Yeah, a picture says a thousand words but hey! Sometimes pictures can
say things words simply can’t. Take the images that accompany this
entry, for example. Certainly, one of Viking’s strong points is
engineering but attempting to convey the extent to which this is true
is often difficult, at least in a magazine story with space
constraints. So here are a few extra photos and some explanatory text.
With any luck, they’ll synergize just a tad and more clearly emphasize
the high level of engineering I found on the 57:
1.
This general engine room shot shows, among other things, two of
Viking’s biggies—redundant duplex fuel/water separators (which the
company was installing on its vessels well before many other builders
began doing it) and Viking’s so-called “Billy Beams” or steel-beam-type
engine bearers named after Bill Healey, who started Viking with a
background in the steel biz. The first feature promotes safety and
maintenance ease, of course, and the second mechanical solidity and
seaworthiness.
2.
Viking’s been installing shorepower cord hangers on its boats for
several years now—keeps the cord or cords from laying in the cockpit
underfoot while dockside. Also gives the cockpit a clean, neat look,
something that’s valued by true seafarers, clutter-haters mostly.
3.
Continuing with the true-searfaring-clutter-hating theme, a hatch over
the various shoreside connection paraphernalia also keeps the cockpit
looking clean and neat.
4.
Steering hydraulics on the 57 are big, beefy, and installed with
industrial-strength bolts and other hardware. Moreover, there are
quick-connect fitting T-ed into the hydraulic lines (see the barbed
fittings emanating from the lines?) to add/remove fluid. This saves
considerable time when maintenance issues arise.
5.
Check it out. Not only is there plenty of room outboard of the main
engines, there’s ready-made seating. Personally, I find it
exceptionally tiring and difficult to do engine maintenance and other
chores while on my knees on a walkway—being able to sit down helps me
concentrate and makes the project more relaxed and enjoyable, no matter
how tough it is.
6.
The 57’s primary water pump is huge and powerful—This baby, in fact, is
about the size of a terrier and most likely just as feisty. The pump,
by the way, is imported from Italy by Viking.
7.
Sure, this is a small point. But the Cruisair air-conditioning units
onboard the 57 are secured with these fasteners. Note the
sound-and-vibration-absorbent pad underneath the unit. Isolating
components in this way and anchoring them solidly with custom-fit
clamps helps keep the 57 church mouse quiet.