The Viking View – Flying High
72 Sky Bridge
The popularity of our sky bridge models continues to surge as both fishing fanatics and cruising connoisseurs discover the benefits of this versatile design. The sky bridge gives you the best of both worlds – the 360-degree visibility of an open elevated control station and the weather protection and the comfort of an enclosed bridge (with its dedicated salon). The sky bridge is offered on our three largest models – the 72, 80 and 92. This 72 Sky Bridge (SB), pictured on Line 1 at the New Gretna plant, will be completed in July.
The above profile rendering illustrates the 72 SB’s balanced proportions, with the hull, deckhouse, enclosed bridge and sky bridge melding seamlessly together. Right: Like the open bridges on all of our convertibles, the sky bridge boasts a fully-equipped walkaround center console with space for a bank of electronics displays, flanking radio boxes and generous seating for guests.
It all starts with the 72 SB’s resin-infused hull, built with balsa and foam cores and carbon and E-glass hybrid fiberglass laminates. The resin infusion process (shown above) allows us to build the structure utilizing the most efficient ratio of resin and fiberglass to ensure the best strength-to-weight ratio.
Aluminum saddles are used to reinforce the installation of the twin 2635MHP MTU engines to the 72 SB‘s stringer and hull structure. The aluminum is powder-coated white, and then dry-fitted in the boat to ensure proper engine alignment. The saddles are then permanently affixed to the tops of the stringers with a specialized adhesive for bonding aluminum and FRP materials. Above, Mechanical Installer Jose Perez dispenses the adhesive inside a starboard engine saddle as Leadman Pete Skudalski Jr. oversees the operation.
An aft quartering view shows Berildo Meza working on the 72 SB in the Carpentry stage of production. Doing his part to build a better boat every day, the 22-year veteran installs stainless steel through bolts to secure the cockpit coaming to the hull.
Berildo was kind enough to pause (and remove his mask) for a moment for a thumbs-up photo. After through bolting, which is done every three inches, the boatbuilder will secure the joint inside with fiberglass. We’ll keep you up to date on the 72 SB’s progress as the four-stateroom yacht moves forward on the line. She’s going to be a beauty, with a Kingston Grey hull, walnut interior with satin finish and a host of fishing, navigational and convenience features. Please contact Oyster Harbors Marine for more information about the 72 SB or any of our boats from 38 to 93 feet.
