When brothers Bill and Bob Healey in 1964 bought the Peterson-Viking Builders, a small fledgling company building a 37’ wooden sportfisher, they could not have imagined that the ultra-luxurious Viking 90 convertible sport fishing yacht would have 16 orders on a growing 4-year waitlist for their flagship yacht. But with Bill’s son, President and CEO Pat Healey at the helm for the past decade, the company has grown, as have its boats, and likewise withstood various setbacks in the marine industry.
Vessel Overview And Design Background
Above: A 2023 Viking 90 sportfish yacht underway. Photo by Viking Yachts.
From two recessions and the damaging federal luxury tax in 1991, Viking showed its leadership in conserving its resources and lobbying for a repeal of the tax. More recently, Viking has also fought against NOAA proposed speed restrictions and the international regulations that required large, heavy and expensive exhaust treatment technology in all boats greater than 24 meters, including its 92’ Sportfish.
Rather than comply with regulations that the company believed were counterproductive to its design and price structure, Viking instead invested $20 million to create its 90’ Sportfish that would not require a Selective Catalytic Reduction System. The yacht launched in 2023 providing deep-pocketed sportfish fans with a travel lust, an aspirational addition to their fleets. While maintaining the spaciousness of the popular 92, (with 21 delivered in just 7 years), Viking designers David Wilson and Steve Walker lightened, reconfigured and re-planned the 90 exterior and roomy interior to be sleeker, simpler and sexier.
Model Variations
The Viking 90 Convertible provides three exceptional variations for discerning sport fishing enthusiasts. These variations include the Viking 90 C (Convertible), Viking 90 EB (Enclosed Bridge) and Viking 90 SB (Sky Bridge) models.
Above: A 2023 Viking 90 yacht underway on the water from above. Photo by Viking Yachts.
For those who prefer the Convertible model, it offers the flexibility and fish-focused design of an open bridge. The Enclosed Bridge model, on the other hand, provides a sheltered and comfortable space for captains and guests alike. As for the Sky Bridge model, it offers a unique vantage point for panoramic views and an elevated boating experience. Moreover, those opting for the Convertible or Enclosed Bridge models can enhance their yachting adventures by adding an optional tuna tower, providing an elevated platform for spotting and pursuing fish.
Regardless of the chosen variation, all three models can be further tailored to meet individual preferences with custom electronics packages. This allows owners to equip their yacht with state-of-the-art technology and personalized features, ensuring an unrivaled boating experience that caters to their specific needs and desires.
Sea Trial of Hull #1 of the Viking 90
We were treated to a sea trial on hull #1 – a Viking 90 EB with a sky bridge – which was headed to a happy Viking customer, after having a solid shakedown with Pat Healey and his crews at the helm. Having lived, fished and cruised on it for 2-3 months, the yacht was indeed put through all the rigors to provide the sportfish bona fides to become the proud flagship of the Viking line.
A far cry from the wooden 37 footers of yesteryear, the Viking 90 is a design and engineering feat and example of how to compress a megayacht into 90’ while maintaining its fishing superiority. The owners of these yachts are not just serious anglers, they are also set on including friends and family in broad-reaching travel plans. From the perfectly planned cockpit to the 6 staterooms and 7 heads, and from the gleaming engine room to the top of its Palm Beach Tower, the Viking 90 impresses with attention to detail, luxury and functionality. Said Capt. Sean Dooley who specializes in fishing and delivering Vikings, “The 90’ is like living in a penthouse condo!” and I could easily envision myself taking up residency in this spacious vessel!
Fishing Features
Above: The aft cockpit and stern of a Viking 90 yacht underway. Photo by Viking Yachts.
But recognizing Viking’s heritage, this semi-custom sportfish is all about fishing function, as evidenced by the 224 s.f. teak decked cockpit. Note the Release fighting chair and rocket launcher at center stage, that swivels to reveal a reinforced hatch for the optional Seakeeper 35 tucked below. Like everything in the 90, the equipment is readily accessible for maintenance and hatches throughout the deck cover storage, two, 103-gallon fish boxes, drink coolers, tackle gear and ice makers. A grill, refrigerator or freezer are options on the upper mezzanine counter. And oh yes, there is a hatch in the overhang where a 43” TV drops down for cockpit viewing and two hatches in the solid teak transom for the 230-gallon live well.
Layout And Design
Though the Viking 90 EB claims two mezzanine levels, the first step up from the cockpit actually seems to create three, as the teak bench would provide a solid seat or step for the serious angler, while the upholstered bench lounge with refrigeration below and air-conditioned back, accommodates those seeking more comfort. Stepping up to the third level provides sun and weather protection under the enclosed bridge overhang (on the EB version, which we were aboard), more lounge seating with a drawer beneath to store shoes or tackle, with a teak table and sliding wood and glass door into the salon and galley. The mezzanine is faux-teak painted fiberglass and I dare anyone to tell the difference from real wood. The faux teak is easily maintained and allows for touch up should any scratches occur from reeling in the huge fish anticipated on this vessel, through the transom tuna door.
Enclosed Bridge
An angled ladder leads up from the top-level mezzanine to the enclosed bridge deck (on the EB) where more lounge seating is to port and a third control station starboard. Stairs from the main salon with a rich braided leather rail also provide even easier access to the bridge above. An aluminum rail with seven rod holders wraps the aft portion of the mezzanine deck and adds stability while taking the three exterior steps from one level to the next; a similar rail with nine rod holders protects the covered bridge deck providing a gleaming show of security and fishability. Entertaining is an obvious priority for Viking 90 owners, with plenty of drink boxes and refrigeration, but there are definitely more rod holders than cup holders on this yacht!
Above: The enclosed bridge on a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The enclosed bridge entry through a walnut and glass door presents a second carpeted salon with a poshly upholstered L-shaped lounge, walnut coffee table, refrigerator and cabinetry that houses storage and a retractable 42” TV. The seating provides an excellent view through the large wrap-around ProCurve windshield and teak-floored helm station—an expansive stretch of leather and walnut with a teak helm pod and five 24” multifunction displays, a first for Viking. The captain at center is framed by two more Stidd leather, walnut-enclosed seats that provide easy lounging for long voyages.
Up one more level via another ladder lies the skybridge helm with a handsome solo Release upholstered teak seat, teak helm pod with three screens and all the necessary instrumentation to watch for fish enroute. The commanding 360-degree view provides a peaceful and comfy perch for a lucky captain!
In the Open Bridge, rather than the Enclosed Bridge hull #1 model that we sea trialed, several adjustments are made in the layout, such as the interior stairs being replaced by a starboard aft day head in the salon. And speaking of the “real” salon…
Main Salon
Above: The main salon on a Viking 90 sportfish yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The power-sliding wood and glass door opens to the deck house, a brightly natural and LED lit expanse of carpeted lounging area to port and a wet bar, seating and galley to starboard. Pat Healey wanted plenty of space to collapse and rest after a long day on the water, and the comfy U-shape couches, leather upholstered dinette, hassock and 5 bar stools provide just that. The under-lit translucent Lumex bar that frames and faces the galley adds a fine décor touch tried first in the Viking 80 that became a “must” for the 90. The 65” retractable TV could block just a bit of the wide spanning view but provides another source of entertainment when the sun goes down or a big game is on. The horizontal walnut paneling makes the space feel even wider than the 23’ 2” beam and the walnut doors with complementary horizontal and vertical panels, inlaid with ebony exude elegance.
Galley
Above: The galley on a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The galley is replete with Miele appliances, 2 Sub Zero refrigerators, freezer, 4-burner range, dishwasher, garbage disposal, trash compactor and storage. The dinette is raised with drawer rod storage beneath and yet another TV behind. One heck of a dinner party could be hosted in this gorgeous space! A beautiful day head forward of the dinette is across from a starboard pantry (or small additional crew quarter) at the stairs descending to the cabins. The companionway with a stacked full-size washer/dryer leads to the full-beam master amidship.
Accommodations
The Viking 90 offers a spacious layout that encourages unrestricted movement, featuring six staterooms, seven heads, crew quarters and a companionway with an enclosed laundry center equipped with a full-size stackable washer and dryer. This functional design creates a sense of seamless space, ensuring comfortable navigation throughout the yacht.
Master Stateroom
Above: The master stateroom on a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The Viking 90’s master stateroom offers generous and spacious accommodations with separate “his and hers” bathrooms that share a shower, a king-size bed, a generous walk-in closet with maple lining, a 65-inch HDTV positioned above a credenza, a vanity/desk area with a swing-out stool on the starboard side, a lounge seat on the port side, and credenzas with drawer storage on both the port and starboard sides. All textured wall coverings, tile, carpet and marble flooring feel rich to the touch and speak luxury.
Guest Staterooms
The guest staterooms forward and starboard are no less elegant, just slightly smaller. The 90 model boasts five guest staterooms in total, each offering a comfortable and private retreat for guests on board. These staterooms have been thoughtfully designed to provide a high level of comfort and convenience.
Above: The forward guest stateroom onboard a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
Each guest stateroom features its own private head, ensuring that guests have their own dedicated bathroom facilities. This allows for added privacy and convenience, as guests don’t need to share bathrooms with others on board. The private heads are well-appointed and equipped with all the necessary amenities to make guests feel at home.
Additionally, each guest stateroom comes with a separate shower, allowing guests to freshen up and relax in their own private space. The showers are designed to provide a luxurious and invigorating bathing experience, with modern fixtures and ample space.
Above: An en suite head in a guest stateroom onboard a 2023 Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The interior design of the guest staterooms is carefully crafted to create a welcoming and comfortable ambiance. The decor is elegant and sophisticated, with attention to detail in every aspect. Guests will find tasteful furnishings, plush bedding, and ample storage space to accommodate their personal belongings.
Captain And Crew Quarters
Above: The Captain’s Stateroom onboard a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The Viking 90 includes a comfortable dedicated Captain’s Stateroom and nicely appointed separate bunk room for the crew onboard.
Above: The crew quarters on a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
The same attention to detail is present in the crew quarters below, adjoining the engine room. The exact finishes from the rest of the vessel provide special treatment for all—even in smaller spaces.
Engines And Performance
The snow-white Awlgrip painted engine room is replete with 7′ headroom and extensive equipment: a Furuno Sonar tube, Octoplex digital switching system, Optimus power steering, Spot Zero water purifier and Delta-T Ventilation System. A redesigned Centralized Seawater System incorporating ElectroSea CLEARLINE, to increase reliability and longevity is standard, as are two, 40 kW generators, placed aft of the engines to enhance center of gravity and accessibility. The eight batteries, enclosed in fiberglass boxes, are easily accessible, off the centerline walkway.
Above: The engine room on a Viking 90 yacht. Photo by Viking Yachts.
Twin Caterpillar C32A diesels packing 1925MHP are standard. Optional are CAT C32B 2400: 2433MHP engines or the twin 2635MHP MTU 16V 2000 M96Ls which power hull #1. The 16-cylinder power plants are mounted to the stringers, reinforced with integrated aluminum for strength and four fuel tanks house 3,801 gallons of fuel to provide significant range of approximately 600 nautical miles. Fresh water tanks hold 480 gallons.
With a 5’11” draft, the yacht is capable of cruising the islands and proved itself in the Bahamas at the annual Viking Key West Challenge fishing tournament with a number of clients and potential customers on board. The 90’ accelerates like a much smaller yacht and hit the cruising mark of 30-32 knots almost instantly with us barely noticing the speed. (38-plus is top speed). Smooth through chop or wakes, the boat cruises with ease.
“Whatever you feel comfortable with, the boat will do it,” says Captain Dooley, having been through 8-10’ seas without sweating. I wish I could charter a Viking 90 to experience what’s it’s like to live in luxury with the added benefit of being able to catch and cook my dinner. The approximate $13.5 million price tag, depending on options, is a bit daunting to a journalist, but there’s always the lottery!
Specifications:
Length Overall (LOA): 90 ft. 0 in. (27.41 m)
Beam: 23 ft. 2 in. (7.05m)
Draft: 5 ft. 11 in. (1.80 m)
* Gross Weight: 203,659 lbs. (92,378 kg) (Enclosed Bridge with Sky Bridge)
* Gross Weight: 193,490 lbs. (87,766 kg) (Open Bridge, no Tower)
Fuel Capacity: 3,801 gals. (14,388 l)
Water Capacity: 480 gals. (1,817 ltrs)
Cockpit Area: 224 sq. ft. (20.8 sq. m)
* Standard Fuel Load
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