viking yacht 38

• Boat Reviews

Viking 38 Billfish | Boat Review

• By Gary Caputi
• Updated: October 11, 2019

Ocean Yachts introduced the Billfish concept in 2007 as a reprise of the classic dayboats of yesteryear, but the economic downturn of 2008 drove the final nail into the coffin of this once-prolific builder. A decade later, the 37 Billfish was reborn when Viking Yachts purchased the Ocean manufacturing facility in nearby Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, and added the model to its extensive line of sport-fishing boats. The boat became an instant success and spawned the 38 Billfish—which made her debut earlier this year—and the 46 Billfish that was introduced at the annual Viking dealer meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in September.

“Everyone at Viking fell in love with the 37, and the customers did too,” says project manager John Leek IV, general manager of Viking Mullica, where the Billfish series is built. “The original concept of a purpose-built fish boat that was perfect for the owner/operator to handle and maintain economically was well-received, but after building so many, it was time to retire the molds and retool. That gave us the opportunity for a total update and to make what was already a great boat even better.”

The 38’s proportions are nearly identical to the 37, with the same waterline length but a slightly wider beam. To me, the boat felt larger than her predecessor, especially in the cockpit. The increase in length overall was accomplished by raking the stem farther forward, giving the boat a racier look similar to the current Viking convertibles on the market.

Construction

Viking’s in-house design and engineering staff started with a total redesign of the hull and stringer system, which included a new running surface. Joe Snodgrass, lead naval architect on the project, used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that allowed him to make modifications to the bottom and run a virtual tank test on each tweak to see how the performance characteristics were affected. CFD has replaced time-consuming model tank testing, and has proven to be even more accurate in predicting real-world hull performance.

Every major component has been refined to precision tolerances using molds created with Viking’s five-axis CNC machine process. End-grain balsa and closed-cell foam are used as coring materials in selected areas for optimized strength and stiffness while minimizing weight. The hull is stiffened with a molded eggcrate-type stringer system, and the entire build has been fine-tuned to provide the highest level of quality possible.

Engine Room

An oversized centerline day hatch provides quick access to the engine room, and both seating areas of the command deck rise on electrically actuated rams to expose the entire engine compartment for maintenance. The new fiberglass 460-gallon fuel cell allowed Viking to add 20 inches of length to the engine room for a more organized layout and improved access.

The engine room is filled with big-boat details such as a five-port oil exchange system for the engines, transmissions and Onan 9-kW generator, while a Delta T cross-ventilation system feeds air to the engines and keeps the space cool. The Dometic air conditioning is a direct expansion, single-zone system with reverse cycle heat, and an optional Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer is positioned on the centerline between the transmissions with a removable deck hatch above it for servicing.

Command Deck, Cockpit and Bridge

To port, a U-shaped seating area and table mimics an interior salon layout, with additional seating to starboard. Rod storage under the starboard bench seat and an upright drink refrigerator are nice touches, and the beautifully executed curved windshield flows gracefully into the side windows.

The cockpit measures 109 square feet with a substantial transom livewell, and the large insulated fish boxes lift out, providing access to the exhaust system and running gear. There are twin mezzanine seats and the lazarette is deep and spacious. More big-boat features include a cockpit bait freezer, dockside water connections and under-coaming and flybridge overhang tri-color LED lighting.

The flybridge offers guest seating for up to six in a center console design, complete with Palm Beach-style engine controls. Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics designed and installed the electronics, navigation and communication package, including twin Garmin GPSMAP 8612 multifunction displays, as well as the other touchscreen displays and system monitors. The 360-degree view is unobstructed, thanks to the Costa Clear enclosure.

A watertight aluminum door located on the forward bulkhead of the command deck leads to the boat’s interior, which is swathed in beautiful high-gloss teak cabinetry. The starboard-side galley is surprisingly large and includes plenty of Corian countertop space and a stainless steel sink. A large pantry, two-drawer Isotherm freezer/refrigerator with ice maker, microwave and two-burner electric range help with meal prep. The main electrical panel is on the aft bulkhead and protected behind a teak door that opens via gas pistons. A beautifully appointed head with stand-up shower is found to port and the master stateroom includes a double bed, two hanging lockers and ample drawer and storage cabinet space. Another storage compartment on the port side outboard of the bed is perfect for keeping tackle safe and out of sight.

Performance

The twin Cummins QSB 6.7 550 hp diesels are a perfect match for this 38-foot hull. We ran the boat from Farley State Marina in Atlantic City, New Jersey, using the joystick to pick our way through the slips and bulkheads before switching to the single-lever controls for the run to the inlet. A 20-plus-knot wind from the east had blown through the night, generating solid 2- to 4-footers. The Billfish handled it beautifully at slower speeds, but even better when the throttles were pushed up to 30 knots. The new bottom really shines in tight turns, and when the boat was turned hard over in a near-full throttle 360-degree turn, it accomplished the task in about three boat lengths without cavitation. The boat also does an admirable job in reverse, making short work of quick direction changes.

Overall, the boat was a pleasure to run, providing excellent fuel economy. Wide-open throttle of 3,300 rpm produced speeds of 35 knots with a fuel burn of 55 gallons per hour. A brisk 30-knot cruise at 2,900 rpm drops the fuel consumption to just 39 gph, and throttled back to 2,600 rpm, the 38 Billfish still made 26 knots while burning a tad more than 30 gph—the perfect speed for a run to the canyons or the Bahamas. At that speed, operators will enjoy a range of 366 nautical miles.

Check out our exclusive first look at the Viking 46 Billfish .

The previous Billfish model was a major success for Viking Yachts, earning it a slew of new followers, and I anticipate a similar response with this one. There is little question this legend will continue for yet another generation of adventurous offshore anglers.

• More: Boat Reviews , Boats , Viking Yachts

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Reviewed: Viking Yacht 38 Open

• By Tom Serio
• Updated: December 29, 2020

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish evolved from the 38 Billfish flybridge. It’s an express boat built for die-hard anglers and is considered one of the top sport fishing yachts , despite its smaller size.

The 38′s centerline helm station allows for 360-degree visibility, thanks to a step-up platform, center windshield, curved corner glass and open aft space; Bimini curtains help to keep air conditioning in and heat out. The console has room for twin 17-inch Garmin multifunction displays, an engine monitor and speed/depth logs. A joystick controller should come in handy for close-quarters maneuvering with the twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels.

A radio box to port of the Palm Beach-style helm pod (with bow-thruster buttons in the single-lever controls) houses the VHF radios and touch-button controls for the Seakeeper SK6 stabilizer. Behind a drop-down ceiling panel are recessed electric teaser reels. Release Marine bolster-style helm and companion chairs should offer comfort during long runs and in rough seas.

The 38 Open Billfish may be the smallest yacht that Viking offers, but it has the same fit and finish as its larger siblings. From the blister-resistant vinylester coating on the fiberglass and foam-cored hull to the white Awlgrip engine room and bilge to the serial-numbered interior cabinet doors (if one is damaged, the builder can create an exact match), this boat is as detailed as the builder’s 92-footer.

Belowdecks, the galley has a sandalwood Corian countertop, two-burner Kenyon recessed stove with a Corian cover, cabinet-mounted Samsung microwave, and two Isotherm fridge-freezer drawers with an ice maker.

Across from the galley is an 81-inch-long sofa, in perfect view of the wall-mounted 21-inch flat-screen TV. Aft in the salon is a head with a Corian countertop, freshwater electric toilet and enclosed fiberglass shower stall.

Twin bunks are forward, with a single upper bunk and double lower—enough space for a tournament crew to catch some sleep. Throughout the yacht, the cabinets are finished in juno teak. There also are an Amtico vinyl teak-and-holly sole, maple-lined hanging lockers and cabinets, and brushed-nickel faucets.

The high-end accoutrements are welcome, but the Viking 38 Open Billfish is all about chasing story-worthy fish. With a bait freezer, port and starboard in-deck fish boxes, a fighting-chair mounting plate, a livewell, rod holders, a transom door, a fridge, and insulated stowage, the yacht is equipped to let owners fish from the coast to the canyons. The vessel’s 14-foot beam helps create a 109-square-foot cockpit for doing battle.

Opt for the Palm Beach Towers tuna tower, and the 38 Open Billfish will be ready to hit the tournament trail. (Winning fish not included.)

Take the next step: vikingyachts.com

• More: November 2020 , sportfisherman , Viking Yachts , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
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CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF BUILDING A BETTER BOAT EVERY DAY

The Viking Yacht Company has been building a better boat every day for 60 years. Incredible!

Founded by brothers Bill and Bob Healey on April 1, 1964, Viking climbed the marine industry mountain and has been at its peak for decades now, unwilling to relinquish the throne as the industry’s best boatbuilder.

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Viking prides itself on its renowned manufacturing capabilities. From the initial design to the finished product, Viking’s highly regarded reputation is rooted in the company’s commitment to produce 90 percent of the boat in-house. Except for components such as engines, transmissions, air conditioning units and electronics, virtually everything else is produced in-house by our talented workforce.

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Viking 38 Billfish

Get More Info

• LOA: 38′ 8
• Beam: 14′
• Draft: 3′ 4
• Displacement: 30,953 lbs.

Tank Capacities

• Fuel: 460 gal.
• Water: 69 gal.

Power Options

• Twin Cummins QSB6.7, 550hp

The Viking 38 Billfish was designed and built with the same DNA as its predecessor. As owner/operator vessels, they offer simplicity and ease of maintenance, serving as ready-to-go fishing machines as well as versatile cruising boats with reliable inboard diesel power.

Like her convertible brethren, the 38 Billfish’s flybridge is designed with a tournament-style center console walk-around helm. One helm chair is standard and two are optional.

The Viking 38 Billfish command deck holds a salon-like living area that includes a port-side U-shaped dinette and a fiberglass hi-lo table. The cockpit is the largest in its class-109 square feet with mezzanine seating. Below, there’s a large forward stateroom available with either a single queen bed or optional crossover bunks and two hanging lockers; an L-shaped galley; and a head with enclosed shower.

Her cockpit, which measures 109 square feet, is equipped with a laminated in-deck mounting plate for fighting chair, rocket launcher or table installations. Other big-boat features include in-deck insulated fish boxes port and starboard, a walk-through transom door and lift gate, a bait freezer with upper tray, a transom fish box and live well, rod holders, tackle storage, and fresh-water and raw-water wash downs.

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