OnBoard Magazine - Summer 2014

LINES OF PEDIGREE crab cake dinner at the award winning Surf Rider Restaurant on-site. Hannum reported the boat performed exceptionally on her maiden voyage, despite less than favorable weather, “It was on this leg of the trip that we discovered some similarities and differences between the new 62 and the old 61 Viking. Both boats provide a very seaworthy feel and comfortable ride, but in the conditions we faced, the new hull design provided a drier ride and much more efficient performance,” he recounted. Their new 62’ Enclosed Bridge is equipped with Caterpillar C-32s with ACERT, cranking out 1,925 horsepower each. Both Turner and the Captain agree that it is a fantastic package. Hannum boasts, “she is fast, efficient and nimble for her size. Acceleration is smooth and effortless, while turning, docking and backing down are very predictable.” Hannum has run numerous boat brands with different power plants, and he comfortably admits that they all have issues and malfunctions from time to time. He continues, “What sets Viking and Cat apart is support you can rely on when something goes wrong. The Viking team is always available to help provide assistance wherever you are and Caterpillar has service providers and outlets in most places worldwide.” Captain Hannum and the Turners have a core group of Cat professionals that they can call upon day or night and get help to keep them running smoothly. The team feels fortunate when a recommended hourly engine service on the Foolish Pleasure coincides at a time when the boat is already in the Delaware/New Jersey area and they are able to utilize the local services of their long-time trusted Caterpillar dealer, and Viking partner, Ransome Cat. When asked about power throughout all of the vessels he’s owned, Mr. Turner answered more assuredly than any other question: “Cat.” Turner has been rather outspoken in his support and recommendation of their engines and service, and confirms Hannum’s beliefs that maintenance intervals are very reasonable and Caterpillar’s Extended Service Coverage plans are superior offerings. As with all of his Viking yachts owned to-date, Turner plans to use his new 62EB at least through the life of his 10 year Cat warranty before even considering moving on to another boat. Given his impressive ownership history, that sounds like a wise and experience-driven decision. 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE VIKING YACHTS CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS MILESTONE WITH INAUGURAL KEY WEST CHALLENGE ALWAYS READY TO PARTY , Key West is one of the handful of cities in the U.S. that inarguably never sleeps. Top that with its close proximity to world class sport fishing and itswell developed lodging and yachting accommodations, and it’s easy to see why Viking Yachts chose it as the destination for their exclusive 50th celebration event. Held during the first week of April, it was timed well to take advantage of the Gulf Stream’s early warming trends that typically initiate the Spring runs for pelagic species up the Eastern seaboard. On this year however it also provided for a very welcomed relief from a particularly long and cruel winter which beset upon the majority of North America. With over fifty Viking vessels of differing type, size and age participating throughout the weekend, this three day event was filled with plenty of food, drinks and family fun, all wrapped up in the uniquely quirky, charming and exciting atmosphere of Key West and the Conch Republic. FUN FOR ALL Besides the usual Captain’s Meeting and tournament style fishing, the Viking Key West Challenge boasts several great events specifically designed to cater “What sets Viking and Cat apart is support you can rely on...” to any and all age groups, helping to make this event truly family oriented. In addition to the sponsored dinners each night, there was also a midday barbecue pool party, a scavenger hunt, and a dock side children’s fishing tournament. The Viking Key West Challenge wrapped up on Saturday with an awards banquet recognizing vessels and anglers with forty different honors across a variety of categories. 6 BLUEWATER