Most buyers of the Viking Yachts 64C are likely to be serious anglers, which is why the 180-square-foot cockpit is arranged for pelagic pursuits.
The cockpit’s uncluttered layout is the result of thousands of hours of experience aboard other Vikings in big-game tournaments around the globe. The 64C I got aboard had a leaning post/rod holder that bolted into an aluminum backing plate laminated in the cockpit sole, with double-hatch fish boxes on each side. Abaft that, a rounded teak cap rail held a livewell. Overlooking the whole scene was a mezzanine for crew to keep an eye on the spread, along with tackle stowage and a cold box. This 64C also had a Dometic ice machine on the port side for chilling down the fish boxes.
But great fishing setups aren’t the only thing Viking has experience building. Inside, the 64C has the same high-end fit-and-finish for which the brand has long been known.
The salon is accessed via electric sliders, and my first impression was one of volume, helped by the vessel’s nearly 19-foot beam. Not only did the side windows enhance this effect, but the straight passage to the guest staterooms allowed me to look unhindered from the cockpit to the forward VIP stateroom. Joinery was in walnut, with a choice of satin or high gloss, and the layout was simple, with an L-shaped settee to starboard around a walnut table. A pop-up 50-inch TV was to port.
Forward was the galley, with a raised bar above stone counters, as well as two stools so guests could chat with the chef. To port was a settee (raised 10 inches) around a dining table (with rod stowage underneath) that allowed a panoramic view at rest or while fishing. The chef had enough counter space to handle a hungry crew, and six undercounter fridge drawers for stowage. With tournaments in mind, there was also a freezer under the flybridge sun pad.
While this sport-fishing yacht is just under 64 feet in length overall, it has three en suite staterooms and a crew cabin that could be used by a guest.
The master stateroom is amidships with a queen-size island berth that has an innerspring mattress and walk-around space. Full-height, maple-lined hanging lockers fill the after bulkhead; a locker with bureau shelves is forward; and the en suite head has a 3-foot-wide shower to rinse off the heat of a day spent fishing.
Going forward, the passage hides a full-size washer and dryer and ends at the VIP stateroom forward, also with an innerspring queen berth. This walk-around berth is high (40 inches), and there’s an en suite head that has an oversize (28-by-9-inch) shower. A hanging locker and four drawers under the berth handle guest clothing. An optional layout splits the berth space in this stateroom, so you get a double berth and a bunk for extra crew.
Two more sleeping spaces are to port off the passage: a guest stateroom with twin berths, and a crew cabin with two bunks. The guest stateroom has the third en suite head with a shower. It serves as a day head and is used by the crew cabin. The crew spaces have the same fit-and-finish as the guest spaces.
The flybridge is reached via teak steps and reflects current Viking design thinking, with a streamlined console. A trio of Release ladder-back pedestal seats are abaft the black acrylic dash, with a trio of monitors and Bocatech switching. A drop-down overhead box has more electronics.
Three things stood out to me on the 64C’s bridge: the syrupy-smooth wood of the Palm Beach-style steering pod, with single-lever throttles on each side that make for easy control when facing aft; great visibility thanks to the lack of a Venturi windscreen forward; and hidden “glove boxes” with folding lids that conceal VHF radios and mics.
The fiberglass hardtop has a fold-down hatch to access the teaser reels, and the space is partially enclosed with hard side curtains. In each corner of the bridge are thoughtful amenities, including a sink and fridge. Molded into the helm console is a stretch-out lounge with armrests and a freezer underneath.
Viking also offers the 64C with an enclosed bridge, which moves the helm forward and creates an aerie with salon seating, stairs from the interior and a docking station on the aft deck.
Down below and aft, the engine room is accessed via a hatch in the cockpit, with a ladder providing access to all the systems, including a 21 kW Onan genset. There is 6-foot headroom and space between and abaft the diesels for service. Owners and service techs should have no problem with daily checks or repairs. Viking finishes the 64C’s bilge in snow-white Awlgrip, a durable urethane. Batteries are in custom fiberglass storage boxes, and a pair of battery chargers should keep them topped off.
The Seakeeper 26 is accessed through a lazarette hatch, which also leads to the pumps, steering and tabs.
A variety of power options including MAN, Caterpillar and MTU are available. The base package is a pair of 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels, and the options go up to twin 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels.
The 64C I got aboard had the bigger motors, which topped the yacht out at 42 knots. Pushing down the two single-lever throttles resulted in a satisfying surge to full plane without requiring tabs to prevent bow rise. Viking Capt. Sean Dooley said he had recently brought the 64C back from a tournament in the Florida Keys, running at 80 percent power (2,100 rpm) and 36 knots. The boat consumed 152 gph, giving it a range (with a safety margin) of more than 380 nautical miles.
All Viking yachts benefit from the lessons learned with previous builds, and the 64C is no different. Some of the 64C’s hull refinements include modifying the chine angle from the 12-degree transom deadrise, softening the radius of the chine itself, and rearranging the strakes forward to further reduce spray. The results are faster planing, higher speed and better efficiency.
Once again, Viking has raised the bar not just on its own products but also on sport-fishers in general. Impeccably built, thoughtfully outfitted for fishing and with performance to satisfy, the Viking Yachts 64C is built by anglers and for anglers.
One Tough Beauty
The Viking 64C has a vinylester-resin hull that is vacuum-infused and should prevent blisters. Bulkheads and fuel tanks are resin-infused too, and the hull-to-deck joint is through-bolted every 3 inches. The mold work is impeccable, with the topsides and cabin unmarred by ripples. High-level Viking craftsmanship is evident everywhere, including in the finely mitered joints in the after corners. And, the 64C is the first Viking with matched grain woodwork throughout the salon and staterooms. Making this feature look right requires precise joinery techniques.
Towering View
The tuna tower on the 64C, made by Viking-owned Palm Beach Towers, is a 10-foot gap tower with 43-foot triple-spreader outriggers. It has a centerline helm with a Furuno color scanning sonar, a seat and a padded rail for three people.
Stick Stowage
Every angler has a multitude of rods for various angling activities. The 64C provides stowage for a full quiver in a pullout drawer under the dinette, as well as inside lockers in the cockpit, which hold tag sticks and gaffs.
Take the next step: vikingyachts.com
