Article Courtesy: inthebite.com | Originally Published: 1/12/2021 | Click here for original article
Viking Yachts Introduces the 54 Open, Sport Tower, Sport Coupe
The 54 Open (O), 54 Sport Coupe (SC) and 54 Sport Tower (ST) are the latest express yachts to join Viking Yachts. The three new models utilize the same advanced hull design of the 54 Convertible, first premiered at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where it won the Best of Show Award.
The 54 Open features an aggressive entry, raked stem, one-piece wraparound windshield and Palm Beach Towers (PBT) hardtop and tuna tower. Viking’s $1 million 5-axis CNC router provides the ability to build cockpit, mezzanine, command deck, windshield and foredeck assemblies that are unique to the Viking express yacht. The 54 Sport Tower features a three-sided fiberglass deckhouse (with an optional solid aft bulkhead) and a PBT tuna tower.
The Open, Sport Coupe and Sport Tower share cockpit and command deck layouts, providing an excellent use of space for fishing, diving, cruising and entertaining. The 154-square-foot cockpit boasts twin mezzanine seating with cooler storage below, along with drink coolers, in-deck fish and storage boxes, a transom live well and a transom door with liftgate.
The command deck provides instant access to the cockpit. The centerline helm, with its pedestal seat on a raised platform is complemented by port (double) and starboard (single) companion seating. Aft of the helm, there is a convergence of practical and convenience features, including two lounges, a dinette, refrigeration and tackle and gear storage compartments.
Viking’s sport boat version is also available sans tower in the Sport Coupe model. Similarly, the 54 O can be delivered without a tuna tower as a sleek express yacht. Like the ST model, the Sport Coupe can be outfitted with an optional solid aft bulkhead.
Below, the 17 ft. 8 in. beam offers volumes of interior space including a choice of two- or three-stateroom layouts. With either, the forward master stateroom is large and fitted with a queen-size bed, plenty of storage behind the walnut cabinetry and served with a private head. Additional staterooms are found on the port side, each with upper and lower berths. The head has private access in the two-stateroom layout, while guests share the head in the three-stateroom plan.
Midship on the starboard side is a well-appointed galley with a full appliance package, walnut cabinetry, an engineered stone countertop and under-counter refrigeration/freezer units (with varnished walnut faces). Opposite the galley in the two-stateroom model is an L-shaped lounge and table. The three-stateroom version utilizes booth seating. Other notable amenities include a 43” HD TV, Amtico flooring in the salon/galley/dinette and premium carpeting in the staterooms.
A pair of MAN V12 1400CRM (1400 MHP) engines serve as the standard propulsion package. Hull No. 1 – a Sport Tower model – will be powered with the optional MAN V12 1550CRM (1550 MHP) engines. The series makes its world premiere at the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a 54 Sport Tower.
