Viking Yacht history

In 1971 the Healey brothers introduced the Viking 33 Convertible, their first all-fiberglass model, swiftly followed by the immensely popular Viking 40.

Launched in 1972, the 40 C has been one of their best sellers to date.

Viking brought their engineering excellence and talent for sophisticated design to the large motor yacht market in 1987 with their purchase of Gulfstar Yachts, an innovative Florida builder with a reputation for producing some of the most modern designs of the time.

Viking Yachts was in full sail and by 1990 the company offered a full line-up of sportfish convertibles and motor yachts.

The first recession hit, followed by the infamous Luxury Tax Bill of 1991.

Thus, when the tax was lifted, Viking roared to the front line leapfrogging over its competition, firmly establishing Viking as the builder in its class. It took better than two years, but by 1993 the luxury tax was history and Viking was poised to flex its muscles as boat buyers returned to the market.

In 1995, the exclusive relationship between Viking and Princess Yachts Limited of Plymouth, England was forged and Viking Sport Cruisers was founded with the goal of bringing this exceptional class of luxury cruising yachts to the American market.

They surged back to prominence in 1996 to win Boating Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” honors for their 60′ Cockpit Sports Yacht.

Robert T. Healey and William J. Healey, owners and founders of Viking Yacht Company, and Bill's son Patrick, were awarded the Ernst & Young 1998 New Jersey Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

At the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, Viking presents the world premiere of the new MTU V16 Series 2000 M94 engines rated at 2,600 mhp in a Viking 82 Convertible.

Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2001.

In February 2002, Viking opened a new service facility in Riviera Beach, Florida, near Palm Beach, to accommodate Viking owners who bring their boats south for the winter.

The Viking 45 Convertible premieres as a 2003 model at Viking's dealer meeting in Atlantic City.

At the 2005 Miami International Boat Show, Viking receives the inaugural President's Cup from the World Billfish Series in recognition of the numerous tournaments held worldwide where Viking owners take top standings.

Some of these brands include Louis Vuitton, De Beers, Fendi, Moet Hennessy, and the Feadship Yacht brand acquired by LVMH later in 2008.

Upon meeting engineering's construction and sea trial parameters in early fall, the new boat heads to Florida after Thanksgiving in preparation of the 2009 Viking VIP Preview.

At the 2014 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the 92 Enclosed Bridge is recognized by the Active Interest Media magazine group with a best-in-class Editor's Award.

The building of Viking's largest-ever yacht, the 93 Motor Yacht, begins in the summer of 2016.

The year begins with the introduction of another legendary sportfishing convertible in the 60- to 70-foot range — the 68 C, a four-stateroom blue-water battlewagon debuts at the 2018 Miami Yacht Show.