After launching its 82 over a year ago and already delivering over ten of these in Convertible, and Enclosed Bridge versions, Viking wanted to challenge itself more by presenting first the project and now in full reality the 76 Convertible. The 76 just put in the water will start with two important challenges first to beat the 45 deliveries the 74 did in a period of four years, and second to capture the attention which the 82 has enjoyed since its launching last year. The Viking 76 Convertible’s profile is aggressive with its raked stem, dramatic sheer line, and classic flush foredeck. A pair of fixed port lights also match the hull sweeping design statements that merge form and function. The wrap around black metallic mask provides a distinctive look, which accents the flowing lines of the flying bridge. Beneath the waterline a convex dead rise shape at eleven degrees aft, with sharpened waterline sections showcases stability and sea keeping ability. The convex dead rise adds curvature and form to the hull bottom and the wide beam, which carries well aft, increases buoyancy and lift. Even at speeds re-entry is soft to enhance ride comfort and dryness. Viking has long been active in using tank testing of scale models in the development of new product, and the 76 hull form clearly benefits from such testing, enhancing performance, achieve better engine propulsion efficiencies, with the design, engineering and production teams exploring various avenues to shave off unnecessary poundage and were successful in bringing the deck house and hull weights to fruition well within the desired parameters. For weight saving Viking used end grain balsa as a core for better than 22 years without a single construction failure. This big confidence in this material leads to explore other areas where to take advantage of its attributes for stiffness, strength, lighter weight and durability in the development of the 76 Convertible. Examples of this are the vacuum bagged high-strength Baltek anti-fungal coring in the highly loaded bottom panels of the running surface, hull sides, deck superstructure, and structural sandwich panels of baltek foam used in bulkheads. Through-hull areas including struts, shaft logs and water intakes penetrate solid fiberglass only. To eliminate corrosion potential, overboard discharge through-hull fittings are manufactured of fiberglass. Mechanically, the Viking 76 shares a commonality of features found aboard the 82 flagship 82 with chilled water air conditioning built around an eight-ton system comprised of two units. The system allows individual thermostats for the staterooms and salon for climate management throughout. A reverse-cycle function provides heat as well. A hydraulic bow thruster is standard with convenient control buttons built into the stainless-steel single lever clutch and throttle handles. A Delta-T engine room ventilation system delivers maximum air for engine operation and also provides water intrusion suppression. Dampers are integrated into the hull side vents as part of the fire suppression system which automatically close to seal the engine compartment from outside air if activated. Viking’s proprietary VIPER (Viking Independent Programmable Electro-Hydraulic Rudder) steering system eliminates the tie-bar for independent rudder operation and it optimizes response and reduces drag at low, mid and high speeds for extraordinary maneuverability in all conditions. Viking’s industry famous web-frame structural steel engine beds mounted to transverse intermediate bulkheads ensure drive-train alignment and minimize vibrations for smooth trolling and comfortable performance. Veem Interceptor S class propellers are quiet and a perfect match for speed and efficient operation. Caterpillar and MTU diesels are offered as power choices and depending upon engine selection, the 76 Convertible will cruise in the mid 30-knot range with a top end of 40 knots. Two 32 kW Onan generators are standard. The 76 Convertible also features a master electrical control system, the Moritz OctoPlex, which utilizes touch screen operation and monitors in the salon and on the flying bridge, as well as manual back-up. Entered through an electrically powered sliding fiberglass door, the salon is a surround environment of lush teak joinery in a choice of satin or high gloss finish. For offshore convenience, a day head is immediately to port. Hand built furniture abounds port and starboard with an L-shaped lounge and rod stowage below, teak cabinetry, upholstery and window treatments, a teak cocktail table, wall-to-wall carpeting with lead-lined padding for acoustical insulation, a home theater center with a 50-inch flat screen television on a lift and a Bose Lifestyle 48 audio system. Forward, a dinette to starboard faces the island style galley to port. Featuring custom granite counter tops, the galley with its 360-degree access is professionally designed with three bar stools, under counter refrigeration and appliances, Amtico premium vinyl flooring and ample stowage. Additionally, two walk-in pantries forward of the dinette and galley provide bountiful stowage for supplies and cruising gear to stay at sea for months on end. Below, two plans are available, the basic difference found in the selection of the forward suite. The standard layout offers a queen-size walk-around bed, while the alternate arrangement provides crossover berths. Either arrangement provides five staterooms and four heads, and in both instances attention to detail with regards to opulence, privacy, comfort and stowage is obvious. The flying bridge is the result of thousands of hours of tournament fishing, so it makes sense that the visibility at the helm is superb to all 32 points of the compass. A center console helm is the focal point with three Murray Products teak ladder back seats on 4-inch stainless-steel pedestals. A recessed electronics box with clear acrylic fronts accommodates a complement of navigation equipment that is installed for all-weather operation, while protecting the vital components from spray. Additional equipment nests safely yet always accessible in fiberglass compartments flanking the custom stainless-steel steering wheel in the helm control pod. Lounge seating is located port, starboard and forward of the center console with ample stowage below each compartment. In addition, a freezer, a freshwater outlet, a top-loading chill box for drinks, and a sink with a powerful spray head can be found forward. Dozens of practical features are apparent on the flying bridge, although one item missing that again demonstrates Viking’s commitment to detail is the absence of exposed fasteners in the bridge interior flange attaching it to the deck. As in the salon, a Moritz OctoPlex touch screen panel accesses all electrical needs at the prompt of a finger. The 206 square-foot cockpit features Viking’s signature observation mezzanine with aft facing custom Sunbrella cushions. A hinged seat lid lifts to expose substantial stowage for gear. A bait freezer, a refrigerated chill box, a tackle center, an insulated stowage compartment and engine room access are also built into mezzanine area. In the lower cockpit, there is a large drop in fishbox and a pair of drop in stowage compartments that can be configured as bait wells, ice wells, or customized as desired. A transom mounted fish box also is standard. Port and starboard Glendinning Cable masters, sea and freshwater outlets, a dockside freshwater inlet, tag stick and gaff stowage also are provided. The new 76 Convertible, like all Vikings, is manufactured to order and provide its owner a one-of-a-kind sport fishing yacht built to our exacting design to fish and cruise in comfort, luxury and safety.
Technical Data:
LOA - 24.58 m (80.8ft) with pulpit
Hull Length - 23.21 m
Beam - 6.17 m
Draft - 1.67 m
Displacement - 61779 kg
Fuel Capacity - 9641 l, 12014 l with optional tank
Water Capacity - 1608 l
Accommodation - 10/12 berths in 5 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32A 1825hp, MTU 2000 V16M91 2030hp, 2000 V16M93 2400hp, 2000 M94 2600hp
Propulsion - direct in line shafts
Speed - 40 knots max, 31 knots economic cruise with MTU 2400hp
Range - 593 nm at 31 knots cruise
Hull Shape - convex variable vee with 11.7 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - ABYC, RINA
Presented as a project in the middle of 2008, Horizon finally launches the much anticipated 68 Elegance. Successfully completing her initial sea trial the past Summer, the new 68 Elegance was able to reach the expected standards from the renowned Asian builder, and satisfying the crew of technical people in its first run. Her eye catching profile is the continuation of the Spadolini design of the Elegance line, with the interiors characterised by generously sized areas that create an enchanting house feel ambiance. As all Horizon yachts each is manufactured individually in line with owners wishes, ideas and expectations, and surely the new 68 does not to miss on this. The lower deck offers two personalized layout plans of a three double guest cabins options with an office adjacent to the main stateroom, or a four cabin plan. You also get a crew cabin for two members located to mid ship, behind the owners suite on plan but with a separate entrance. Rich exquisite quality materials are sure not to miss on the 68 Elegance which includes marble and the finest woods for the finishing of its interiors. Another bonus on a flybridge Motor Yacht of this size is for the tender being stowed in a separate garage aft, leaving all outside spaces to be used for entertainment. Unusual for other yachts which usually stow this on the flybridge or on the bathing platform, but a trademark also to smaller Elegance as the 60 and 64. Power for the 68 Elegance is from twin MAN V12 1360hp engines, which give the semi planning hull top speeds of 25 knots. 
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