It’s the time of year when Viking Yacht Co. gives devotees a peek of a new model before it premieres at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which kicks off Oct. 27. Last year, the New Jersey-based builder launched the 54C. This year, it will show off its new 64C, cementing Viking’s place in the 50- to 70-foot convertible category.

“In the past 20 years, Viking has brought eight different models in the 60- to 70-foot genre to market, delivering a combined 550 yachts in that size range,” says president and CEO Pat Healey. “That’s a staggering number of boats, and the team that designed and engineered all of them is the same team that designed and engineered our new 64C. We’re very proud of that.”

The 64C measures 63 feet, 8 inches; has an 18-foot, 11-inch beam; weighs 99,738 pounds; and draws 5 feet, 7 inches. Fuel capacity is 2,201 gallons, and there is tankage for 302 gallons of water.

Standard power is a pair of MAN 1550CRM V-12 diesels rated at 1,550 mhp each. Optional engine packages include 2,002-hp MTU M96X series diesels. Viking says the 64C will be among the fastest boats in its class, even with standard the engines.

The 64C shows a classic Viking profile, including an unbroken sheer, a swept-back windshield, deckhouse accents and distinctive hull-side engine room vents. The result is pure eye candy — a modern interpretation of a classic sportfish that looks as fast at the dock as it is on the water. Every new Viking model is a refinement of its predecessors. The performance improvements on the 64C were achieved using computational fluid dynamics software to maximize hull efficiency and improve speed and seakeeping qualities.

The tournament-readiness of this boat is perhaps best reflected in the uncluttered, 180-square-foot cockpit, which is packed with standard fishing features, including flush-mounted rod holders, fresh and raw water washdowns, a transom fishbox/live well, and port and starboard insulated fishboxes. Mezzanine seating, shaded by the flybridge overhang, has integral bait freezers, drink coolers and a centerline engine room hatch.

The accommodations below are what you’d expect from a builder like Viking. Walnut cabinetry is crafted with an eye toward detail and finished in the customer’s choice of high gloss or satin.

The saloon has an open-concept layout, with a walkway that connects to the forward staterooms. A port-side dinette seats four on a raised platform over cleverly designed pull-out rod stowage. A sizable, L-shaped lounge sits abaft the galley breakfast bar/counter around a teak coffee-style table. The galley has stone countertops and barstool seating, two Sub-Zero fridges and a freezer, a four-burner electric stove top and a microwave/convention oven — all standard.

The four-stateroom layout includes an amidships master, two port-side guest suites and a forward cabin with a single island queen or crossover berths. The three heads each have an enclosed shower compartment.

The flybridge has a centerline helm with flush-mounted multifunction displays, Bocatech switching, recessed radio boxes with split lids, and single-lever engine controls. Seating surrounds the helm, including two side lounges and a chaise lounge forward. There’s stowage for tackle and gear, in addition to a small refrigeration box and a sink.

To see everything that goes into the Viking 64C and watch the build as it progresses, visit vikingyachts.com. Or get yourself to Fort Lauderdale for the boat’s christening in late October.