The Viking Yacht Company has been operated by a single family for over six decades, setting the standard for a successful recreational boatbuilding business that produces quality products, cares for its boatbuilders and advocates for the industry's interests. Bill Healey and his brother, Bob, founded the company in 1964 after purchasing Peterson-Viking Builders, a small, struggling New Jersey manufacturer of 37-foot wooden sportfishing boats. Following Bill Healey’s mantra to build a better boat every day, Viking has grown to become a world leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production, with over 5,500 boats delivered.
In the early '70s, Viking introduced its first fiberglass model, a 33-footer, followed by other successful models, including the highly popular 35 and 40/41 series. Viking sold over 600 units of the 40/41 series. Current President and CEO Patrick Healey, Bill’s son, joined the company, while pioneers such as Bruce Wilson, Bobby Walker and Rudy Dalinger assisted the Healeys in establishing a foundation for greatness.
Viking continued to enhance its reputation for engineering excellence and sophisticated design. During this decade, the company produced several successful models, including the 45, 47 and 48, solidifying its portfolio in this market segment. In 1984, Pat Healey established the Viking demo program, which remains essential to the company’s design and engineering success.
Viking faced significant challenges during the 1990s, beginning with the recession of 1990, followed by a 10 percent federal luxury tax in 1991. This government overreach devastated the marine industry and severely impacted Viking, forcing the New Jersey boatbuilder to reduce its workforce from 1,500 to fewer than 80 employees. The Healeys borrowed working capital and invested their own money to keep the company afloat. They played a crucial role in organizing a national grassroots campaign that ultimately led to the repeal of the tax in 1993. With the tax behind them, Viking was prepared to launch new models. The decade's highlights included the groundbreaking Viking 55, which set the standard for modern convertibles. Additionally, Viking Sport Cruisers was established, incorporating the English-built Princess yachts. The Recreational Fishing Alliance was also formed to protect the rights of fishermen.
The 2000s were a decade marked by growth and recognition for achievement, during which Viking emerged as a world leader in the marine industry with a $10 million plant expansion. Bill and Bob Healey were elected to the NMMA Hall of Fame, Pat Healey established the subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers and Viking introduced a $1 million five-axis CNC tooling machine for more efficient model production. Additionally, the Viking Yacht Service Center opened in Palm Beach County. Throughout this period, fresh new models continued to be launched from New Gretna, including groundbreaking larger boats like the 60, 65, 74 and 82.
This decade is marked by Viking's continued separation from the competition. The boatbuilder introduced the world's largest resin-infused production sportfishing yacht, the 92 Enclosed Bridge. Other impressive models, such as the 70 and 80, were also launched. Viking Sport Cruisers evolved into Princess Yachts America, and Bob’s son, joins his cousin in the business. The company acquired the former Ocean Yachts boatbuilding plant, transforming it into a second manufacturing facility dedicated initially to smaller Vikings, including the new Billfish series and later to Valhalla Boatworks (VBW) center consoles. The Viking subsidiary was established in 2019 with the debut of three new models. Representing the third generation, Pat’s son, Sean and Justin, start full-time and contribute significantly to VBW’s launch.
Always tackling challenges head-on, Viking navigated the pandemic by establishing industry-leading policies and procedures to protect its boatbuilders. At the 2023 Miami Boat Show, Viking showcased two flagship models: the Viking 90 and the Valhalla 55. This was followed by the introduction of second-generation 82 and 74 convertibles. Pat’s daughter began her career at Viking. Meanwhile, the Viking Marine Group was rapidly maturing, expanding its presence with a new 30,000-square-foot Valhalla Yacht Sales showroom in Palm Beach. Viking also successfully advocated for the federal government to withdraw a proposal for a 10-knot restriction along the East Coast; it simultaneously led efforts to harness technology to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale.
Viking Yachts History
Just Getting Started
The Viking Yacht Company has been operated by a single family for over six decades, setting the standard for a successful recreational boatbuilding business that produces quality products, cares for its boatbuilders and advocates for the industry's interests. Bill Healey and his brother, Bob, founded the company in 1964 after purchasing Peterson-Viking Builders, a small, struggling New Jersey manufacturer of 37-foot wooden sportfishing boats. Following Bill Healey’s mantra to build a better boat every day, Viking has grown to become a world leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production, with over 5,500 boats delivered.
Further Refined
In the early '70s, Viking introduced its first fiberglass model, a 33-footer, followed by other successful models, including the highly popular 35 and 40/41 series. Viking sold over 600 units of the 40/41 series. Current President and CEO Patrick Healey, Bill’s son, joined the company, while pioneers such as Bruce Wilson, Bobby Walker and Rudy Dalinger assisted the Healeys in establishing a foundation for greatness.
Stronger Every Year
Viking continued to enhance its reputation for engineering excellence and sophisticated design. During this decade, the company produced several successful models, including the 45, 47 and 48, solidifying its portfolio in this market segment. In 1984, Pat Healey established the Viking demo program, which remains essential to the company’s design and engineering success.
Surviving and Thriving
Viking faced significant challenges during the 1990s, beginning with the recession of 1990, followed by a 10 percent federal luxury tax in 1991. This government overreach devastated the marine industry and severely impacted Viking, forcing the New Jersey boatbuilder to reduce its workforce from 1,500 to fewer than 80 employees. The Healeys borrowed working capital and invested their own money to keep the company afloat. They played a crucial role in organizing a national grassroots campaign that ultimately led to the repeal of the tax in 1993. With the tax behind them, Viking was prepared to launch new models. The decade's highlights included the groundbreaking Viking 55, which set the standard for modern convertibles. Additionally, Viking Sport Cruisers was established, incorporating the English-built Princess yachts. The Recreational Fishing Alliance was also formed to protect the rights of fishermen.
Becoming a World Leader
The 2000s were a decade marked by growth and recognition for achievement, during which Viking emerged as a world leader in the marine industry with a $10 million plant expansion. Bill and Bob Healey were elected to the NMMA Hall of Fame, Pat Healey established the subsidiaries Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers and Viking introduced a $1 million five-axis CNC tooling machine for more efficient model production. Additionally, the Viking Yacht Service Center opened in Palm Beach County. Throughout this period, fresh new models continued to be launched from New Gretna, including groundbreaking larger boats like the 60, 65, 74 and 82.
Bigger and Better
This decade is marked by Viking's continued separation from the competition. The boatbuilder introduced the world's largest resin-infused production sportfishing yacht, the 92 Enclosed Bridge. Other impressive models, such as the 70 and 80, were also launched. Viking Sport Cruisers evolved into Princess Yachts America, and Bob’s son, joins his cousin in the business. The company acquired the former Ocean Yachts boatbuilding plant, transforming it into a second manufacturing facility dedicated initially to smaller Vikings, including the new Billfish series and later to Valhalla Boatworks (VBW) center consoles. The Viking subsidiary was established in 2019 with the debut of three new models. Representing the third generation, Pat’s son, Sean and Justin, start full-time and contribute significantly to VBW’s launch.
Leadership On All Fronts
Always tackling challenges head-on, Viking navigated the pandemic by establishing industry-leading policies and procedures to protect its boatbuilders. At the 2023 Miami Boat Show, Viking showcased two flagship models: the Viking 90 and the Valhalla 55. This was followed by the introduction of second-generation 82 and 74 convertibles. Pat’s daughter began her career at Viking. Meanwhile, the Viking Marine Group was rapidly maturing, expanding its presence with a new 30,000-square-foot Valhalla Yacht Sales showroom in Palm Beach. Viking also successfully advocated for the federal government to withdraw a proposal for a 10-knot restriction along the East Coast; it simultaneously led efforts to harness technology to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale.