Many sport fishermen say that an 82-footer can't possibly fish as nimbly as a 40-footer. And although there was a time when that may well have been true, with today's hull construction, propulsion and steering advances, those change-averse naysayers can kiss my transom. The Viking 82 not only lets you take your mansion to sea with you, it competes with the most agile boat out there.
Performance
I once watched a 747 jetliner fly upside down over a runway during a test flight. Just because people don't generally call on them to perform that way doesn't mean they can't. That's how I feel about the Viking 82. Yes, it's a leviathan. But while standing at the helm, you almost suffer the illusion of "no big deal" size. This 82 came equipped with the optional MTU 16V2000 M93, 2,400-horsepower diesels and got up on plane reasonably quickly, with virtually no bow rise. One moment you're idling and the next you're running at 30 knots. We topped out at almost 38 knots, though at more than 200 gph — that's not something you'll want to make a habit of. However, drop back to a realistic cruising speed of around 25 knots (1,750 rpm), and you burn 104 gph, providing a range of 676 nautical miles. Slow down to displacement range at night, and you'd have absolutely no trouble making it to Bermuda for the July billfishing series using only your built-in tanks.
During our test off Palm Beach, Florida, we tried everything from kite fishing for sails to sight-casting to cobia. Not once did I feel disadvantaged by our boat's size while fighting a fish. We had no problem spinning, backing or even releasing fish in comfort and security. In fact, since the switches for the 40 hp hydraulic bow thruster are incorporated into the shift levers, maneuvering the Viking 82 takes on the same feel as a much smaller vessel.
A fascinating new technology automatically adjusts the toe in/out angle of the rudders for optimum turning performance. Most boats' rudders are installed at a slight, permanent angle away to make them turn better. But that creates drag when running straight. Viking's new system eliminates that problem.
Interior
This mostly traditional interior does come with a few innovative changes that I appreciate. For example, the dinette easily seats six, full-size adults before you pull up any occasional chairs. You'd expect a well-equipped galley on such a boat and you get it — with all the bells and whistles. For example, all the flush-mounted latches use magnets to lock the cabinet doors.
