The 74 Convertible follows the iconic Viking 72 – a 45-knot speed demon that saw an incredible 75 hulls built and sold. The goal with this model was to design and build a 74-footer capable of similar or better top-end and cruising speeds compared to the 72 The team – which has been working together for more than 25 years – came through big time.

“At 45-plus knots, the 74 is the next speed king of the Viking fleet,” says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “We gained efficiency through studying a number of performance elements, including longitudinal center of gravity, hull resistance, trim angle and modifications to the running surface.”

Computational Fluid Dynamics software helped the team achieve performance goals through a series of refinements. For instance, the 74’s strakes and chines are particularly aggressive for increased spray deflection and lift, and the boat’s length-to-beam ratio was dialed in for excellent ride quality.

In comparison, the Gen I Viking 74 – built from 2004 through 2008 – had a top speed of 37 knots with twin 2000HP MTUs. That jumped to 40 knots when the 2400HP engines became available. Today’s 74 has the advantage of more horsepower (2600HP MTUs) and hull design improvements. In addition, it’s available with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System (AVPS), which utilizes struts and rudders with modified or “twisted” shapes that minimize hydrodynamic resistance, improving performance.

Building materials and methods are carefully chosen to maximize strength and weight savings. The hull, all tankage (fuel, water and waste) and structural bulkheads are resin infused, which optimizes the fiberglass-to-resin ratio to bring the build to its greatest strength. Other construction processes, such as Light Resin Transfer Molding, and the use of a variety of core materials (with specific densities for their location) and carbon fiber contribute to overall build quality and industry-leading fit and finish. Significant weight-saving gains have also been made with the use of specific interior woods. A modified vinylester/epoxy resin is used throughout the hull for blister protection and structural performance.

Cockpit/Flybridge

Measuring 216 square feet, the cockpit of the 74 is nearly 10 inches longer than the 72’s. The business end includes two full-length insulated in-deck fish boxes with split lids to port and starboard. A single hatch on centerline provides excellent access to the available Seakeeper 26 or 40. The walkthrough transom door with lift gate is on the port side, and the raised transom fishbox/live well is offered in two capacities – 101 gallons (standard) or 122 gallons (optional).

There’s an abundance of storage in the mezzanine. On the port side, you have a tackle cabinet, an ice chipper storage box and a refrigerated step box. Access to the engineroom is via the centerline mezzanine steps, and there are two freezer boxes to starboard. The mezzanine seating boasts premium outdoor upholstery and has dry storage underneath. Guests can relax in the shade provided by the flybridge overhang. Mezzanine air conditioning is also available.

The 74’s flybridge is designed with a 7-inch-high platform at the helm, which provides excellent cockpit visibility for the captain. The walkaround center console’s recessed black acrylic dash holds flush-mounted multifunction displays. The helm is clean, streamlined and operator-friendly with dual radio boxes with split lids housing instrumentation and controls, a helm pod, single lever electronic controls and a stainless-steel steering wheel. Air conditioning can be added to the helm, as well, which accommodates three Release Marine helm chairs with teak ladder backs.

The console’s forward section is home to an integrated full-length lounge with a standard freezer below. There are also standard dual freezers forward – a feature carried down from the 82 – to allow separate storage of different baits and/or food. The forward flybridge is equipped with a convenient sink and refrigerated drink box. Seating modules to port and starboard each hold back-to-back lounges with storage underneath.

Salon

Enter the salon from the mezzanine through a port-side electric sliding door. The interior’s horizontal-grain natural walnut is available in satin or gloss finishes. The in-house woodwork features meticulous joinery that includes dovetail drawers.

A large sofa to starboard includes rod storage below and is accompanied by a walnut hi-lo table. Directly across from the lounge is an entertainment center, with an HDTV that rises from within the cabinetry. Forward on the port side, the raised dinette includes a walnut table, wraparound seating and rod storage in a pull-out drawer below.

The galley is offered in two configurations: The standard U-shaped layout allows for a larger wraparound lounge, while the optional open galley features an island counter and is open to the lounge on the starboard side. With either arrangement, the galley has two under-counter refrigerators and one freezer (all Sub-Zero) with ample countertop space and a second dining area with a raised bar and three stools. Galley highlights include Amtico flooring, a Miele four-burner electric cooktop (with optional conventional oven), a stainless-steel sink, a microwave/convection oven, a trash compactor, upper and lower cabinetry and drawer storage. A pantry forward of the galley provides additional storage.

Accommodations

The 74's standard accommodation plan consists of four staterooms, each with an ensuite head with separate shower. The forepeak layout also features a standard rod and tackle room, located on the port side. "The 74 will be very popular with owners who want to travel and fish for extended periods as well as those who compete in the tournaments," says Viking Vice President of Sales Mark Waldron. "Offering a large, dedicated space for rods and tackle made perfect sense." The room includes a cabinet with a benchtop and can be customized to the owner's liking.

The crew quarters can be accessed via a separate staircase at the foot of the companionway stairs or through a forward engineroom door. The spacious master stateroom features a king walkaround bed with storage underneath, two oak-lined hanging closets and space for up to a 65-inch HD TV on the forward bulkhead.

A walkaround queen bed (with storage underneath) in the forward stateroom is standard, while a crossover arrangement (with a full-size bunk and upper bunk) is optional. The starboard and crew staterooms are appointed with upper and lower berths and hanging lockers. If maximum sleeping capacity is what you’re looking for, a fifth stateroom (with upper and lower bunks) is available in lieu of the rod and tackle room. The five-stateroom layout with the forward crossover arrangement provides berths for 11 people.

Engineroom/Mechanicals

The engineroom – finished in Snow White Awlgrip for easier maintenance – is a marvel of marine engineering. It’s equipped with chilled water air conditioning, ventilation and fire suppression systems, a pair of 29 kW generators with voltage and electronic frequency control and is engineered for the installation of omnidirectional sonar. Optional equipment such as water makers and water purifiers and ice machines are expertly installed in the engineroom as well.

The standard SeaStrong seal-less pumps in our Centralized Seawater System reduce complexity and increase reliability and component longevity throughout the boat. The 74 is also offered with the CLEARLINE System, which uses chlorinated water to prevent marine growth in seawater plumbing lines.

Viking’s subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers can outfit the 74 Convertible with communication, navigation and entertainment accessories and a custom tuna tower respectively, which allows turnkey delivery from the factory.