OnBoard Magazine - Issue XI - Summer 2019

fishing excursions with an expansive galley. The key difference between the Billfish and Open models is the flybridge. Both the 38 and 46 Billfish are designed with Viking’s signature flybridge configuration, featuring a center console walk-around helm with plenty of space for electronics and navigation equipment, plus flanking benches to both port and starboard. It is clear these new Viking models offer a gateway for those moving up from outboard powered center console and express boats, however our sales team has found the opposite to be true as well. Owners of larger Viking models are also taking interest in these smaller models as a day boat they can run themselves without the need for a full-time captain or crew. TO THE NEXT GENERATION Whether down-sizing or moving up, Viking yachts has an additional focus to attract a younger audience to boating and the Viking brand. Attracting a younger generation has always been a passion for Viking and the Healey family, especially when it comes to hiring and training talented shipwrights and craftsmen. “Bill and Pat [Healey] have always worked to bring in young team members and have them learn the trades from the ‘old folks’ with tenure, to be able to pass the torch on to this new generation of builders and production leaders,” Black explains. Viking President and CEO Pat Healey has embraced youth throughout the company to bring in new perspectives and get them trained in the skills needed to build, design and lead the company’s future. This is also evidenced with Pat’s two sons, Sean and Justin having grown up in the Viking culture. The two brothers now hold vital positions at Viking and have played important roles in the founding of Viking's Valhalla Boatworks center console line. [Learn more about Valhalla Boatworks on Page 30] Affordability is another “feature” of these new models. For owners of large center consoles or even outboard-powered express boats, the opportunity to buy a brand-new Viking for a million dollars is very enticing. The proof of this can be seen in the Viking Billfish’s immediate popularity. The original 37 sold over two dozen hulls, and the all-new 38 has also struck on an intense interest. For those keen on purchasing a well-equipped new Viking with the DNA of her big sisters at a compelling price point, these models are hard to pass up. With very few competitors of equal quality and value, these new Open Express and Billfish offerings from Viking Yachts will surely continue to be in great demand! Viking 46 Billfish Arrangement 9 SUMMER 2019