Boat test for the 2003 Viking Sport Cruisers 61 SC with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2003 Viking Sport Cruisers 61 SC.

But while the 61 is impressive on the inside, she also has the requisite places for outside entertaining. There's a settee on the aft section of the teak-soled cockpit, a foredeck sunpad, and, of course, the flying bridge that is easily accessed via a pair of staircases, one in the cockpit and one separating the saloon from the dining area. For a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner under the stars, there's an electric grill and wet bar up here directly abaft the centerline helm, plus an oval table with wraparound seating immediately aft. An additional large sunpad just behind the table has a stowage compartment beneath it.

All that beauty and comfort is supported by considerable brawn. Built to Lloyds' Register Quality Assurance and ABYC recommendations, the 61 is made of hand-laid FRP with a solid hull and bottom. "The supporting foam-encapsulated stringers, frames, and foam-cored, encapsulated FRP bulkheads form an egg-crate type of construction—almost like building a wooden-framed boat," said Fredrickson as we peered at the hull from inside the lazarette. "The result is strength and stiffness without compromising weight." I also saw beefiness in the engine room, where I noted a welded aluminum frame above that supports the saloon sole.

With a price of $1,722,415 as tested, it shouldn't be surprising that I had trouble finding anything majorly wrong with the 61 Sport Cruiser. I found nothing lacking in her accommodations, entertaining areas, or machinery space—no cramped quarters, plenty of stowage, doors that fit just as they should. Sitting at the lower helm and while looking aft, I even had good visibility aft for docking. Moreover, I noticed a lot of thoughtful touches: the rollers on each of the bow leads, the battery boxes in the lazarette that are vented overboard, and the large rams that make opening and closing the large transom stowage hatch effortless.

Frankly, I would liked to have spent more time on the 61—especially slaloming her in the Bass River—but no sooner did we have her back in her slip from our test then she was being made ready for her trip to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Probably not as exciting a ride but I'll bet every bit as pleasurable.

Viking Yachts
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