sport model with an open back like a dive type boat. Or the traditional express is an option. I think both boats should be seen in person, I have known people who have left Cabo to buy a Viking just to return on their next boat purchase. When you have decisions like this life is not bad.

Both boats are wonderful and top of the line, but Cabo comes with a 10 years hull warrenty while Viking comes with only 1 year. This alone says a lot about the two...

Also to be said that the Cabo 52X comes with an optional 3 staterooms layout that allows more comfortable overnight stays.

With twin CAT C-32 1675HP, equipped with a tuna tower, the Cabo 52X speeds over 42 knots at WOT.

I found that very surprising since the industry standard is 5 years and some go further, but I was unable to fiind it on the net (I did find a limited, basically bow to stern, 1 year warranty) so I called Oyster Harbors Marine of Rhode Island. The e-mail response was "You caught me out of the office but the information I have with me indicates a 1 year limited warranty and a 5 year hull warranty." Are you very sure about your info?

I've been on both boats and like the 52 viking better. The interior on the viking is much nicer than that of the Cabo. The Cabo's interior seemed to be a little spartan, but that might just be me. However, the engine room in the cabo is unbelievable. The viking also seemed to have a bigger helm and more space downstairs. Be aware though that the bunks in both rooms are not the largest. All and all both are great boats and I would be happy to have either.

IMHO, Cabo has better engine rooms but Vikings have a better ride. They both have very nice fit and finish.

But as others have expressed, I'm not sure if you can go wrong with either one.

Look at them closely and see what appeals to you and yours.

just had a look at both boats, is there any difference between those!?
the style is completly the same, its like both had the same designer and same production line, just the company name is an other... i'd say, take the cheaper one and get yourself some good equipment

Dumb question time. Have you seatrialed both boats in rough water Tarek? There may be a subtle difference in handling that appeals or doesn't that will make the difference. Also, have you considered the changes you'd make to the boat. As you know, that might be better thought out now than later. A custom change could affect the price more in one yard than the other.

Cabo for sure

Cabo is the way to go.

My dad got a 45' Cabo this summer and we love it. Its great for fishing(we fishing several tournaments throughout the summer), and its great for cruising when we took my mom on a 2 week trip to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. We looked at both the 45' Cabo and Viking and on the outside they were the same, but when we looked closer the Viking just wasnt up to par. Overall the boat has been a blast whether we hit 42knts(with some current pushing us) or plowing through 5-8fters in comfort.