Hi Don, I'm coming up on my 3rd season with my 1973 V33. She truly is a beautiful boat, well built, sails like a dream, handles big wind and waves well really and maneuvers like a much smaller boat. She turns on a dime, backs up well with the original Michigan Wheel Blue Dot Folding prop. Shell move along okay in light wind as well. She is very stiff and all that weight below the water line makes her very steady and predictable. I've only been sailing about 7 or 8 years (although I grew up on power boats). So, I am not as seasoned a sailor as many of the guys here but, the wife and I can handle her pretty well on our own and if there is any willing and enthusiastic crew on board she is a picnic to sail.
We don't race, We are just weekend day sailors really and maybe do a few weekends and maybe a week out over to the islands. I'm hoping we begin doing more and more of that as we get to know the boat and add the creature comforts that make that less like camping...LOL (we're getting to old for roughing it for very long!) The downsides are that she really is kind of small for a 34 (or 33 feet-7 inches to be more precise). I'm 6 feet tall and have to stoop when below and she has a pretty narrow beam but those are the things that make her look the way she does and sail the way she does. The head is really small and there is no stand up shower and my boat is pretty bare in amenities. No shore power, but I'm on a mooring so I don't care. I have an Atomic 4 gas engine that I'm relatively happy with, I don't do much motoring so I didn't see the benefit of switching to diesel when the old Atomic 4 needed replacing. There are all kinds of parts available for that engine too. I upgraded to electronic ignition, fresh water cooling, added a higher temp thermostat, electric fuel pump... The 34 has more sail area due to a taller rig. It also has a little different interior layout. I believe the 34 has a 1/4 birth aft. Mine has some cabinets and a cockpit locker there instead. There is a yahoo group with some pretty smart Viking owners. It stays quiet until someone has a question and then it fires up. I met one a guy on there who help me immeasurably with getting Lolita back in safe working order. This guy has owned his Viking for like 35 years and knows, literally, everything, about these boats and is more than happy to share that knowledge. So, you do have that! Other than the lack of modern conveniences and some space this an amazing boat, shes fast, points really well, handles some pretty gnarly weather conditions with ease and can keep moving in pretty light wind. My wife and I go to boat shows and look at the Hanse, Jenneau and the like and think wow, this is so roomy, bright and modern... But I bet if I had one, I would miss the Viking! This kind of build quality is a thing of the past. Which boat are you looking at, There aren't that many for sale and I've seen a few ads. If it is the one I'm thinking of, the price drop makes it a steal! Danny Lolita 1973 Viking 33 Wesport Point, MA ---------- Original Message ---------- From: D Harben via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> To: cnc-list <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Subject: Stus-List Viking 34 (like 33) observations? Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 21:13:15 -0400 Hi While the V34 is not out of the C&C shop it was off their design tables. I am considering purchasing a well built and cared for diesel V34. I am looking for props and cons about the design and build. Don _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
