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Viking Yachts
Behind the wheel of Viking Yachts stands one of the most well-respected families in boatbuilding today. Brothers Bill and Bob Healey purchased Peterson-Viking Builders, a New Jersey manufacturer of wooden boats, back in 1964 and grew the company into one of the world's top manufacturers of sport-fishing yachts.
"The philosophy of the company is to build a better boat everyday," says executive vice president Patrick Healey, Bill's son. "This means we never become complacent and constantly look for new ways to improve. This is what our owners expect."
In its 43-year history, Viking has built more than 4,000 boats, including some legendary hulls, such as the 40 convertible launched in 1972 and the 61 convertible introduced in 1999. The company currently offers yachts from 45 to 74 feet, all of them built in a state-of-the-art, 550,000 square-foot facility on the Bass River in New Gretna, New Jersey.
Viking adheres to what it calls the "90 Percent Factor," meaning virtually every part of a Viking is designed and manufactured in-house, from fiberglass fuel tanks to wiring harnesses. This practice helps the company maintain an extremely high level of quality control. The company uses its own team of naval architects and designers for all of its hulls.
"Our customers have come to expect much from Viking," Healey says. "Our aim is to please our owners. We will not waver in our commitment to build the best boat we can."
At a Glance:
• Builds more than 100 yachts each year
• Uses cutting-edge technology in the building process
• Active in sport-fishing causes |
Additionally, the Viking-created sister companies, Atlantic Marine Electronics and Palm Beach Towers, can outfit a Viking during the building process to provide the owner with a turnkey delivery. "If there is ever a question or concern about the boat, electronics or tower, an owner need only make one phone call to Viking to get results," Healey says.
Viking understands that its boat owners are venturing farther afield. "In May 2007, one of our 74 convertibles crossed the Atlantic Ocean on its own bottom with its owners aboard," Healey says. "With the number of boats we have fishing and cruising all over the world, we collect lots of feedback."
The Healeys are avid fishermen and created the Recreational Fishing Association in 1996 to promote sustainable fisheries. Viking has since contributed over $7 million to the conservation group.
For more information on Viking Yachts of New Gretna, New Jersey, call 609-296-6000 or visit
www.vikingyachts.com.
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