An Open & Shut Case

Two models on the same hull

make for a fabulous comparison

By Lee Chance

When Viking Yachts introduced its 76 Convertible at the 2009 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the model created a ground swell of attention. With its raked stem and eye-pleasing sheer line, a teak cockpit, a tournament inspired flying bridge and a Palm Beach Towers tuna rig scraping the sky, there was no mistaking this yacht’s mission. She was designed to spend many lively hours in pursuit of big-game wherever they roam. But once aboard the yacht, show-goers found its stunning teak interior, a five-stateroom layout highlighted with a full-beam master suite, and an engine room revealing dimensions that would have you believe you were aboard a larger motoryacht.
Although Viking is a production builder, no two boats are exactly alike and that goes for the open and enclosed versions of the 76. Because virtually 90 percent of what goes into a Viking is made in the company’s 810,000-square-foot facility, ample customization is possible. However, mechanically many of the features are shared, such as chilled water air conditioning built around a split eight-ton system allowing individual thermostats for the staterooms and saloon. Want air conditioning on the open flying bridge? You can have it. Need air conditioning over the mezzanine in the 206-square-foot cockpit? Turn it on.

Specifications:

LOA: 76’ 2”
Beam: 20’ 3”
Draft: 5’ 6”
Displ.: 136,200 lbs. (standard fuel)
Power: Cat C32A @ 1,825 hp
(standard)
Fuel/Water: 2,547/425 U.S. gals.
Fuel (optional) 3,174 gals.
MSRP: $4,678,000 base

Contact:

Viking Yachts
New Gretna, NJ
609-296-6000
vikingyachts.com

The yachts also share Moritz OctoPlex master electrical control systems using touch screen monitors in the saloon and on the flying bridge. A hydraulic bow thruster is standard, as are two 32kW Onan generators. Both have Viking’s proprietary VIPER (Viking Independent Programmable Electro-Hydraulic Rudder) steering system, which eliminates the tie-bar and delivers independent rudder operation to optimize response and reduce drag. Veem Interceptor S-class propellers are quiet and a perfect match to the optional (add $540,000) 2,400-hp MTU engines that provide mid 30-knot cruise speeds and a top end around 40 knots. For the power hungry, you can step up to MTU V-16 Series 2000 M94 engines rated at 2,600 horsepower or down to the base 1,825-hp Caterpillar C32As. Both models share the same cockpit dimensions and tankage.
While it is easy to point out the obvious differences between the Viking 76 Open Bridge and Enclosed Bridge at the helm areas and saloons, it’s more fun to pick what works for your fish/lifestyle.
The Open Bridge is reached in typical fashion from the cockpit via an anodized aluminum ladder from the mezzanine deck. To assure communication with the cockpit, it features a compact center console-style command station about two-thirds aft. Its raised helm has adequate stowage for electronics, single lever controls with the bow thruster controls built into the handles, and three teak ladder-back Murray Products helm seats. Guest seating is provided on lounges to port and starboard, as well as forward of the helm. Built-in reversible jump seats provide vantage points to watch baits in the wash, and double as backrests for the lounges. A freezer and a refrigerator are standard. The lifestyle options here are a three or four-sided vinyl enclosure and air conditioning.
The Enclosed Bridge layout changes the feel of the boat from warrior to motor yacht. Accessibility to the bridge is via a comfortable staircase from the saloon, although the cockpit ladder remains. Here, the raised helm is forward, and electronics and engine instrumentation are always in clear view. Wrapped in black ultra-leather, the helm is stylish and practical. A stainless-steel destroyer type wheel, defoggers, windshield washers and wipers and a plush Stidd helm seat are standard. Port and starboard companion seats provide more good visibility and comfort for guests and stowage below.
With the helm forward, the area aft is essentially a second, fully carpeted saloon. An L-shaped lounge on a raised platform provides guests with great visibility, while the teak cocktail table adds to the convenience afforded by the hidden refrigerator. A 32-inch flat screen TV rises from the teak cabinetry at the touch of a switch and there is also a built-in stereo and CD player. A weatherproof lockable door leads to the aft deck with its additional seating and a pod-style docking station. For owners who like the enclosed bridge style, but also yearn to be outdoors on some days, Viking also can build the boat with its Sky Bridge helm station as a custom option. While there is no doubt that tournament fishermen prefer the Open Bridge, the Enclosed Bridge is being noticed by anglers like a goggle-eye attracts a sailfish and is winning converts among canyon fishermen and families. Interestingly, the cost of the enclosed bridge option and the tuna tower with vinyl enclosure option are almost the same, approximately $150,000.
Below in the beautifully appointed teak saloon both the Open Bridge and Enclosed Bridge feature the same L-shaped lounge to starboard with the galley and dinette forward. The day head in the enclosed model is slightly reconfigured and the 55-inch flat-screen TV is built into the wall of the staircase that faces the lounge. Aboard the 76 Open, the television rises from the port-side cabinetry on a mechanism that Viking builds in-house.
In accommodating its owners with outstanding choices on either model, Viking’s replacement for the 74 footer has hit a home run with customers. Clearly, the Enclosed Bridge 76 Convertible could convert a motoryacht owner who wants more speed and maneuverability, and the Open Bridge boat has the mettle to lead you to the Winner’s Circle or cruise the eastern seaboard.