Viking Demo Program

As we head into the winter tournament season, it’s the perfect time to highlight the Viking demo program. Established by Viking President and CEO Pat Healey in the early 1980s, it’s “one of the most widely recognized sport-fishing operations of its kind, with a long list of outstanding tournament performances and boat sales tied to its storied title,” according to Marlin magazine. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we acknowledge that the history and success of our demos have played a crucial role in our company’s growth.

The demo program has endured tough financial times, navigating the luxury tax years (1991-1993) with the help of the late John Vidinghoff, who allowed Viking to use four of his yachts (a 53, two 50s, and a 55). John is pictured here, standing behind Pat Healey (in chair), with Drew McDowell (wearing a white visor). Drew was the program's first full-time captain and operated 10 different Viking models from 1985 to 2002, including all the Fishinhoff Vikings.

The wins over the years have been extraordinary, with various Viking models heading to the Winner’s Circle. At the 1999 Mid-Atlantic $500,000 tournament off Cape May, New Jersey, the Viking 65 took first place in the white marlin category. By then, Viking had introduced a second demo, allowing more personnel to participate. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into customer preferences and inspired innovative design ideas.

As tournament successes have accumulated over the decades, Viking continues to prove that its semi-custom fiberglass sportfishing boats are designed and built to raise fish. This summer was epic, with hull No. 1 of the Viking 82 capturing the 2024 Bermuda Triple Crown and placing third overall in the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament in North Carolina.

No matter the model, Viking wins. Our success in the Los Sueños Triple Crown proves this. Viking has taken the crown four out of the past five years, with Team Galati winning three times while fishing three different models – a 62, 58 and a 64. The 2025 Triple Crown's first leg is January 22-25. While Team Galati battles it out in a Viking 64 on the West Coast, the Valhalla 55 center console will be competing in the Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament.

In our next Viking View that celebrates 60 years of building a better boat every day, we will highlight the Viking Marine Group – eight companies under Viking ownership that have established new benchmarks in product quality, diversity, service and customer care. Above: the industry-leading electronics installation by Viking's Atlantic Marine Electronics.