Boat currently docked in Cabo San Lucas, MX.    Like all Vikings, the 80 Convertible hones its blue-water DNA from its stable mates. The sleek styling showcases an impeccable sheer line with nine feet of freeboard forward tapering to slightly more than three feet at the stern, a lively reflection of the aggressive profiles of its recent brethren including the 92 and 62 Convertibles. The hull’s sharper entry merges with a higher forward chine designed to divert spray downward when ripping through head seas. Convex hull sections add curvature and form to the refined running surface, while a quad of molded running strakes accentuate lateral tracking and maneuverability.  Tumblehome at the corners of the curved transom adds definition and beauty. Deadrise at the transom is 12.5 degrees and the beam is carried well aft providing exceptional volume, buoyancy and balance, a deft combination, which comfortably accommodates additional fuel, and the weight of a gyro stabilizer. Subtle style cues including molded feature lines on the flying bridge and the deckhouse are further accented by the raked, metallic black windshield mask and the tinted teardrop salon windows. Sculpted hull vents and tinted portlights add sophisticated attention to detail and utility. To enhance performance and achieve better engine and propulsion efficiencies, the design, engineering and production teams shaved unnecessary poundage, while increasing strength and seakeeping capabilities. The resin infused hull is a sophisticated composite structure of Baltek end-grain balsa and Airex foam cores with Aramid and E-glass fiberglass laminates. Stringers are fiberglass encapsulated foam and bulkheads are fabricated with vacuumed bagged composites. Mechanically, the 80 Convertible shares a commonality of technical features proven time and time again for reliability and practicality at the thousand fathom line and beyond. Chilled water air conditioning provides cooling and heat throughout the yacht with individual thermostats in the staterooms and the salon for efficient climate control. A Delta-T engineroom ventilation system with thermostatically controlled supply and discharge fans provide proper fresh air circulation and water intrusion suppression. Pneumatically controlled engineroom ventilation dampers are integrated into the yacht’s fire suppression system.  Viking’s proprietary VIPER (Viking Independent Programmable Electro-hydraulic Rudder) steering eliminates the tie-bar for independent rudder operation and optimizes response and reduces drag at low, mid and high speeds for extraordinary maneuverability in all sea conditions. A lengthy list of standard equipment includes a hydraulic bow thruster, a centralize seawater system, dual freshwater pumps, Veem S-class propellers, two 29 kW Onan generators, two Glendinning Cablemasters, Charles PM 100 shore power cord combiner and isolation transformer, and an Octoplex touch screen electrical distribution panel with monitors in the salon and on the flying bridge with manual back-up. Powered with tier 3 MTU Series 2000 V16 M96L engines each developing 2,635 mhp with Blue Vision controls and display monitors, our testing calculations indicate a top speed in excess of 40 knots with an effortless high 30 knot cruise, depending upon load, sea conditions and ambient environmental factors. These engines are the same as used aboard the 92 Convertible. It is interesting to note that MTU looked to Viking to be the first manufacturer to use this new propulsion system and Viking’s success with its 92 series verified the engines comprise a winning combination for speed, efficiency, range, acceleration and quietness, which will replicate aboard the 80 Convertible.