Viking Motoryachts History 

1964

• The Healey brothers, Bob and Bill, purchased a small wooden sportfishing boat builder, Peterson-Viking Builders, of New Jersey.

 1971

• The Viking 33’ Convertible is built, Viking’s first all-fiberglass model.

 1972

• The Viking 40’ Convertible debuts in the fall and was such a success that the basic hull design (with refinements) has been used for every Viking built since.

 1980’s

• Viking continued to build a reputation of excellence and sophistication.

 1987

• Viking purchased Gulfstar Yachts, an innovative builder whose designs were considered among the most modern in the industry at the time, and moved into the large motor yacht market.

 1990   

• Though Viking was offering a full line of convertibles and motor yachts by this time, an economic recession and a 10% luxury tax adversely affected Viking production for a period of time.

 1991

• The marine industry suffered greatly due to the introduction of a federal luxury tax, causing Viking Yachts to cut back from 1500 employees in two plants to only 89 employees in one plant.

• In order to keep the company afloat, The Healey brothers borrowed & invested their own money.  Bob Healey was heavily involved in a campaign to fight the luxury tax and by 1993 the tax was history and Viking was well geared for the boat buyers returning to the market.  The slow period had actually allowed Viking to tool up new models and gave them a head start over the competition.

 1995

• Boating Magazine Awarded the Viking 60’ Cockpit Sportsyacht “Boat of the Year”

 1996

• The Healey brothers founded a non-profit organization, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), which promotes a healthy marine environment and sustainable fisheries.

 1996     

• A new company is formed, Viking Sport Cruisers, through it’s North American dealer network, distributing high end, British-built, cruising yachts, 40-84 ft. and built to Viking’s specifications.

 1997   

• The new 55’ Viking Convertible premiered at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.  The 55, designed to be the ultimate mid range luxury performance sportfisherman, has been critically acclaimed in the boating press.

 1998   

• The Viking 65 Convertible delivers phenomenal speed, range and comfort and 20 are sold before the first hull delivery. 

 1998   

• Robert and William Healey and Bill’s son Patrick were awarded The Ernst & Young 1998 New Jersey Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Award and were runner ups in the national competition.

 1999

• The 61’ Viking Convertible is introduced at the fall boat shows.

 2000

• Viking Plant expansion, upgrading and improving manufacturing with state-of-the-art equipment with emphasis on safety and a pleasant work environment.

 2001

• The Custom 105 Versilcraft, built in Viareggio, Italy according to Vikings specifications, is added to Vikings lineup and premiered at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October and is later (in 2002) awarded the NMMA’s Innovation award by Boating Writers Intl. 
• At the Miami International Boat Show, Bill and Bob Healy are awarded the Chapman Award by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Motor Boating Magazine.  Also, the 52’ Convertible premieres.

 2002

• A new service facility is opened in Riviera Beach, FL, featuring slips for in-water work and land storage for larger projects and outfitting. 
• At the Miami International Boat Show, the Viking 48’ Convertible was introduced. 
• In June, at a Viking’s dealer meeting in Atlantic City, NJ, the Viking 45 Convertible premiers as a 2003 model.
• In December 2002, Viking bought back the adjoining Bass River Marina, where the Healey’s started their maritime careers, and it was re-flagged as the Viking Yachting Center. It had been sold in 1964 by the Healey’s.

  2003   

• Two new companies are formed.  Based at the Viking Yachting Center, Atlantic Marine Electronics produces the sophisticated electronic packages used on the Viking Yachts and Sport Cruisers.  Palm Beach Towers, based at the Rivera Beach facility, designs and builds tuna towers and other components for Viking and other yacht brands.
• For their contributions to the recreational marine industry, Bob and Bill Healey are inducted into the National Marine Manufacturers Hall of Fame.

 2004 

• Viking purchases an 80 x 20 ft $1,000,000 computer operated / controlled five axis-profiler to assist in manufacturing plugs for new molds.  It is the largest of its type in the industry and is to provide a constant stream of upcoming new models.

• The 74 Convertible is introduced
• Viking establishes its Australian dealer, Euroyachts Pty., Ltd.
• Viking Yacht Company is a semi-finalist in the New Jersey Family Business of the Year Award

 2005

• In recognition of numerous tournament winnings by Viking owners, Viking is awarded the Manufacturers Trophy by the World Billfish Series at the Miami International Boat Show.
• The 68’ Viking Convertible is introduced
• A new enclosed bridge is designed for the 74 Convertible
• Both the 68’ Viking and the 74’ Convertible premiere at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show and Viking’s display attracts tremendous interest.
• The upcoming launches of the Viking 52 Open and 64 Convertibles and a new 82’ Motor Yacht are announced.
• A new venture with Sanlorenzo, an Italian builder, is announced by Viking Custom, to import a series of custom yachts, 88 to 108 ft.

2006

• The 68 Enclosed Bridge is launched during a VIP Preview at the Viking Service Center, Riviera Beach, FL.
• The 64 Convertible is unveiled at the Miami International Boat show and is a candidate for the National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Awards
• Viking announces expansion plans to increase manufacturing and storage space at the New Gretna, NJ facility as well as to build its own sewage and wastewater treatment plant