Viking Yachts History & Heritage
The Viking saga began in 1964 in New Gretna, New Jersey, nestled along the banks of the Bass River upstream of Atlantic City. Visionaries Bob and Bill Healey embarked on a transformative journey, acquiring a struggling wooden sportfishing boat builder and pioneering the transition to fiberglass construction.
Since its inception, Viking has launched over 4,000 boats from its Bass River headquarters, primarily focusing on crafting sportsfisher vessels tailored for offshore adventures. However, the brand's trajectory has been marked by a consistent evolution, with a notable surge in growth during the early 2000s.
In 2002, Viking inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility in Riviera Beach, Florida, near Palm Beach, catering to the needs of Viking owners. Concurrently, the iconic Bass River Marina, where the Healey brothers' maritime legacy began, returned to Viking's fold.
Further bolstering its offerings, Viking established two new entities in early 2003: Atlantic Marine Electronics (AME) and Palm Beach Towers (PBT). AME specializes in advanced electronic navigation systems installed on Viking Yachts and Viking Sport Cruisers, while PBT excels in crafting tuna towers and fabricating aluminum and fiberglass components for Viking vessels and other prestigious yacht brands.
In a testament to their enduring dedication, Bill and Bob Healey were honored in 2003 with induction into the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Hall of Fame, recognizing their profound contributions to the recreational marine industry.
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