2025 Viking 74 Convertible
On the heels of the 82 Convertible’s introduction, the Viking Yacht Company is proud to announce another tournament champion destined for greatness – the second-generation Viking 74. The 74 Convertible follows the iconic Viking 72 – a 45-knot speed demon that saw an incredible 75 hulls built and sold. The goal with this new model was to design and build a 74-footer capable of similar top-end and cruising speeds. The team – which has been working together for more than 25 years – came through big time.
Computational Fluid Dynamics software helps the team achieve performance goals through a series of refinements. For instance, the 74’s strakes and chines are particularly aggressive for increased spray deflection and lift, and the boat’s length-to-beam ratio was dialed in for excellent ride quality. In comparison, the Gen I Viking 74 – built from 2004 through 2008 – had a top speed of 37 knots with twin 2000HP MTUs. That jumped to 40 knots when the 2400HP engines became available. Today’s 74 has the advantage of more horsepower (2600HP MTUs) and hull design improvements. In addition, it’s available with the Advanced Viking Propulsion System (AVPS), which utilizes struts and rudders with modified or “twisted” shapes that minimize hydrodynamic resistance, improving performance.
Building materials and methods are carefully chosen to maximize strength and weight savings. The hull, all tankage (fuel, water and waste) and structural bulkheads are resin infused, which optimizes the fiberglass-to-resin ratio to bring the build to its greatest strength. Other construction processes, such as Light Resin Transfer Molding, and the use of a variety of core materials (with specific densities for their location) and carbon fiber contribute to overall build quality and industry-leading fit and finish. Significant weight-saving gains have also been made with the use of specific interior woods. A modified vinylester/epoxy resin is used throughout the hull for blister protection and structural performance.