Boat test for the 2008 Viking Sport Cruisers 63 including boat specifications, photo galleries, boat videos, boat layout diagrams, boat test numbers, boat test results, and boat speed graphs. Also includes pricing, engine test reviews, ratings, standard features, and gear for the 2008 Viking Sport Cruisers 63.

At the upper helm, it was easy to freewheel the electric steering, which resulted in some fun and sharp turns at cruise speed. Hard-over turns were completed in about three to four boat lengths, with just a couple-hundred-rpm loss during the process. This helm offers unobstructed sightlines in almost all directions; the flying-bridge overhang partially obscures the view of the swim platform. Our test boat didn't have a hardtop, but the Venturi windscreen did a solid job of deflecting the breeze up and over our heads. For guests keeping the captain company, there's a large U-shape seating area aft of the helm seat. In addition, there's a Ceran grill for cooking on the hook.

The Viking Sport Cruisers 63 is an exercise in balanced design. Note how her low-profile look blends with the raked windshield and radar arch.

The position of the lower helm is to starboard and a little farther forward than the centerline upper one. Thanks to the raked windshield and the boat's minimal bow rise when getting on plane, she was sporty to drive from here even if the wheel actual didn't spin, as if disconnected. I noted a couple of minor issues in driving from this position. With my polarized glasses on, I had trouble seeing through the raked windshield, and as I wear prescription lenses, I pretty much had to deal with the blue striations. Another disadvantage is that during hard-over turns, the 63's moderate inboard heel obscures your view into the turn until the boat comes back to vertical. That said, this helm has clean sightlines for just about everything else, including backing into a slip.

It was quiet here, too. Top decibel readings at the lower helm measured 77 (65 dB is the level of normal conversation). The 63 receives a healthy treatment of Soundown insulation, according to Carroll. The upper helm sported a top reading of 83 dB, which is still quite good considering it's an open space.

This boat's quietude was quite relaxing on the cruise back to the slip, and soon it was time for me to head off to the next gig. What I learned of the 63 is that this is a boat that can satisfy a variety of owners. If you like speed, she has it. Comfort? She oozes it, from the neutral tones of her saloon's settees to the warmth of that abundant high-gloss cherrywood. Her ride is sporty and inspires you to keep on driving. And who knows, if you're out in Montauk soon, maybe you'll get to meet Moss, and he'll give you a tour of her. But be warned, you might end up wanting one.

For more information on Viking Sport Cruisers, including contact information, click here.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Prop Saver

Did you know that your boat's shaft can spin fast enough to cause air to flow through your zincs and pummel the props with missile-like air bubbles, causing damage? These zincs can also deteriorate, break off, and damage the cutlass bearings. To prevent these events from happening, Viking Sport Cruisers decided to bond all of its shafts (and rudders) internally through the boat's bonding system. A magnetic brush, which is tied into the boat's bonding system, keeps constant contact with the shaft, protecting it and and the propellers from corrosion. This system eliminates the need for costly shaft and rudder zincs. The only zincs present are two large hull zincs, trim tab zincs, and small zincs used on the propeller hubs of the bow and stern thruster.—P.S.

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