Viking 50 Billfish: A New Apex Predator in Sportfishing

Viking Yachts introduces its latest marvel, the 50 Billfish, a vessel meticulously crafted for the ardent sportfisherman. This new addition seamlessly merges traditional design with contemporary engineering, offering a harmonious balance of raw power, refined comfort, and unparalleled fishing capability. From its expansive deck layout to its state-of-the-art navigation systems, every aspect of the 50 Billfish reflects Viking's dedication to creating a top-tier fishing platform that excels in both performance and luxury, setting a new benchmark in the competitive sportfishing yacht market.

The 50 Billfish, the newest offering from the New Jersey-based shipbuilder, stands out as a specialized sportfisherman model, where Viking Yachts has meticulously refined every detail to meet the demanding needs of tournament anglers. The vessel's design priorities are immediately evident in its remarkably uncluttered 170-square-foot cockpit, providing an expansive and efficient workspace for fishing activities. The inaugural hull was custom-built for an experienced tournament participant intending to operate in the waters of Hawaii, demonstrating the boat's global appeal and adaptability. Future iterations of the 50 Billfish will continue to offer bespoke customization options, allowing owners to tailor the yacht to their specific preferences and operational requirements.

Attention to detail extends to critical fishing features, such as the rounded coaming designed for angler comfort and safety, and a strategic 39-inch height from the waterline, facilitating swift and efficient fish releases. While a non-slip fiberglass deck comes standard, the tested model showcased a premium custom teak cockpit and meticulously crafted cover boards. An outward-opening transom door, complete with a lift gate, ensures the secure retrieval of large catches. The transom's subtly crowned design efficiently channels water away during reverse maneuvers, maintaining a clear stern. Standard gunwale rod holders are augmented by options for six additional holders on the cabin-side haunches, maximizing tackle accessibility. Practical considerations include 30-amp 12-volt DC and 30-amp 24-volt DC outlets beneath the coamings, ready to power electric reels. Insulated fish wells, generously sized for tuna, feature split lids and gas struts for effortless and safe operation.

For enhanced stability and comfort, a factory-installed Seakeeper SK10 gyro stabilizer is neatly housed in the lazarette, accessible via a centerline hatch equipped with deep gutters and effective overboard drainage. The innovative split mezzanine arrangement provides both convenience and luxury, highlighted by an L-shaped lounge on the port side. Integrated into the inner starboard haunch are a Garmin 8612 MFD and a Fusion stereo system, offering navigation and entertainment at arm's reach. Beneath-counter boxes cleverly integrate freezer and refrigeration capabilities, alongside ample storage for tackle and essential gear. A strategically placed step-box cooler at the salon door ensures the crew remains hydrated without needing to interrupt cockpit activities.

Access to the immaculate, snow-white Awlgrip engine room is gained through a centerline hatch in the mezzanine, revealing engine gauges and temperature monitors for the various refrigeration units. The engine room boasts 63 inches of headroom along the centerline, tapering to 36 inches forward of the MAN V8-1200 CRM 1200 HP diesel inboard engines. A 21.5 kW Onan generator is positioned aft of the port engine. Readily accessible and clearly marked seacocks and sea strainers simplify routine maintenance. A secondary forward hatch conceals an Electrosea ElectroStrainer, a vital system designed to combat barnacle and marine growth. A broad platform accommodates water manifolds and the Dometic air conditioning units servicing the salon, two staterooms, and the Eskimo ice maker. To port, the Optimus steering system, Grundfos water pump, a Frigibar freezer, and an Asea DBT isolation transformer are situated, while the starboard side houses a second Asea DBT isolation transformer and a Spot Zero watermaker.

The flybridge's command station offers unobstructed visibility, furnished with Release Marine helm and companion seats, comfortable lounge seating, a faux-teak finished pod, single-lever electronic controls, a polished stainless steel wheel, and a six-rod rocket launcher on the aft rail. Viking's subsidiary, Atlantic Marine Electronics, has comprehensively equipped the flanking boxes with an extensive array of controls and accessories, including a pair of Icom VHFs, Lenco tab displays, ZF backup controls, bilge pump switches, and bow thruster and Seakeeper controls. The Furuno CSH8L sonar control box is positioned beneath the pod, with a remote control integrated into the port box. Engine displays are nestled below a raised pod, featuring twin 22-inch Garmin 9222 MFDs. The fiberglass hardtop is thoughtfully scalloped to accommodate a Garmin 8616 MFD, a Garmin autopilot, a Garmin TD 50 temp gauge, and additional accessories. A commercial-grade Furuno 25kW radar with a 6.5-foot open array antenna further enhances the vessel's navigation capabilities. Palm Beach Towers, another Viking subsidiary, engineered and fabricated the custom five-foot-gap tuna tower, complete with a 53-inch sport-style control box, integrating a Garmin 8612 MFD, Icom command mic, ZF control levers, and a convenient drink holder.

While the Viking 50 Billfish is unmistakably a pure fishing machine, its interior offers surprisingly comfortable accommodations with clever design innovations. The climate-controlled, gloss-walnut interior, characterized by its horizontal grain, creates an exceptionally spacious salon, thanks to the boat's generous 17-foot, 1-inch beam. Entry is via a sliding electric door from the cockpit, leading into a cabin featuring an L-shaped lounge and a high-low cocktail table to port, complemented by a four-seat dinette to starboard. The dinette is ingeniously raised above the Amtico floor, allowing for a slide-out tray capable of storing six fishing outfits. The split-galley boasts manufactured stone counters, under-counter refrigeration, cooking appliances, a stainless-steel sink, and an ice cube maker. Layout options include two or three staterooms, each accompanied by two heads with separate stall showers.

This vessel introduces a brand-new hull design, building upon the established Viking 50 series. However, the 50 Billfish distinguishes itself with a singular focus on marlin hunting, incorporating unique mechanical and engine configurations, a revised fuel tank layout, and optimized weight distribution. The resin-infused hull employs cored composite construction, E-glass laminates, and carbon fiber reinforcement, ensuring both strength and efficiency. During ocean trials off Palm Beach, the test boat, fully fueled and watered, achieved an impressive top speed of approximately 44 mph. Its computational-fluid-dynamic designed running surface creates a remarkably clean wake, and at speed, engine noise is effectively dampened by the surrounding ocean water. The vessel also demonstrates exceptional range, crucial for offshore anglers. At 1,800 rpm, the boat maintained an average speed of nearly 35 mph, consuming 80.5 gallons per hour, providing a remarkable 510-mile range. Increasing to 2,000 rpm, the speed reached almost 38 mph, with a range of 437 miles at a fuel consumption of 102 gallons per hour.

Ultimately, the Viking 50 Billfish is engineered from the ground up for the serious angler. Its classic styling, clean lines, elegant teak accents, and commanding presence, coupled with formidable power, make it an exceptional offering. This vessel embodies everything one would expect from a family-owned and operated company with over 62 years of heritage, delivering a fishing experience that is both sophisticated and intensely focused on the pursuit of big game.