Looking at 56' Viking. Any feedback good or bad on this particular model would be appreciated. I've fished 53 & 61 Vikings and a couple of customs, but not this 56 model. Boat has 1500 MTUs. It had the spider crack gel coat issues repaired and boat was repainted. Any feedback on ride, fishability, known issues would be appreciated.
Did you ever go through with this purchase? I am also going to be looking, primarily for 61's, but there are some nice 56's out there. 1480 MTU's seem like better engines for the 56 vs 61.
Yes, I've surveyed and sea trialed, we should close end of month. I went with 56' primarily because it give a little more flexibility in slips. Ours had 2000 service done on 1500 MTU's and were buying with 2100 hrs, only major issue was on exhaust riser had minor corrosion. Our seller is having it replaced. We'll have to keep an eye on the others. In the last month I've met a guy who bought and '09 61' Viking and he's having to replace an exhaust riser also. That cost him ~ $17k. I've only been on a 61' Viking twice, so not much experience, but I'm not sure there is much noticeable difference in everyday running. We sea trialed in 3-4's and I was happy with ride and overall performance - 38 knts on pins with 3/4 fuel in the tanks. Capt claims he touches 40knts in calm water and 1/2 tanks. Keep me informed, would love to compare notes.
What is the performance at 1900? Trying to get an idea of normal cruise numbers. Did you look at any other boats?
@1800, 75% load, 26.3 knots I've been looking for about 6 years. My criteria was something in the 55' range, I was open to customs, and Hatteras, no Berts. Friends had always told me the 55' Viking was the boat for us (we've had 40' cruisers and center consoles). I wanted to avoid the 1200 MANs and when I realized that the 56 was almost 18" wider than the 55 I started to focus on them. I found mine before it went on market with broker, saving that 10% and having a seller who was completely reasonable in value made it a no brainer
Just updated my profile, I'm in FL now. Boat will most likely be in Ft Pierce to start. Let me know if you get down this way. We can hook up and compare notes.