2026 Viking 82 Convertible: Walking the New Flagship Sportfish

When Viking Yacht Company introduces a new big convertible, the sportfishing world pays attention, because these boats set the standard everyone else chases. The 82 Convertible is the New Jersey builder's newest large battlewagon, built on everything Viking learned from the 80 it evolves from, and offered in open bridge, enclosed bridge, and sky bridge configurations. We walked the 2026 boat bow to transom on camera.

The numbers Viking is proud of

Viking lists the 82C at 82 feet 11 inches overall with a 21-foot 5-inch beam and five staterooms with six heads, including a midship master and forward VIP. Fuel capacity is 2,671 gallons standard, with an optional 3,330 gallons for long-range tournament campaigns. Power options run from CAT C32s up to twin MTU 16V 2000 M96Ls at 2,635 horsepower each, and with the big MTUs Viking projects a top end around 42 knots and a cruise around 36, with the usual caveats about load and conditions.

The business end is a cockpit of just under 230 square feet with a transom door and lift gate, transom fishbox and livewell, and full-length in-deck fish boxes. The boat is engineered for a Seakeeper 40 gyro, and the bridge carries a walkaround center console with a platform for three chairs and four 17-inch displays. Details like the forepeak laundry center and dedicated rod and tackle locker show how much of this boat was designed by people who actually fish.

Where the 82 fits in the Viking line

Viking builds convertibles from 50 to 90 feet, and the 82 slots in as the boat for owners who want near-flagship volume with a bit more nimbleness and a slightly easier program than the 90 demands. Five staterooms means the whole family and a full crew travel comfortably between tournament stops, and the enclosed bridge and sky bridge versions extend the boat's range as a true traveling yacht.

Who this boat is really for

Tournament owners first: this is a boat built to run to the canyons or down the islands fast, fish hard for a week, and keep everyone aboard comfortable doing it. But plenty of 80-class convertibles live second lives as family cruising yachts with fighting chairs, and the 82's interior makes that case easily. The walkthrough shows both sides, the fishery and the salon, in detail.

Watch the full walkthrough on the Nautical Network YouTube channel, browse more originals, and if a convertible is in your plans at any size, start looking on the marketplace.