1990 Viking 57 Convertible

The 1990 Viking 57 Convertible is a classic American sportfishing yacht built for offshore fishing, extended cruising, and comfortable onboard living. At 57'2" long with an 18-foot beam, the boat combines a spacious three-stateroom interior with a large fishing cockpit and flybridge. The 57 Convertible was one of Viking's largest models when introduced and represented an important step in the company's development of larger luxury sportfishing yachts.

The hull uses a modified-V configuration with a 15.5-degree aft deadrise, while the standard specification includes approximately 69,000 pounds of gross weight, 1,500 gallons of fuel capacity, and 250 gallons of freshwater capacity. Its layout makes it suitable for owners who want genuine offshore fishing capability without giving up the accommodations needed for family cruising or longer stays aboard.

Is the 1990 Viking 57 Convertible for Sale?

Yes, 1990 Viking 57 Convertible examples can still appear on the brokerage market, although availability varies because the model was produced for only two years. Current and historical listings show that individual boats can have very different specifications and condition depending on refits, engine work, electronics, interior updates, and previous ownership.

For buyers, this means the listing year alone should not determine whether a particular boat is worth considering. Some examples have received substantial upgrades over the years, including hull refinishing, updated electronics, interior improvements, and cockpit modifications. A buyer should therefore evaluate each individual 1990 Viking 57 Convertible based on maintenance history, survey results, engine condition, and the quality of previous refits.

1990 Viking 57 Convertible Price

There is no single fixed market price for a 1990 Viking 57 Convertible because condition and equipment can create a substantial difference between individual boats. Recent and historical brokerage listings have shown asking prices ranging from around $200,000 to more than $300,000, including a 1990 example previously listed at $205,000 and another advertised at approximately $318,288. These figures should be treated as listing references rather than a guaranteed current market value.

The biggest price differences usually come from the condition of the Detroit Diesel engines, quality of mechanical maintenance, electronics, generator, air-conditioning systems, hull and deck condition, interior refit, and overall cosmetic condition. A lower-priced example may require significant capital after purchase, while a more expensive boat with documented mechanical work and modernized systems may require less immediate investment. For a 30-plus-year-old sportfish, the condition of the boat is generally more important than simply comparing asking prices.

Performance and Propulsion

The 1990 Viking 57 Convertible was powered by twin Detroit Diesel 12V92 engines rated at 1,080 hp each. According to Viking 57 Convertible specifications, these were the only engines offered for the model. Published performance figures generally put cruising speed around 25 knots, with a top speed in the 28–30-knot range, although individual boats may perform differently depending on engine condition, propellers, weight, and equipment.

The combination of twin high-output Detroit Diesels and the modified-V hull gives the 57 Convertible the performance expected from a large offshore sportfisherman. However, on a boat of this age, the original propulsion system requires particularly careful inspection. Buyers should review engine hours, service records, cooling systems, exhaust components, transmissions, turbochargers, oil condition, and historical rebuild work rather than relying solely on the published performance figures.

Exterior Design and Construction

The 1990 Viking 57 Convertible uses a 57'2" hull with an 18-foot beam, giving it a relatively broad platform for both fishing and onboard accommodation. The modified-V hull has a 15.5-degree deadrise at the transom, while wide side decks, a flybridge, bow pulpit, and large cockpit contribute to its practical offshore layout. The cockpit was designed around serious sportfishing, with features such as a tackle center, bait freezer, livewell, in-deck fish box, rod holders, and a transom door.

The flybridge provides an elevated helm position together with additional seating, while the cockpit gives anglers direct access to the engine room through a dedicated entrance. This arrangement makes the boat particularly functional during offshore fishing trips. When inspecting a 1990 example today, buyers should pay close attention to deck cores, stringers, hull condition, through-hulls, windows, hardware, teak areas, and any evidence of previous water intrusion or structural repairs.

Interior and Accommodation

The 1990 Viking 57 Convertible has a spacious interior for a 57-foot sportfish, with a salon, galley, dinette, and three-stateroom accommodation. The original layout places the galley forward, with the salon featuring an L-shaped sofa and the dinette positioned nearby. Teak cabinetry and woodwork were important elements of the original interior design, while the guest accommodations were arranged to support extended stays aboard.

Individual boats may differ because owners have modified their interiors over the decades. One documented 1990 example, for instance, has a forward queen berth with an ensuite head, additional twin and full-size sleeping accommodations, and a galley equipped with a refrigerator/freezer, cooktop, microwave, and substantial storage. Buyers should therefore inspect the actual boat rather than assuming that every 1990 Viking 57 Convertible has exactly the same interior configuration.

What to Check Before Buying a 1990 Viking 57 Convertible

The engines and mechanical systems should be the first priority when evaluating a 1990 Viking 57 Convertible. The twin Detroit Diesel 12V92 engines are powerful but now several decades old, so buyers should obtain professional inspections and review maintenance and rebuild records. The survey should also cover transmissions, generators, fuel tanks, exhaust systems, batteries, electrical panels, air conditioning, plumbing, steering, pumps, and other major onboard systems.

The hull and structure also deserve a detailed marine survey and sea trial. Check the hull for previous repairs, moisture intrusion, blistering, and impact damage, while the decks, cockpit, flybridge, railings, windows, and hardware should be inspected for water intrusion and deterioration. During the sea trial, verify engine temperatures, oil pressure, RPM, acceleration, cruising performance, steering response, vibration, and generator operation. For a boat this old, a well-documented maintenance history and the results of a professional survey can be more important than the advertised asking price.