SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 45 feet, 1 inch
BEAM: 16 feet, 4 inches
WEIGHT: 50,132 pounds (standard fuel load)
DRAFT: 4 feet
HULL TYPE: modified-vee
POWER: twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D3 diesels (see notes below)
SPEED: 34.5 knots top, 30 knots cruise
TANKAGE: 825 gallons fuel, 120 gallons water, 46 gallons waste
PRICE: $1.47 million
CONTACT: Viking Yacht Co., New Gretna, New Jersey, (609) 296-6000. vikingyachts.com
The Viking 44 Convertible made its public debut at the Miami International Boat Show, joining the builder’s recently introduced 44 Open. As a compact convertible, the 44 C blends the high-performance hull form familiar from Viking’s express fishing boats with a striking deckhouse, expansive salon and well-appointed accommodations more commonly associated with larger convertibles. The design aims to deliver tournament-ready capability along with comfortable cruising and onboard living spaces.
Viking positions the 44 Convertible as a versatile platform: compact enough to be manageable for weekend cruising yet configured for serious offshore fishing and tournament work. The hull is a modified-vee form developed to balance efficiency, seaworthiness and speed. That hull, shared in part with the 44 Open platform, contributes to the model’s ability to reach top speeds in the mid-30-knot range while providing a steady cruise speed around 30 knots.
Accommodations on the 44 Convertible are notable for their efficient use of space. The boat offers two full staterooms: a master suite with an island berth and a private head with an enclosed shower, and a forward guest stateroom with a single offset bunk-style berth over a double berth beneath. A shared head with a shower sits just aft of the berths to starboard. Interior surfaces where carpet has been omitted feature classic teak-and-holly soles, while satin-finish wood trim in the salon gives the space a refined, maritime feel.
The air-conditioned salon is arranged for sociable onboard living and entertaining. It includes an L-shaped dinette and an L-shaped lounge, opposite a U-shaped galley that incorporates an integrated breakfast bar. Large surrounding windows create an open, bright environment and enhance visibility from the main living area, reinforcing the sense of space within a compact hull length.
The cockpit mezzanine is designed for both angling practicality and guest comfort. Bench seating to starboard and tackle drawers with a drink cooler to port provide dedicated spaces for crew work and casual seating, with ample storage beneath both. The cockpit itself is roomy enough for bait rigging, watching your spread and fighting fish, while concealed fishboxes and storage compartments beneath the cockpit sole and within the transom maximize usable space without cluttering the deck.
Power and performance are important aspects of the 44 Convertible’s appeal. The specifications block lists twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D3 diesels, while the article text notes that Viking offers alternative propulsion packages: optional 1,000-hp MAN diesels and standard twin 800-hp MAN diesels. Those engine options allow owners to tailor performance for their intended use—whether prioritizing top-end speed for quick runs to the canyons or efficient cruising for extended trips to the Bahamas and beyond. With the higher-output option the model can reach a top speed of approximately 34.5 knots and sustain a comfortable cruise near 30 knots.
On deck and below, storage and practical details reflect Viking’s focus on both sportfishing and owner comfort. The layout supports tournament use—rod storage, tackle organization and easy access to fishboxes—while the interior appointments and climate control ensure that onboard life is comfortable in warm climates. The 44 Convertible’s combination of performance hull, convertible-style deckhouse and practical cockpit make it a compelling choice for anglers who also want the amenities of a comfortable weekend cruiser.
This compact convertible offers a balance of speed, range and liveaboard amenities in a 45-foot package, reflecting Viking’s approach to marrying performance fishing capability with refined accommodations. The result is a boat capable of tournament duty, offshore runs and relaxed cruising without the compromises often associated with smaller sportfisher designs.
This article originally appeared in the May 2018 issue.