In the upper echelons of competitive sportfishing, few names command the immediate respect and reverence of a custom-rigged Viking convertible. Currently sitting proudly in Galveston, Texas, under the brokerage of Galati Yacht Sales, the 2018 Viking 72 Convertible known as Wrapped Up represents the absolute peak of offshore engineering, tournament readiness, and uncompromising luxury. Offered at $4.9 million, this vessel is not merely a pre-owned yacht; it is a meticulously maintained, highly specialized weapon designed by some of the world’s most seasoned captains and professional anglers.
From its rumbling MTU M96L 16V2000 powerplants to its state-of-the-art AME electronics package featuring Furuno omni sonar, Wrapped Up has been spared no expense in its lifetime. It bridges the gap between a high-stakes tournament contender and a long-range cruising yacht capable of keeping an entire crew comfortable in the most punishing offshore environments. As the market for top-tier sportfishers continues to see unprecedented demand, the availability of Wrapped Up offers an immediate turnkey solution for an owner looking to step into a proven winner without the multi-year waitlist of a new custom build.
Detailed Chronology: The Pedigree of the Viking 72C Platform
To understand the immense value and capability of Wrapped Up, one must examine the timeline and engineering evolution that birthed the Viking 72 Convertible series. Introduced to the market as a definitive statement of builder prowess, the 72C lineage was engineered to replace legendary predecessors while pushing the boundaries of what a convertible sportfish could achieve in terms of speed, agility, and interior volume.
By 2018, Viking Yachts had perfected the second-generation iterations of the 72C platform. Wrapped Up entered the water during a golden era of composite manufacturing, leveraging advanced resin infusion techniques, engineered glass laminates, and end-grain balsa coring in the hull sides and superstructure to maximize strength-to-weight ratios.
Unlike standard production models, Wrapped Up underwent a rigorous custom-outfitting process immediately following its delivery. Experienced captains and dedicated sportfishing syndicates took the baseline excellence of the Viking hull and layered on a series of bespoke modifications. This included the installation of a full Palm Beach custom tower, optional additional fuel capacity for extended trans-oceanic or remote canyon runs, and an elite marine electronics suite. Every system, pump, and fitting onboard has been monitored under an open-checkbook maintenance protocol, ensuring that the vessel’s operational history is as pristine as its gelcoat.
Supporting Context & Metrics: Performance, Layout, and Technical Specifications
The Viking 72C is celebrated across the marine industry as a marvel of naval architecture, combining tournament-winning maneuverability with the interior appointments of a luxury motor yacht. Wrapped Up takes these factory-standard advantages and elevates them through specialized additions.
Propulsion and Hull Dynamics
At the heart of Wrapped Up are twin MTU M96L 16V2000 engines, delivering an astonishing combination of raw horsepower and refined efficiency. According to historical sea trial data gathered by Yachting magazine on sister vessels of this class, the Viking 72 Convertible performs with sports-car-like reflexes:
Fast Cruise: The vessel effortlessly settles into a 40-knot cruise at 2,120 rpm, drawing roughly 80 percent engine load.
Economical Cruise: Dropping down to 2,000 rpm yields an impressive average speed of 37.4 knots while burning 198 gallons per hour at a comfortable 78 percent engine load.
Top End: At wide-open throttle (WOT), the hull surges to an exhilarating 45.5 knots, consuming 258 gallons per hour.
This staggering performance is matched by the proprietary Viking Independent Programmable Electro-hydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system. This fly-by-wire configuration eliminates traditional mechanical linkage slop, allowing the skipper to adjust individual rudder toe angles. The result is an astonishingly responsive helm capable of carving tight, two-boat-length turns with catlike agility—a critical asset when backing down hard on a grander marlin in rough seas.
Onboard Comfort and Stabilization
Angling in heavy seas requires a stable platform, and Wrapped Up addresses this with a Seakeeper 26 gyro stabilizer. This heavy-duty gyroscopic stabilization system dramatically mitigates roll, whether the yacht is trolling in cross-swells or resting at anchor in an unprotected bay.
The 209-square-foot cockpit serves as the primary operational theater. It features a stunning teak deck, optimal workspace for the fight, and an air-conditioned mezzanine seating area designed to keep the crew cool during sweltering summer tournament days.
Interior Accommodations
Stepping inside through the electric salon door reveals a sprawling, four-stateroom, five-head layout. This configuration includes the highly coveted and functional day head on the main deck, eliminating the need for anglers to traipse wet feet through the lower staterooms during a hot bite.
Galley and Dinette: Located forward to port, the galley features premium under-counter refrigeration, high-gloss woodwork, and polished stone countertops, directly opposite an ample dinette for crew briefings.
Master and Guest Quarters: The full-beam master stateroom amidships offers a walk-around king berth, generous cedar-lined hanging lockers, and an en-suite head. Additional guest cabins forward and to starboard ensure that family and crew travel in absolute luxury.
Official Statements and Industry Insights
Industry experts and marine trade publications have long lauded the Viking 72 Convertible as a masterclass in modern sportfish design. Reviewers have consistently highlighted the seamless integration of raw fishability and refined cruising luxury.
"Viking Yachts’ 72 Convertible flew across the water at an average 37.4-knot, 2,000 rpm cruise speed. The engines were running at just 78 percent load and burning 198 gph. At wide-open throttle, my test vessel made 45.5 knots while her engines burned 258 gph… The builder’s second-generation VIPER steering enabled our 72C to carve two boat-length turns with catlike agility." — Yachting Magazine Test Report
The brokerage community has similarly praised Wrapped Up for its turnkey readiness. Representing the vessel through Galati Yacht Sales, professional broker Jay Dee Jackson emphasizes the rare nature of this listing:
"Wrapped Up represents a unique opportunity for the discerning angler. She has been tournament-rigged by some of the most experienced minds in the sport and maintained with an open checkbook. She leaves nothing to be desired and is ready to step straight into a competitive program today."
Future Outlook: The Market for Turnkey Tournament Sportfishers
As the global market for high-performance sportfishing yachts navigates shifting economic landscapes, the demand for immediate-delivery, proven tournament platforms remains exceptionally strong. New construction slots for vessels in the 70-to-80-foot range often feature multi-year delays, driving sophisticated buyers toward elite pre-owned inventories.
Wrapped Up occupies a sweet spot in this ecosystem. Priced at $4.9 million and lying in the strategic cruising grounds of Galveston, Texas, the yacht offers Gulf Coast, Caribbean, and East Coast anglers an immediate entry into elite-level competition. With its optional additional fuel capacity, advanced Furuno omni sonar, and uncompromising MTU power, Wrapped Up is more than equipped to dominate tournament leaderboards for years to come.
For prospective buyers looking to take the next step, professional broker Jay Dee Jackson of Galati Yacht Sales can be reached directly at 941-720-5081. Detailed specifications and full photo galleries can also be viewed via the official Galati Yacht Sales Listing.
