Yachts for sale / Viking 45 Express

2003 Viking 45 Express

Poquoson, VA, US 46 ft · 16.08 ft' beam 2 cabins 34 kn kn top
Asking
$294,900
Our Thoughts

This 2003 Viking 45 Express represents a substantial offshore express fishing platform with proven tournament-grade credentials and a layout designed for serious blue-water operation. The 46-foot hull, with a 16.08-foot beam and 8.67-foot draft, delivers the seaworthiness and stability expected from Viking's express design philosophy, with a cruising speed of 30 knots and a maximum speed of 34 knots powered by twin MAN D2848 diesel engines. The large bridge deck accommodates three helm chairs, a rarity in express boats of this size, and provides commanding visibility for both navigation and fishing operations.

The helm station is comprehensively equipped for modern offshore navigation and fishing. Three Garmin multifunction displays—the GPS Map 741XS, GPS Map 8212, and GPS Map 7612—work alongside a Simrad S2016 MFD and Simrad AP 22 autopilot, offering redundancy and integration for serious coastal and offshore cruising. Standard Horizon VHF, Glendenning palm beach-style controls, and two Miya Enoch US-8 teaser reels round out the command center, supporting both navigation and game-fish deployment.

Belowdecks, the two-stateroom, one-head layout provides comfortable cruising accommodations. The forward master stateroom features a large berth, while the port guest cabin includes bunk berths. The head, accessible from both the master and galley, is positioned for efficient traffic flow. The salon to port features an L-shaped sofa with breaker panel access, while the starboard galley is equipped with a two-burner Princess cooktop, GE microwave, and Uline refrigerator and freezer combination.

The 119-square-foot cockpit includes an in-deck livewell with deep stowage compartments, and the molded console contains a bait freezer, rigging station, and tackle storage. The step to the bridge deck conceals an insulated drink box. With an 848-gallon fuel capacity and 150-gallon water capacity, this vessel supports extended offshore operations.

This 45 Express is presented as a refit project, priced accordingly, and offers buyers the foundation of a capable offshore express with established performance credentials and modern electronics infrastructure ready for customization.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

This 2003 Viking 45 Express is a great Two stateroom, one head and Shower layout that is a blank canvas for its next owners. This vessel is in need of an interior refit, but it is priced with that in mind. Powered by a pair of the MAN D2848 with low hours. The updated electronics including three Garmin and one Simrad multi-function displays. The large helm space is great for the captain to be able to entertain all of the guests and still be in the middle of all the fishing action. 

2003 Viking 45 Express: Tournament-Proven Express Fishing Yacht with Dual MAN Diesels
Overview
The 2003 Viking 45 Express represents a proven platform in the premium express fishing category—a 46-foot vessel engineered for serious offshore anglers and cruising families who demand capable sea-keeping, spacious helm command, and genuine fishing functionality. Powered by twin MAN D2848 diesel engines with low operational hours, this two-stateroom, one-head layout delivers the classic Viking express profile: a bridge deck helm station large enough for three chairs, a 119-square-foot cockpit optimized for fishing operations, and cabin accommodations designed for extended offshore ventures. Priced at $294,900 and located in Poquoson, Virginia, this Viking is positioned as a capable entry point into the express fishing segment for buyers willing to invest in interior cosmetic refresh while acquiring a mechanically sound, electronically equipped offshore platform.
Helm and Electronics Command Center
The helm of this Viking 45 Express is configured as a working captain's station and social gathering point—a design hallmark of the 45 platform. Three helm chairs fit comfortably across the bridge deck, allowing the operator to remain engaged with fishing activities and guest entertainment without sacrificing command visibility. Single-lever electronic controls simplify maneuvering in close quarters and reduce fatigue during extended fishing days, while helm visibility from the elevated bridge position provides clear sightlines to the water ahead and to the cockpit below. Electronics integration supports modern navigation and fish-finding capability. The helm houses three Garmin multi-function displays—a Garmin GPS Map 741XS, Garmin GPS Map 8212, and Garmin GPS Map 7612—alongside a Simrad S2016 multi-function display, providing redundancy and flexible sonar/charting workflows. A Simrad AP 22 autopilot handles extended cruising, while a Standard Horizon VHF radio covers communication. Two Miya Enoch US-8 teaser reels are mounted at the helm, enabling live-bait presentation and trolling workflows without leaving the command station. Glendenning " Palm Beach style" controls integrate engine and trim functions into a cohesive single-lever interface, reducing the learning curve for guests and simplifying day-to-day operation.
Cockpit and Fishing Layout
The 119-square-foot cockpit is the operational heart of this express fishing platform. An in-deck livewell provides live-bait storage and fish-holding capacity for tournament and extended-range fishing. Flanking the livewell are two deep stowage compartments—one fixed for tackle and gear, the other convertible to a second livewell configuration, offering flexibility for different fishing missions or extended offshore campaigns. A molded console positioned against the aft bulkhead consolidates rigging, bait preparation, and tackle organization. The bait freezer keeps frozen chum and fresh baits ready for deployment, while the rigging station accommodates leader construction and lure rigging. Engine room access through the console allows straightforward maintenance and inspection of the MAN diesel power plants. A step leading up to the bridge deck conceals an insulated drink box—a practical detail that keeps refreshments accessible during long fishing days without cluttering the working cockpit. This layout reflects Viking's tournament heritage. The cockpit is sized and equipped for serious fishing—whether targeting pelagic species offshore or working structure in nearshore grounds—while remaining functional for cruising families who fish occasionally but prioritize comfort and entertainment capacity.
Cabin and Interior Accommodations
The two-stateroom, one-head layout provides sleeping quarters for six to eight guests, depending on configuration and comfort preference. The master stateroom is positioned forward with a large queen-size berth, offering privacy and the gentle motion of the bow for those sensitive to motion. A full head with shower connects directly to the master, with a second door providing access to the galley and salon—a practical traffic flow that minimizes disruption during overnight passages or multi-day offshore runs. The guest stateroom is a bunk room to port, featuring upper and lower berths for additional sleeping capacity. This layout supports both family cruising and crew accommodation for tournament fishing campaigns. The salon to port features an L-shaped sofa with the breaker panel positioned on the aft bulkhead. The galley to starboard is equipped with a two-burner Princess cooktop, a GE microwave, and an Uline refrigerator-freezer combination, providing meal preparation capability for extended cruising. The salon is described as tasteful and inviting but compact—workable for four to five people in casual entertaining, though not designed as a large-family gathering space. The layout prioritizes the helm and cockpit as the primary social and operational areas, which is appropriate for an express fishing platform where the action centers on the water.
Power and Performance
Twin MAN D2848 diesel engines provide the propulsion foundation for this Viking 45 Express. The MAN D2848 is a robust, proven workhorse in the mid-range fishing and cruising segment, known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and longevity in salt-water service. Low engine hours indicate minimal operational wear, a significant advantage in a 2003 vessel and a testament to either light use or meticulous maintenance. Performance specifications align with the express category. A cruising speed of 30 knots provides efficient long-range transit, while a maximum speed of 34 knots offers responsive acceleration for running to distant fishing grounds or making tidal windows. The 848-gallon fuel capacity supports extended offshore range at cruise settings—approximately 28 to 30 hours of continuous operation at 30 knots, translating to roughly 840 to 900 nautical miles of range depending on sea state and trim optimization. A 150-gallon water capacity accommodates multi-day cruising for a crew of four to six. The beam of 16.08 feet and draft of 8.67 feet position this Viking as a true offshore platform capable of handling the beam seas and swell often encountered in blue-water fishing grounds, while the draft permits operation in coastal and inshore waters where many productive fishing grounds are located.
Fishing Features and Offshore Capability
The Viking 45 Express was designed as a tournament platform, and this example retains the core fishing systems that support serious offshore operations. The in-deck livewell and convertible stowage compartment provide live-bait management for pelagic fishing—a critical capability for targeting marlin, tuna, wahoo, and other species that respond to live-bait presentations. The rigging station and bait freezer enable efficient tackle preparation and chum deployment. The bridge deck helm position—large enough for three chairs—allows the captain to fish actively while maintaining command of the vessel and entertaining guests. This design philosophy reflects the reality of modern sportfishing: the helm is as much a social and operational hub as a navigation station. Two Miya Enoch teaser reels mounted at the helm support live-bait trolling and teaser-and-switch presentations, techniques widely used in billfish and large-game-fish pursuit. The combination of Garmin and Simrad multi-function displays provides sonar coverage, GPS charting, and real-time fish-finding capability across multiple screens, allowing the operator and crew to identify structure, baitfish, and game-fish activity.
Why This Viking 45 Express Deserves Consideration
The 2003 Viking 45 Express occupies a practical niche in the pre-owned express market. It is a proven design with tournament history, a spacious helm configured for both command and social engagement, genuine fishing infrastructure, and the mechanical foundation of low-hour MAN diesels. The electronics suite—three Garmin displays plus Simrad backup—is current and capable, supporting modern navigation and fish-finding workflows without requiring immediate replacement. The stated need for interior cosmetic refresh is transparent and reflected in the pricing. Buyers acquiring this Viking are purchasing a sound offshore platform with proven sea-keeping and fishing credentials, not a turnkey showpiece. The blank-canvas interior offers an opportunity for personalization and selective upgrade, allowing new owners to invest in specific comfort or functional improvements that align with their intended use—whether that is tournament fishing, extended cruising, or a blend of both. For serious anglers or cruising families seeking a capable express with authentic fishing heritage, low-hour engines, and modern electronics at an accessible price point, this 2003 Viking 45 Express warrants inspection and consideration.
Length
46 ft
Beam
16.08 ft'
Year
2003
Builder
Viking
Model
45 Express
Cabins
2
Max speed
34 kn kn
What type of boat is the 2003 Viking 45 Express and what is it designed for?
The Viking 45 Express is a premium big-water express fishing yacht designed for offshore and coastal cruising with serious fishing capability. This model is purpose-built to handle challenging sea conditions and is a proven tournament winner in the sportfish category. The 46-foot length with a 16-foot beam provides a stable platform for both fishing operations and family cruising, with a 119-square-foot cockpit that supports professional-grade fishing activities while maintaining comfortable helm and cabin accommodations for extended trips.
What engines power this Viking 45 Express and what are the performance specifications?
This 2003 Viking 45 Express is powered by a pair of MAN D2848 diesel engines with low hours on them. These engines deliver strong offshore performance, with a cruising speed of 30 knots and a maximum speed of 34 knots. The dual-diesel configuration provides reliability and redundancy for extended offshore operations, while the low engine hours indicate minimal wear on the propulsion system. The 848-gallon fuel capacity supports extended cruising range at these speeds.
What electronics and navigation systems are installed at the helm?
The helm is equipped with a comprehensive Garmin and Simrad multi-function display system including three Garmin units (GPS Map 741XS, GPS Map 8212, and GPS Map 7612) plus a Simrad S2016 multi-function display. Navigation and fish-finding capability is fully integrated across these displays. The helm also features a Simrad AP 22 autopilot for hands-free cruising, a Standard Horizon VHF radio for communication, and Glendenning Palm Beach-style electronic controls for engine management. Two Miya Enoch US-8 teaser reels are mounted at the helm for trolling operations.
How is the helm station designed and what is the layout like?
The helm features a large bridge deck with room for three helm chairs, which is uncommon for an express fishing yacht of this size. This spacious design allows the captain to operate the boat while entertaining guests and remaining in the center of fishing action simultaneously. The single-lever electronic controls make maneuvering in close quarters straightforward, and helm visibility is good for a vessel of this length. The helm space functions as both a command center and social gathering area, making it practical for both fishing operations and cruising with family or guests.
What fishing features and cockpit layout does the Viking 45 Express offer?
The cockpit spans 119 square feet and is purpose-designed for fishing operations. It includes an in-deck livewell flanked by a pair of deep stowage compartments, with one compartment convertible into an additional livewell if needed. The molded console set against the aft bulkhead contains a bait freezer, rigging station, and tackle stowage, providing dedicated space for organizing fishing gear and bait. The cockpit design supports both serious tournament fishing and recreational angling, with thoughtful storage and live-bait management integrated throughout.
What cabin and stateroom accommodations are included in this vessel?
The 2003 Viking 45 Express features a two-stateroom, one-head layout. The master stateroom is located forward with a large berth suitable for extended cruising. The guest stateroom is a bunk room positioned to port. The head is connected to the master stateroom with one door and to the galley with a second door, creating efficient flow between sleeping and freshwater facilities. This layout sleeps four people comfortably and works well for couples or small families taking extended trips, though the cabin is described as workable but not spacious for larger groups.
What galley and salon features support cruising and entertaining?
The salon features an L-shaped sofa to port with the breaker panel on the aft bulkhead, creating a comfortable gathering space. The galley to starboard is equipped with a two-burner Princess cooktop, a GE microwave, and an Uline refrigerator and freezer combination, providing practical cooking and food storage for extended cruising. The salon is tastefully appointed and inviting, suitable for entertaining guests while at anchor or in port. A step leading up to the bridge deck conceals an insulated drink box for beverage storage during fishing or cruising activities.
What freshwater and fuel capacity does this Viking 45 Express provide for cruising range?
The vessel carries 848 gallons of fuel and 150 gallons of fresh water. At a cruising speed of 30 knots, the fuel capacity supports extended offshore range, while the fresh water capacity is adequate for a crew of four for multi-day cruising trips. The combination of these tank capacities makes the boat suitable for weekend getaways and longer offshore fishing expeditions without requiring frequent fuel or water stops.
What type of buyer is the 2003 Viking 45 Express suited for?
This Viking 45 Express is well-suited for buyers seeking an offshore fishing platform with cruising capability and a spacious helm for entertaining. The boat appeals to serious anglers who want tournament-proven design and professional fishing features like the in-deck livewell, bait freezer, and rigging station. It also works for couples or small families who want to combine fishing with comfortable cruising accommodations. The two-stateroom layout and helm space designed for multiple chairs make it practical for mixed-use boating—fishing during the day and entertaining guests while anchored. The vessel is positioned for buyers who understand the boat's potential and are willing to invest in interior updates to match their preferences.
What makes the 2003 Viking 45 Express a good offshore fishing boat compared to other express yachts?
The Viking 45 Express combines several features that make it effective for offshore fishing. The twin MAN diesel engines provide reliable, fuel-efficient power for reaching distant fishing grounds, while the 119-square-foot cockpit with in-deck livewell and bait freezer supports serious fishing operations. The large helm with room for three chairs and excellent visibility allows the captain to fish and navigate simultaneously without compromising either activity. The integrated Garmin and Simrad electronics provide modern fish-finding and navigation capability. The molded console with rigging station and tackle stowage keeps fishing gear organized and accessible. The proven tournament-winning design, combined with the ability to handle challenging sea conditions, makes this express yacht capable of supporting both day trips and extended offshore fishing expeditions while maintaining comfortable cabin accommodations for crew rest between fishing days.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Bluewater Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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