As you like it

Iread with interest Kenny Wooton’s editorial on custom vs. semi-custom builds [September/October 2015]. For several years, I had been thinking of building a custom sportfish boat in the 80-foot range. I wanted plush cruising accommodations with offshore fishing capabilities. At the same time, I was very particular with the GA and desired a master stateroom with his-and-her heads, spacious closets, all the latest electronics and a particular Pennsylvania cherry wood throughout.

Imagine my surprise when Viking Yachts agreed to build a semicustom 82 for me, with all my requirements. I even picked out the tree the interior came from, sorted flitches and got the grain exactly where I wanted it on each cabinet. She delivered this summer as a 2016 model—on time (14 months), on budget and with a proven hull. Sometimes it pays to talk to the production guys; some of them may stretch their comfort zone to produce something like my Untethered. —David Reis

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