Overview:  Successor to the well regarded Viking 46 Convertible (1981–85), the defining characteristic of the 48 Convertible is her huge 144 sq. ft. fishing cockpit—by far the largest in this class for several years. Unlike her predecessor, the 48 has a solid front windshield for a sleeker, more muscular appearance. While a three stateroom interior was optional, most 48s were built with two staterooms. In the original two stateroom interior (Plan A), the galley and dinette are mid-level, one step down from the salon. An optional three stateroom layout replaced the dinette with a small private cabin, and in 1989 the popular Plan “C” interior has the galley and dinette on the deckhouse level and two very spacious staterooms below. All three floorplans feature a companionway washer/dryer closet and two full heads. The 48's massive cockpit is fitted with two in-deck fish boxes, a tackle center, and a transom door—all standard. The flybridge has seating for eight, and the spacious engine room was a big step up in size from the Viking 46. Always a popular boat, used 48s have held their values well over the years.

Power: Early models with 550hp Detroit 6V92 engines cruise at 23–24 knots (about 26 knots top). Newer models with 735hp 8V92s Detroits cruise at 25–26 knots (high 20s top).