|
Seeing
spots as I stepped out of the bright sunlight and into the cool saloon
of Viking’s new 48 Convertible, I first thought my eyes were playing
tricks on me. Festooning the yacht’s interior were dozens of small,
bright orange dots, each marked with an arrow or a terse command, as if
someone had run amok with a pad of Post-It notes. On closer inspection,
I realized each dot indicated a spot that needed a touch-up. Mike Samuels,
Viking’s head of quality control, explained that a dealer would
soon be taking delivery of this yacht, the first 48C, and Viking wanted
everything to be just right.
What
impressed me about this was that even in those spots that Viking had tagged
for rework, the fit and finish were better than that of many other boats
I’ve seen. In several places I frankly couldn’t find a blemish
and had to ask Samuels why the spot had been marked. He explained that
some “imperfections” can only be seen when the sun shines
from a certain angle and that he makes it a point to walk the docks at
Viking’s New Gretna, New Jersey, facility several times each day,
inspecting every yacht under varying conditions of sunlight to catch anything
that isn’t absolutely perfect. In a few days, when everything passes
Samuels’ demanding inspections, the dealer will inspect the yacht,
and any imperfections he or she may find will be remedied. Only after
both Samuels and the dealer have been satisfied will the customer see
the finished product, so that the first impression will be as close to
perfect as possible. That, says Samuels, is Viking’s goal, and not
just for the first 48C, but for every one of the boats it builds, from
the 43 to the 72.
Though
fit and finish are important, function is paramount, and my inspection
convinced me that Viking puts as much time and effort into making things
work well as it does into making them look good. For example, varnished
teak cabinet doors on the TV and entertainment center are hinged at the
sides to open in the usual way, but then they slide back out of the way
like pocket doors. Ditto for the cabinet doors in the galley, so you’ll
never bump into one. And the overhead cabinets are a full three feet deep,
so you can stash lots of goodies. How can you reach stuff in the back
of the cabinet? Easy, ‘cause they’re fitted with pull-out
shelves.
Even
the Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer units have pull-out drawers, offering
lots of cold stowage space without taking up countertop area. Removable
lids on the three-burner cooktop add counter space for prep work, and
they are thoughtfully fitted with safety kill switches that cut power
to the stove when they’re in place.
Next page >
Viking 48C continued > Page 1, 2,
3, 4, 5,
6
|