{"id":138655,"date":"2026-03-18T06:26:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T06:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/?post_type=review&p=138655"},"modified":"2026-03-18T06:27:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T06:27:10","slug":"viknes-s40-review-evolution-of-an-icon","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/reviews\/family-cruiser\/viknes-s40-review-evolution-of-an-icon","title":{"rendered":"Viknes S40 review: Evolution of an icon"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Viknes 10<\/a> we tested in the summer of 2025 is a spectacular 35ft cruiser. So spectacular that it roared to victory in the 2026 MBY Awards<\/a> as the best Family Cruiser up to 45ft. So what are we to make of a 39-footer from the closely affiliated Skils\u00f8 brand?<\/p>\n

Owned by Viknes and built at the very same factory in Norway, the Skils\u00f8 range features just two models \u2013 the 35 and the 39, both available as either \u201cPanorama\u201d coup\u00e9 models or as flybridge cruisers. That in itself differentiates it from the Viknes brand, which has previously lacked a flybridge option. But since we tested the Skils\u00f8 39 in Oslo things have changed.<\/p>\n

This boat has just been relaunched at the D\u00fcsseldorf Boat Show as the Viknes S40. It\u2019s part of a fresh direction, enabling Viknes to bring together all of its models under the Viknes name, including the smaller Skils\u00f8 35, which will now be known as the Viknes S35. So what might originally have seemed like an interesting cross-brand comparison is actually now quite a lot more than that.<\/p>\n

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The Skilso 39 is being relaunched as the Viknes S40, with a couple of minor upgrades<\/p><\/div>\n

Indoor brightness<\/h2>\n

In the absence of a flybridge, it\u2019s clear that this Panorama version of the new Viknes flagship needs to really foreground the benefits of big views and natural light from the main deck saloon and it absolutely does that. You get massive overhead sunroofs, a wide aft bulkhead opening and narrow mullions all-round, creating not just big views on the beam but uncommonly good views of the sky and brightness on a par with anything in the sector.<\/p>\n

In fact, that all-important non-fly roof structure feels like it comprises more glass than fibreglass. The sunroofs are each split into two sections and happily, they also come as standard with insulated aluminium-lined blinds so you can shut out the sun when it\u2019s too hot or preserve the warmth in the saloon when the temperatures drop.<\/p>\n

Article continues below…<\/em><\/p>\n\n

As for the layout in here, that works hard to maximise those views and to make very best use of the big internal volume generated by those narrow side decks. On the port side, a hinged co-pilot backrest enables the dinette to encompass the full length of the saloon.<\/p>\n

A grab rail along the inboard edge of the table helps guide you fore and aft, and there\u2019s also a pair of swing-out stools so you can make use of the walkway space for larger parties. The fact that the seats are so elevated does good things for the views underway and it also generates the volume inside the seating units for a large fridge aft, plus the option of a second equally large fridge in the forward part of the dinette.<\/p>\n

On the other side of the saloon, the galley is no less impressive, and there are some really clever little touches that add practicality to the sheer scale of this unit. The sink lid, for instance, has a dedicated slot to tuck it away out of sight when it\u2019s not needed.<\/p>\n

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The saloon\u2019s roof structure comes with huge sunroofs and insulated blinds<\/p><\/div>\n

The corner cupboards also use clever slide-out drawers to give you full access to the gear in the most remote recesses of the space. And while the long, shallow C shaped cut-out is not perfectly partnered with the space occupied by the swing-out stools, it does enable you to move that bit more freely when the dinette is being used for a large gathering.<\/p>\n

Outdoor flexibility<\/h2>\n

The fact that the S40 adopts a similar approach to the aft cockpit as the Viknes 10 is very welcome indeed. It comes as standard with an L-shaped dinette wrapping around the aft end and port side. The test boat adds to that with the optional forward bench, turning the L-shape into a more sociable U-shaped unit. That does partially block access to the cockpit from the port side deck but it also creates the space for another optional fridge, freeing up the aft seat bases for extra storage.<\/p>\n

As you would expect from Viknes, you also get a huge overhead sliding sunroof, double-lined for extra protection in Europe\u2019s far north, plus reverse hinges for easy access to the storage spaces beneath the various bench seats.<\/p>\n

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The sheer scale of the dinette and galley is very impressive for a boat of this length<\/p><\/div>\n

Interestingly, though, instead of the standard provision of a second helm, as on the Viknes 10, the S40 gets the option of a simple joystick on the starboard side. That\u2019s not quite as good for keeping the skipper involved in the party during good weather but it\u2019s perfectly practical for parking manoeuvres and it frees up extra space on the superstructure\u2019s aft bulkhead for an even wider aperture to help unite the external cockpit and internal saloon across the single-level threshold. And if you want to upgrade this station, you can also add an autopilot in the moulding above the folding aft doors.<\/p>\n

The foredeck adds a fairly commonplace island sunbed to the day boating options but what we really like is the design of the starboard side gate. Positioned directly next to the big skipper\u2019s side door, it uses an unusual hinge-over moulding that drops outboard, simultaneously creating a gap in the bulwark and a boarding step.<\/p>\n

Not only is that very practical in its own right but it also keeps those relatively narrow side decks completely clear, enabling the designers to maximise the saloon volume without any discernible compromise.<\/p>\n

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The galley cut-out is very handy when you have lots of people in the saloon<\/p><\/div>\n

Sleeping for six<\/h2>\n

While most 40-footers tend to come with a pair of cabins and a bathroom or two, the S40 is much more versatile than that. On the test boat, that big 12ft 6in beam is divided between two double cabins amidships, with split facilities ahead of that (a shower room to port and a toilet to starboard) and an owner\u2019s cabin in the bow. However, it\u2019s also offered as a two-cabin version with the shower room shifted over to starboard between the forward heads and an aft utility zone, which provides plenty of space for your washing machine.<\/p>\n

That also creates extra storage space in the vacated port shower cubicle and frees up additional room for a larger midships guest cabin and a little extra space in the forward cabin. But you can also use this port space as a second bathroom if you like. And while it remains true that 90% of people in Norway tend to want three cabins \u2013 for the owner, for kids and for guests \u2013 the differing appetites of the international market make this two-cabin alternative very worthwhile indeed.<\/p>\n

\"\"

There\u2019s plenty of poke here and a nicely balanced feel to the weight distribution<\/p><\/div>\n

More agile than you think<\/h2>\n

The helm station is, for the most part, pretty pleasing. There\u2019s a lovely pair of helm seats with pronounced lumber and great lateral support. There\u2019s also a foot box that slides out from beneath, enabling you to stand and helm with your head out
\nof the sunroof with a full view of the bow.<\/p>\n

That said, it could do with some extra adjustability at seat and wheel to fine-tune the position and it\u2019s also worth noting that, when you brace yourself up against the bolster in the semi-standing position, the mouldings above the screen do get in the eyeline of a six-footer. But fully seated or fully raised up on the sliding box, the position is strong \u2013 and once you get yourself comfortable, the drive is actually far more agile and dextrous than you might imagine.<\/p>\n

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Regardless of your favoured arrangement, the owner gets a large raised double with plenty of light and storage<\/p><\/div>\n

There\u2019s no shortage of engine choice here but around 90% of Skilso customers opt for the V-drives rather than sterndrives for reduced maintenance, and our test boat follows suit. With the V-drives placing our twin Yanmar 8LV 370 diesels a little further forward, there\u2019s plenty of poke here and a nicely balanced feel to the weight distribution.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say that we don\u2019t see a bit of bow lift as we ascend our hump but you can easily dial most of that out with the Humphree tabs and enjoy a relatively flat low-speed plane. And as anticipated, the nature of the window design and raised seating keeps those views open and unobstructed.<\/p>\n

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The test boat\u2019s three-cabin layout divides the midships beam between a double and a twin<\/p><\/div>\n

The top end of 31 knots is nothing special but it\u2019s only three knots shy of a Fairline Targa 40 and you can increase that if you opt for a pair of 6LY 400s or 440s or a pair of D6s instead. In fact, you could achieve around 36 or 37 knots if you went for the sterndrive option.<\/p>\n

Even if you don\u2019t, there\u2019s a pleasant blend of agility and refinement in the way this boat reaches its 31-knot top end. We\u2019re seeing sound readings of 65-72dB(A) at sensible cruising speeds, alongside a fuel flow of 4 to 4.5L per mile, which is about par for the course on a 40ft cruiser. But in spite of the fact that this boat majors on volume and versatility, it treats the skipper to a surprisingly engaging drive.<\/p>\n

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The test boat\u2019s starboard heads compartment is also used by the day guests<\/p><\/div>\n

The heel in the turn is extravagant but settled with good grip and excellent pace retention. It\u2019s quick-witted too, responding to small inputs at wheel and throttle like a much smaller boat. And while there\u2019s no real windage on a gentle day from this non-fly version, what tweaks we do make to the trim feel satisfyingly proactive.<\/p>\n

Viknes S40 specifications<\/h2>\n

LOA:<\/strong> 39ft 0in (11.90m)
\nBEAM:<\/strong> 12ft 6in (3.80m)
\nDRAFT:<\/strong> 3ft 7in (1.10m)
\nDISPLACEMENT:<\/strong> 8,650kg (light)
\nFUEL CAPACITY:<\/strong> 900L
\nWATER CAPACITY:<\/strong> 400L
\nENGINES:<\/strong> Twin Yanmar 8LV 370 – 6LY 400s
\nCONTACT:<\/strong> www.viknes.no<\/p>\n

Viknes S40 costs & options<\/h2>\n

Price:<\/strong> From \u20ac438,486 ex VAT. Test boat includes the following options\u2026
\nV-Drives:<\/strong> \u20ac8,828
\nProportional bow thruster:<\/strong> \u20ac3,026
\nStern thruster:<\/strong> \u20ac5,316
\nShore power:<\/strong> \u20ac4,828
\nStarboard side gate:<\/strong> \u20ac3,679
\nAnchor winch:<\/strong> \u20ac4,249<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/h2>\n
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The Viknes 10 we tested in the summer of 2025 is a spectacular 35ft cruiser. So spectacular that it roared to victory in the 2026 MBY Awards as the best Family Cruiser up to 45ft. So what are we to make of a 39-footer from the closely affiliated Skils\u00f8 brand? Owned by Viknes and built […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4647,"featured_media":138664,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[1620,1593],"review_manufacturer":[],"review_category":[3278,3268],"review_type":[],"review_award":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/138655"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/review"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4647"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=138655"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/138655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":138677,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/138655\/revisions\/138677"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/138664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=138655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=138655"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=138655"},{"taxonomy":"review_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_category?post=138655"},{"taxonomy":"review_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_type?post=138655"},{"taxonomy":"review_award","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_award?post=138655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}