International News: Big secret revealed

Viking Yachts President Patrick Healey revealed a big secret.

Viking Yachts chooses CMD Zeus Pod Propulsion to Power new 42 Open/Convertible. Viking, the legendary yacht builder from New Gretna, N.J., made the announcement in its booth at the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach just after the show opened for its five-day run. Production on the 42 Convertible begins immediately, with delivery of hull No. 1 slated for this summer.

Viking Yachts President Patrick Healey revealed the big secret in front of a select group of Viking dealers and partners. The new models were designed from conception to be powered by pods and to take full advantage of all of the benefits Zeus brings to the table. For instance, they will be the first Zeus-powered sportfish boats to be built in such a way that allows the engines to be housed under the cockpit sole, freeing up more than six feet of cabin space versus a typical inboard arrangement. This abundance of interior space – unprecedented in a 42-foot sportfish – provides room for two or three staterooms, two heads and huge salon in the Convertible. The Open is available in two basic configurations: The first with two staterooms, one head and a salon, and a second with three staterooms and two heads.

Both models measure 42 feet, 7 inches long, with a beam of 15 feet, 10 inches. The Convertible displaces 35,999 pounds with a draft of 3 feet, 7 inches, and the Open weighs in at 32,699 pounds with a draft of 3 feet, 5 inches. Standard power will be a pair of Cummins MerCruiser Diesel QSB5.9-liter, 440-mhp diesel engines, coupled with Zeus 3000 series pods.

Of course, both Viking Zeus models will enjoy all of the amenities Zeus provides: Ease of use, including joystick docking, Skyhook® and an integrated autopilot; unmatched protection against collisions and grounding; and improved performance. They’ll also feature the fine craftsmanship and seakeeping abilities that make Viking one of the most sought-after boat brands in the world.

Peter Frederiksen, Director of Communications for Viking Yachts, said his company is eager to bring such a unique value package to the market.

“We are excited about these new models and the performance and value the Zeus system will provide to Viking customers,” he said.

Cummins MerCruiser Diesel introduced the revolutionary Zeus propulsion system to the boating world in 2006. The Zeus system utilizes CMD’s new joystick control system, taking away much of the stress and worry typically associated with docking a boat. The Zeus system has received critical acclaim throughout the marine industry, earning Motor Boating magazine’s 2007 Best of the Year Award for Advanced Technology.

CMD President Alex Savelli said his organization couldn’t be prouder to partner with such an industry icon, especially on groundbreaking project like the new 42.

“Viking Yachts are known the world over as some of the finest vessels at any price,” he said. “We are ecstatic that Mr. Healey and his staff have chosen Zeus to power their new 42, and I know it will meet the incredibly high standards that the Viking brand has set.”

CMD is exhibiting its full range of propulsion systems, including Zeus, at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show, Feb. 11-15. The CMD display is located in Booth M87 in the Miami Beach Convention Center and its on-water display is located on Pier 1 in the Sea Isle Marina, just across Biscayne Bay in Miami. The Viking display is located at the Yacht and Brokerage Show, on Collins Avenue just a few miles from the convention center in Miami Beach.

About CMD

Based in Charleston, South Carolina (USA), Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is responsible for designing, manufacturing and providing reliable after-sales support worldwide for marine propulsion products. It offers a broad range of power, with available ratings from 115-715 hp for recreational applications and 150-715 hp for commercial use. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is a joint venture between Cummins Inc. and Mercury Marine and can be found on the internet at www.cmdmarine.com.