OnBoard Magazine - Issue XI - Summer 2019

The 38 Open offers an identical hull and cockpit to the 38 Billfish, but offers several updates. The look of the new 38 Billfish is reminiscent of the 37, with some of the same feature lines, but this new Billfish has more rake at the bow and her deckhouse is swept back akin to the Viking convertible fleet. Those familiar with Viking’s current Open and Sport Tower line including the 44, 48 and 52 will feel right at home on the new 38 Open. THE 38 BILLFISH “The 37 Billfish was an instant success and has done so well we decided to make a commitment toward taking the Billfish concept to the next level,” says John Leek IV, General Manager of Viking Mullica where the Billfish is being manufactured. “The 38 Billfish was a natural progression of the 37.” The 38 Billfish comes standard with a flybridge with walk-around center console and a command deck with port and starboard seating. The Billfish series of boats were set up with the fisherman in mind, but have been equipped with creature comforts below deck that one might need for extended cruising. The Billfish is designed and built with many of the same mechanical systems and fishing equipment found on larger Vikings. The cockpit of the 38' boasts 109 square feet of space with plenty of storage for tackle, rods and gear. This boat also offers mezzanine-style seating on either side of the entry to the command deck, along with refrigerated coolers for drinks. “The 38 Billfish is obviously a good match for those leaving outboard powered center consoles and express boats for an inboard diesel convertible,” Black explains. However, it's not much of a step-down for big boat owners either. The 38’s twin Cummins power offers joystick docking through the electronic-controlled transmissions and a bow thruster. “It has everything that a larger Viking has, so the owner doesn’t have to give anything up,” he adds. Below-decks, the Billfish’s layout is spacious with an island double berth and twin hanging lockers. Viking also offers a stateroom with a crossover berth arrangement, which expands the sleeping space for more guests. The well-equipped galley to starboard offers an L-shaped Corian countertop, two-burner stove, microwave, refrigerator and sink. To port there is a full-size head complete with an enclosed stand-up shower. With most sportfish convertible and center console builders following the 'bigger is better' mantra, the Billfish series from Viking is a breath of fresh air. There are no sacrifices to be made in opting for a mid-size boat that is more affordable and easier to handle. Viking loads up their Billfish models with plenty of standard features and of course the same exceptional build quality inside and out enjoyed by the owners of much larger Viking convertibles. Viking's Billfish series proves that bigger isn't always better. 7 SUMMER 2019