New Viking 44 Convertible excels with Volvo Penta’s highest performance engine
As a premium boat-builder, Viking Yachts’ Convertible range combines the high performance of sport-fishing vessels with the luxurious elements of cruisers. The new 44 Convertible (44 C) is proving to outperform anticipated capabilities, thanks to Volvo Penta’s most powerful 13-liter inboard engine. In sea trials, the twin Volvo Penta D13-1000 diesels met or exceeded all expectations in the 44 C.
“The boat achieved top speeds of over 38 knots, with a cruising speed of 32-34 knots,” says Chris Landry, director of communications at Viking Yachts. “The engines provided outstanding acceleration and low RPM torque, and a smooth, quiet ride. The 44 Convertible is a comfortable tournament contender, equally capable of galloping hard to the canyons on gnarly weather days or blasting over to the Bahamas.”
Superior engineering and excellent support
Viking Yachts, based in New Jersey and Florida has more than 50 years’ experience of designing and making luxury motor yachts and sport yachts, as well as the Convertible series which offers the best of both worlds. The company has worked with one of Volvo Penta’s North American power centers, Johnson & Towers, to install and test the D13-1000 engines in the 44 C model. Volvo Penta’s D13-1000 offers incredible power on demand to meet the needs of high-end yacht customers.
“The D13-1000 has an excellent power-to-weight ratio,” says Bob Shomo Jr., vice president of Johnson & Towers. “Another key factor in the decision was Volvo Penta’s expanded power center network and service dealers across Viking’s core market areas, providing a one-stop service experience.”
He adds: “The first installation on the Viking production line went very smoothly, thanks to Viking’s superb engineering team, applications’ support from Volvo Penta and especially the extraordinary efforts of Johnson & Towers’ sales engineer Ken Houle.”
“Viking’s new 44 C is a remarkable achievement – a rare combination of innovative interior design and seakeeping performance,” says Jens Bering, vice president of marine sales at Volvo Penta of the Americas.
“Their selection of Volvo Penta is an important validation of the superior engineering that went into our new D13-1000 as well as our outstanding power center team at Johnson & Towers.”
He adds: “It’s a great honor to be a supplier to Viking Yachts, and we look forward to building on this newly established relationship with one of the great iconic brand names in the boating industry.”
