Viking Yachts 90 Convertible Reviewed

The Viking Yachts 90 Convertible is available in three models: open bridge, enclosed bridge and sky bridge, shown here. Courtesy Viking Yachts

Forced to discontinue production of its popular 92-footer, Viking Yacht Company took a step back and brought its decades of boatbuilding know-how to the forefront with a redesigned yacht: the Viking 90. 

“We could have continued production of the 92 except for an international mandate requiring the installation of a heavy, bulky and potentially dangerous exhaust-treatment technology called Selective Catalytic Reduction,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “The SCR systems in the 92 would have increased purchase and operating costs of the boat; added significant weight; reduced performance; hindered accessibility for service; compromised safety; and required additional ventilation and onboard tankage. With the new 90, we invested $20 million to develop a new flagship sportfishing yacht that does not require SCR. It was a costly decision, but one that had to be made because it’s the best product for our owners.” 

The 224-square-foot teak cockpit has plenty of room for chasing the world’s largest marlin and tuna. Courtesy Viking Yachts On the skybridge, the Viking 90’s helm has unobstructed views as well as room for the latest electronics. Courtesy Viking Yachts

The Viking 90 is a leveled-up sport-fishing boat in several ways. Viking took what it learned from the 92, as well as other recent new models, including the 82, and applied that knowledge to the 90. Improved elements include the latest lifting-strake design, a refined driveline and prop pockets, along with the advanced propulsion systems. Performance was optimized through the use of computational fluid dynamics software, allowing the design team to analyze pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness, and modify strakes and chines to increase running efficiency.

At the business end of the 90, the cockpit measures 224 square feet, with a 203-gallon transom fishbox/livewell and a pair of full-length, 103-gallon insulated in-deck fishboxes with optional refrigeration. Access to the Seakeeper 35 gyrostabilizer is via a centerline hatch. There are three aft-facing seating areas on the upper and lower mezzanine levels, with optional air conditioning in the backrests, plus freezer and refrigeration stowage as well as engine room access on centerline. 

The sky bridge’s climate-controlled lower helm is a solid setup for long-range runs. Courtesy Viking Yachts The salon has room to spare for a team of anglers to stretch out and relax after a long day on the water. Courtesy Viking Yachts

The vessel’s interior has a six-stateroom, seven-head layout with a high level of style and luxury. The U-shaped lounge to port is perfect for anglers to rest out of the sun while enjoying the starboard-side home theater center with pop-up 65-inch HDTV, wet bar with sink and ice maker. 

A wraparound galley with refrigeration and freezers is forward and starboard. It has engineered stone countertops and five bar stools. Across from the dinette is a raised dinette with U-shaped seating and a walnut table. The elevated platform allows for excellent views outside while also providing a rod locker with pull-out drawer below. 

Chef-approved: The galley on the 90 offers up the latest in appliances. Courtesy Viking Yachts The full-beam master has a king berth plus all the amenities. Courtesy Viking Yachts

The 90 has a full-beam master stateroom with king-size berth, a his-and-hers head with shower, a credenza below a 65-inch HDTV, a vanity/desk area with swing-out stool on the starboard side, a portside lounge seat, and port and starboard credenzas with drawers. There are five additional guest staterooms, each with an en suite head and shower, crew quarters with immediate access to the engine room, a pantry with an additional crew athwartship berth and a day head.

The Viking Yachts 90 is available in three models: an open bridge, enclosed bridge and sky bridge. Caterpillar C32A 1,925 hp engines are standard, but the most popular setup are the twin 2,635 hp MTU 16V2000 M96L diesels.

Take the next step: vikingyachts.com

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