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35th Annual Bahamas Billfish Championship Leg #2 |
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After a non-productive first day of fishing, Miss Annie got on the boards with a blue marlin release on Day Two then added another blue and a sailfish on Day Three. However, on the final day, Barry Weshnak’s Viking 52 Miss Annie managed to catch and release five white marlin to win the event. Miss Annie, which finished Third Place Overall during the 2007 BBC, was also the Top Release Team for Leg #2. |
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Viking International Yacht Center |
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The new Viking International Yacht Center is living up to its name. Located at 2100 Avenue B in Riviera Beach, Florida, a few docks north of the Viking Yacht Service Center, the new facility has become popular with megayachts needing professional services, including this 120 foot Dennison that came in for a bottom job and running gear work. The VIYC also is the new southern headquarters for Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics. |
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Viking International Yacht Center |
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The Viking International Yachting Center on Avenue C in Riviera Beach, Florida, a few docks north of the Viking Yacht Service Center has become the new home of Palm Beach Towers. PBT basically ran out of room at the former facility and here is a good example why. PBT has been busy building new tuna towers for Viking Yacht customers, as well as several other production and custom boat builders. The elaborate workmanship involved with aluminum fabrication requires considerable space, not only to build the structures, but also to store them until they are ready to be installed on the boat. Palm Beach Towers also is noted for its specially built structures including fiberglass hard tops, overhead fiberglass rod lockers, drop-down electronic boxes and other custom work.
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Freedom Lift |
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Testing out the mechanism of the Freedom Lift aboard a Viking 52 Sport Yacht, a team of Viking techs verify its back and forth travel form, which will assure the yacht's owner trouble free operation. In actual use, the owner will be able to launch and retrieve the boat quickly and effortlessly, which will come in handy when anchored in a quiet cove or docked in a busy marina. |
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Five-Axis Profiler |
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Viking uses two computer programmed five-axis profilers to create foam plugs from which fiberglass molds are made to manufacture various yacht parts. Our $1 million machine can cut parts 60 feet by 20 feet by 10 feet and is typically used for decks, cockpits, flying bridges and similar large components. Our second machine shown here can cut units up to 15 feet by 10 feet by 5 feet and is designed to accommodate smaller parts including vents, hatches, lids, and inserts among dozens of other units. It most recently has produced foam plugs to manufacture the 82 Convertible’s pulpit, hull vent and bow thruster dams and propeller pocket dams for some of the smaller convertibles. |
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Viking Waste Treatment Plant |
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The Viking Waste Treatment Plant is up and running. Utilizing membrane bio-reactor system technology, it provides full waste treatment capabilities and allows the filtering of 70 percent of all water used at the plant to be recycled as grey water. It contains six pump stations and not only handles the waste water from the main Viking campus, but also handles our adjacent Viking Yachting Center. Viking will realize a significant savings in operating costs with this waste treatment plant by ending the need for twice daily “honey wagon” trucks formerly required to pump out the existing septic system.
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Viking 60 Demo |
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Nearing the end of its five month build cycle, the new Viking 60 demo receives some final buffing to its custom green hull. The gleam from the hull side reflects the depth of gloss, which can be achieved by using quality materials and plenty of sweat equity as you would expect from Viking’s team of skilled boatbuilders. This new model will launch early next month.
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Viking's Newest Demos |
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Work continues at a blistering pace on Viking’s two newest convertible demos, the 68C (left) and 60C (right), in anticipation of the tournament season. Here, a technician puts some final touches on the lettering on the 60C transom. |
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China International Boat Show |
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The global presence of Viking Yachts forges ahead as the international markets continue to thrive. At the April 2008 China International Boat Show in Shanghai, Mr. Andrea Zanella, IBS Project Manager for China demonstrates his support of the Viking position. International Boat Service, SRL (IBS) represents Viking from its base at Porto Rotondo, Italy. |
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35th Newport California Boat Show |
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Crows Nest Yacht Sales reported nice weather and good crowds at the 35th Newport California Boat Show, which opened Wednesday and continues through Sunday, April 13. A lot of buzz was generated by the premiere West Coast showing of the exclusive Bad Company Edition 60 Convertible. The impressive yellow-hulled 60 BCE was also joined by the Viking 54 Bad Company Edition. Also shown is the Viking Sport Cruisers Flybridge 50. |
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Swimming Anyone |
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The Jurado family with their new Viking 54 Convertible enjoy a pleasant afternoon anchored in a secluded cove in Panama. The fishing rods in the cockpit hint at what is coming next!"
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Nautica Magazine |
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As Viking continues to expand its market world-wide, it is rapidly beginning to attract more and more attention for its outstanding quality, luxury and performance. Italy’s premiere yachting magazine Nautica recently featured the spectacular Viking 60 on its cover. Viking is represented in Italy by International Boat Services Srl (IBS).
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Happy Anniversary Viking Yachts |
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Today, we celebrate the 44th Anniversary of the Viking Yacht Company founded by Bill and Bob Healey on April 1, 1964. My how some things have changed and while others remain the same!
A triple play of yesterday and today. Mahogany planks on oak frames were the hallmarks of early Vikings. Today, we use computer designs, computer aided manufacturing and the skills and talents of 1,400 boatbuilders to build sleek fiberglass speed merchants.
When Viking opened its doors, everything was housed in a single structure. Today, we have 810,000 square feet of manufacturing space spread out over 52 acres in five modern buildings. |
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Viking Production |
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With four production lines and 18 models from 45 to 74 feet, the pace is always lively at Viking. As the family owned Viking Yacht Company approaches its 44th year of continuous operation, here are four more new Vikings working their way down the line and soon to be delivered to their new owners. |
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Dubai International Boat Show |
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Viking Yachts recently attended the Dubai International Boat Show. This is the largest and most established event of its kind in the region and is one of the fastest growing leisure marine industry exhibitions in the world. Record numbers of visitors from as far as Europe, the Middle East and China passed through the gates. The Dubai Show is a classic showcase of boats from both local and international builders along with the latest innovations in marine equipment, supplies and services. |
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Dubai International Boat Show |
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Under a beautiful blue sky the Dubai International Boat Show opened today, March 11 and continues through March 15 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Dubai. UAE. Standing from left to right in the IMG Marine display showcasing its Viking 64 Enclosed Bridge Convertible are Jim Dewberry, Release Marine; Joe Schwab, Viking Yacht’s vice-president of sales; Mr. Saif Khamis, IMG; Mr. Ali Al Jafla, IMG; and Steve Boerema, Viking Yacht’s international sales manager.
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Viking 82 Convertible |
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The deck plug of the 82 Convertible illustrates the yacht's massive 22 ft. 4 in. beam, foredeck and house. The plug was produced on Viking's five-axis profiler in a series of eight parts. The components were then pieced together with fiberglass to produce a seamless one-part unit, which includes the aft bulkhead and the 255 sq. ft. cockpit.
To the right of the plug, the hull mold of the 82 Convertible can be seen with its egg-crate reinforcements.
The 82 Convertible will premiere at the 2009 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. |
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Viking Building 2N |
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Progress remains paramount at the Viking Yacht Company. Shown here, the scale of the Building 2N, which joins Building 1 and Building 2 is evident. With 41 feet of clearance at the beginning of the building increasing to 55 feet midway, the new addition will be devoted to productions lines 1 and 2 where the larger convertibles, including the new Viking 82 will be built. The building will add nearly 70,000 square feet of floor space, plus provide an additional 42,000 square feet of mezzanine space to store and stock various components and parts used to produce the yachts. Weather permitting, the main doors will be installed shortly and the plan is to have the building fully operational by spring. |
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Viking Five-Axis Profiler |
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Viking technicians are shown measuring low density foam to be cut and glued into a larger block, which is partially visible behind them. The large form will then be cut by our five-axis profiler to carve a plug to produce a mold for a new boat part. In the background to the left, the plug of the 82 Convertible deckhouse can be seen taking shape. |
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Viking Yacht 82 Convertible |
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Work on the new Viking 82 Convertible continues at a rapid pace. Shown here, fiberglass technicians add laminates to the hull mold. Once the mold has been completed, it will be used to produce the first hull slated to launch in December 2008. The Viking flagship 82 Convertible will premiere at the 2009 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. |
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Metal Shop |
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Viking’s structural steel web frame engine beds are an industry benchmark. In the Viking metal shop, a skilled craftsman is welding mounting braces into place.
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Viking Building 2N |
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Construction of Viking's 120,000 square foot addition is moving along on schedule. When completed, the new addition will house production lines One and Two where currently the Viking 60, 64, 68 and 74 Convertibles are built. |
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Viking 82 Convertible |
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Work on the hull plug of the Viking 82 Convertible continues at a steady pace in anticipation of the yacht's launching later this year. This is the largest boat ever built in Viking's 44 year history and construction of the plugs for the various molds were begun after thorough tank testing of a scale model to ensure the yacht would meet or exceed all of its design and performance criteria. |
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Electrical System |
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Viking Yacht electrical systems are designed and built in-house on an individual basis. Both AC and DC systems are certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) using American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. A special touch by Viking includes printing wires at approximately eight-inch intervals with their specific function and application to streamline installation and provide a built-in identification feature for future service.
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Fuel Tanks |
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Mold maintenance is a critical process, which ensures quality in manufactured parts. Here, a Viking Yachts’ boat builder buffs the exterior of a fuel tank mold in preparation of producing a new cell. Like most components found aboard Vikings, the fuel tank is designed in house. Note that the bottom of the fuel tank mirrors the hull bottom for maximum draw and capacity. Tanks are fiberglassed into the hull to add strength and rigidity, as well as to help maintain a lower center of gravity. Viking fuel, water and waste tanks are constructed with our resin infusion process, a closed circuit system that eliminates styrene emissions from escaping into the air.
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Viking Five-Axis Profiler |
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One of Viking Yacht Company’s two computer-operated five-axis profiling machines is shown milling foam to create a plug for a mold that will be used to produce a scale model of a new Viking. Upon completion of the model, Viking’s design and engineering groups will begin a battery of exercises to scientifically tank test the scale model to ensure it meets all of the company’s design and performance parameters. Once these specifications have been met, production of the new yacht will commence.
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Upholstery Shop |
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In our upholstery shop, skilled Viking technicians apply fabric to wooden panels used to line the companionway. The panels are designed to be removable for access and serviceability so that form follows function.
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Viking 50 Convertible |
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A glimpse at the galley aboard the new Viking 50 Convertible reveals a plethora of features including walk-through convenience, under counter refrigeration, an island with bar stools, which doubles as an informal dining area, highly polished Corian countertops, and hand finished teak joinery. See the new Viking 50 at the our VIP Preview, February 1-2, 2008 at out service facility in Riviera Beach, Florida and again at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, February 14-18, 2008. |
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Viking 82C Tank Test |
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Scientific tank testing is part of the design and engineering program of every new Viking. Using a 1/12 scale model we are able to simulate various loading, sea state and horsepower examples to ensure all of the yacht’s design parameters have been achieved. The data and information collected is then incorporated into the construction of the actual mold for the yacht. Tank testing is one more illustration of Viking’s commitment to build a better boat everyday.
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Viking Interiors |
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Viking’s impeccable interiors are hand made works of art featuring glowing teak joinery. Each interior is built from scratch in Viking’s 52,500 square foot mill, which includes five CNC (computer numerically controlled) operated machines, which cut, form and trim wood with surgical precision. The machines allow us to create intricate patterns and designs which have become Viking’s signature of interior design. |
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Viking 60C Engineroom |
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Antiseptic and clean best describes the stellar engineroom of the Viking 60 featuring stand-up headroom on centerline and daily fluid and maintenance checks inboard. Plumbing, electrical and air conditioning equipment are located in three separate bays forward of the big Caterpillar 32As creating unobstructed access to the outboard sides of the engines. Ceiling reflections demonstrate the uncompromising level of finish that Vikings are famous for. |
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Viking 82 Convertible |
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Here, the 82 Convertible deckhouse plug is being assembled on steel framework. The plug is made up of seven pieces and will eventually be used to create the mold for the 82 Convertible, the largest model ever constructed at Viking. |
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Viking Five-Axis Profiler |
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Viking recently added a second five-axis profiler to assist in the development of new models and other projects. Half the size of our $1 million profiler, the largest of its type in the marine industry, the new machine will be used to cut smaller components. This will allow the larger profiler to concentrate on producing plugs for our new flagship, the Viking 82 Convertible.
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Viking 50 Convertible |
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Ahead of schedule, the new Viking 50 Convertible was launched yesterday. Scheduled to premiere at the invite only VIP Preview at the Viking Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, February 1-2, 2008 and to the public at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, February 14-18, 2008, the three-stateroom, two-head layout is spacious and inviting. Featuring the tournament mettle of its stable mates, the new Viking 50 is already a winner in the making.
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Viking Yachting Center Awarded Green Marina Status |
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The Viking Yachting Center has been awarded Green Marina status by the New Jersey Marine Consortium in conjunction with the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey and the Department of Environmental Protection. To qualify for Green Marina status, a facility must demonstrate an awareness of environmental concerns including non point source pollution control, encourage responsible boating, protect New Jersey water resources and enhance the boating experience.
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Viking 82 Convertible |
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While the hull plug of the Viking 82 Convertible is being built in the R & D building, nearby, the five-axis profiler has begun to carve the first of eight sections that will eventually become the plug for the 82’s foredeck, house and cockpit assembly. When the final piece is carved, the eight sections will be joined together to create a one-piece mold. |
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Viking 82 Convertible |
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Work continues on our 82 Convertible, which is scheduled to make its debut at the 2009 Miami Boat Show. Shown here, a team of Viking shipwrights are busy sheathing plywood to the bottom of the hull form. When the wooden plug is completed, a fiberglass mold will be made from the part and construction of the yacht will begin. |
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Five-Axis Profiler |
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The Viking Yacht Company has the largest five-axis profiler in the marine industry. In addition to fabricating full-size units, Viking also uses the machine to build scale models. This is done so the engineering and design teams can view a portion of or the entire boat for aesthetics and overall proportions before beginning to cut the full-size part. Shown here, what began as a 43 inch long by 12 inch wide by 20 inch high block of foam is taking shape as the scale model of our 82 Convertible. |
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Viking 60 Convertible |
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Viking’s newest masterpiece, the 60 Convertible heads easterly out the Mullica River near the New Gretna facility on its way to the Annapolis Boat Show, October 11-14, 2007. Powered with twin 1825 mhp Caterpillar C32A diesels, the three-stateroom, three-head 60 Convertible cruises in the mid-30 knot range and tops out at over 40 knots. A four-stateroom version and an enclosed bridge model also are offered.
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