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The new 50 Billfish carries a familiar promise from Viking: serious fishing capability wrapped in a manageable, efficient platform. Stepping aboard the newest addition to the Uno Mas fleet just days before the Viking and Valhalla VIP Boat Show last January, it was clear this boat was all that and more. With Viking demo captain Sean Dooley at the helm and a longtime Uno Mas mate on hand to walk through the finer points of her design, we eased out of Lake Worth Inlet, turned south, and opened her up along the Palm Beach shoreline under flat, glassy conditions, a fitting preview of the calm Kona mornings she’d soon call home.
Cockpit and Bridge
The cockpit is where the 50 Billfish makes its strongest first impression. At 170 square feet, it offers a working area comparable to boats considerably larger. The space feels clean and open, clearly built around fishing, with large in-deck boxes, generous refrigerated and freezer capacity, and a well-placed tackle center that keeps the essentials within easy reach for the tournament angler. The mezzanine adds a welcome touch of luxury and refinement, offering both an elevated vantage point and a comfortable spot to rest away from the action.
The bridge follows the same theme. A center-console-style helm delivers excellent sightlines forward and, just as important, down into the cockpit. Seating is positioned to stay useful without getting in the way, keeping the whole arrangement clean and efficient. Electronics are extensive: Garmin MFDs, Furuno radar and omni sonar, AIS, Starlink, and a fully integrated network give the team a serious fish-finding and navigation package.
Interior
Inside, she balances Viking’s trademark finish with the utility expected of a boat built to fish hard. Her salon is warm and open, with walnut joinery, abundant natural light and a layout that makes smart use of space. A raised dinette with rod storage below, a portside lounge and a split galley arrangement create an interior that feels comfortable without losing sight of the boat’s offshore mission.
Below deck, the two-stateroom layout is practical and well-executed. The forward master includes a walkaround queen berth and ensuite head, while the port guest stateroom offers upper and lower berths. For teams that prioritize fishing over accommodations, the ability to trade sleeping space for dedicated tackle storage is a real advantage. On this build, that space stands out: organized, polished and finished with the kind of detail that turns simple storage into a showpiece.
Engine Room and Performance
Powered by twin MAN V8-1200s turning VEEM five-blade props, she delivered a quiet, confident ride during our sea trial off Palm Beach. In 1- to 2-foot seas and a light breeze, she reached roughly 38 knots at 2,350 rpm. At 2,100 rpm, she settled into a comfortable 33.5-knot cruise, burning about 110 gph.
Handling proved equally strong. The boat backed down cleanly, answered quickly in the turns and held a solid, predictable feel throughout the run. What stood out most, though, was the quiet. From both bridge and cockpit, noise levels stayed impressively low, easing communication and giving the whole ride a noticeably refined feel.
Seven months and a 30-day ship crossing later, that first impression has held true. Now tied up in Kona’s famed Honokohau Harbor between runs offshore, the new Uno Mas looks every inch the boat she was built to be: efficient, capable and polished in all the right places.
Viking 50 Billfish Specs
- LOA: 51’8″
- Beam: 17’1″
- Draft: 4’10”
- Displ.: 64,306 lbs.
- Fuel: 1,200 gal.
- Water: 180 gal.
- Power: Twin 1,200 MHP MAN V8-1200s
- Propellers: VEEM five-blade
