1990 Viking 53 Convertible Sport-Fishing Yacht – A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most comprehensively upgraded Viking 53 Convertibles on the market.
Motivated Seller & Ready to Go Off-Shore!
The 1990 Viking 53 Convertible is a premier offshore sport-fishing yacht built by Viking Yachts of New Gretna, New Jersey — one of the most respected names in American boatbuilding. This vessel represents the pinnacle of late-1980s/early-1990s convertible design, blending serious fishing capability with comfortable cruising accommodations. The Viking 53 stands out for its reliable performance and robust construction, with confidence in handling across a wide range of conditions and genuine long-range capability for extended offshore voyages.
Hull & Construction
Built on a solid fiberglass deep-V hull with a wide beam of 16.6 feet, the Viking 53 delivers a smooth, seaworthy ride in the demanding offshore conditions serious anglers require. Viking’s hand-laid fiberglass construction and reputation for structural integrity made this model a standout among its contemporaries. This premier offshore sport-fishing yacht has been soda blasted and treated to 5 coats of Pettit Triton bottom paint (2023), with recoats in 2025 and 2026. All plastic thru-hull fittings have been replaced with Gemlux stainless hardware, and a Vetus 24V bow thruster was added in 2018. The boat is stored on the hard each December through April, protecting the hull during the off-season.
- LOA: 53.42 ft
- Beam: 16.6 ft
Performance & Engines
Twin MAN 820 hp inboard diesels offers exceptional performance for a 53-foot convertible.
Engine hours are approximately Port 3,905–Starboard 3,931 with rigorous annual servicing (oil samples, transmission service) carried out every year from 2022 through 2026.
Services and Mechanicals
- Notable engine and drivetrain work includes:
- Port engine major overhaul (2017, receipt in hand)
- Transmission dampers/couplers replaced on both sides (port 2024, starboard 2017)
- Onan 20K with 4,100 hours, up to date services
- (2022) Starboard & Port Engines – MAN Schedule C Service to include: New Coolant, New injector lines, reconditioned injectors, valve adjustments, new bundles and tanks – starboard and port engines.
- Upgrade fuel filter assembly on both engines, new belt
- Serviced fuel coolers
- Powder coated both engines valve covers
- New raw water feed hoses, replacement of soft cooling lines on both engines
- Serviced heat exchangers
- Changed trans oil
- Dripless shaft systems with spares; cutlass bearings replaced
- Props conditioned, balanced, and prop-speed coated
(2023) Annual service on both engines and trans, oil samples sent out
- New Fresh water pump
- Bennett trim tab actuators, tank, and digital displays (2023)
- New Zincs
- Spare set of 3-blade propellers included
- New Generator exhaust line to stern
- Rudder packing replaced
- Circular water pump starboard side
(2024) Annual service on both engines and trans and engines, oil samples sent out
- Water pumps serviced
- New hot water heater and pressure tank
(2025) Annual service on engines and trans, oil samples sent out
- Prop speed on all running gear, recoat bottom paint
(2026) Annual service on engines and trans, oil samples sent out
Tanks & Range
The 1,100-gallon fuel capacity provides genuine bluewater range, supporting extended offshore passages without concern.
- Fuel: 1,100 gallons
- Fresh Water: 250 gallons, replaced water tank lid
- Holding: 150 gallons, replaced holding tank lid added 3-point sensor
Fishing Cockpit
The heart of this boat is its spacious, purpose-built cockpit — one of the largest in its class at the time of construction. Features include transom door, livewell with rebuilt macerator pump, in-deck fishboxes, outrigger mounts (repaired 2023), and a tournament-ready layout. A Simrad NSX 7″ display is mounted in the cockpit for helm-independent navigation. Rod holders, tackle storage, and ample fight-deck space round out the offshore capability. Rule Auto-Sense 2000 bilge pump _mid-bilge) plus 2 new 2000 manual/auto pumps (bow and stern, 2022)
Flybridge & Electronics
(2024) The expansive flybridge offers commanding 360-degree visibility and has been completely re-upholstered with a new all-side polycarbonate enclosure (7 panels) back panels 40ga, and new aft backdrop and pole shades.
The electronics suite is fully modern:
- 3× Simrad NSS Evo3 12″ displays, 1× NSX 12″, 2× NSX 9″ (bridge)
- 2× Raymarine Axiom 7″ displays
- Halo 6′ radar array + FLIR
- 2× Simrad VHF/AIS units
- Simrad NAC-3 autopilot
- Starlink High Performance satellite internet (2024)
Electrical, Lighting & Audio
- JL Audio system: 2 amps (600/6), two M6 10″ subs, six 7.7″ and two 6.5″ M6 speakers, Fusion RA770 head unit
- Lumitec x2 Spectrum underwater lights (×4)
- LED deck flood lights and go-light/spotlight on hardtop
- Poco controller for full LED lighting management
- New bridge and cockpit recessed spectrum color lights
- Group 31 battery added for bridge power
- Glendinning shore power cord with wireless remote (2023)
Interior & Accommodations
Below decks, the Viking 53 offers a well-appointed interior with 3 staterooms and 2 heads. The salon was refit by a previous owner in 2015 and received a new A/C system, line set, and coil in 2022. The forward cabin received a new headliner with LED conversion in 2024, and all cabins have new carpet. Both heads feature rebuilt Vacu-flush systems 2022. A new hot water heater and pressure tank were installed in 2024, along with a custom bed in the master stateroom. Teak and holly sole and quality woodwork throughout reflect Viking’s enduring craftsmanship standards.
Exceptional maintenance under new stewardship as of September 2021
This vessel has been maintained to an exceptional standard, with over $250,000 in upgrades and repairs. Annual engine and transmission service every year since purchasing the vessel in September 2021, sending oil samples out each cycle. All engine paperwork is available.
A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most comprehensively upgraded Viking 53 Convertibles on the market and Ready to Go!
