What year did the Viking become the V-king? Officially speaking

[LakeFever]

I dont know if this has been covered before but I haven’t been able to dig up when exactly the name change happened?

[rjdubiel]

my 1978 is a Viking

[LakeFever]

I thought the switch happened in 1980 as I have looked at buying a few 78/9 which were always advertised as Vikings but I really cant say and though this is certainly the place to ask.

[PaulR]

My 1986 I ordered new was a V-King YT so I'd say between 1980 and 1985?

[David - WI]

http://www.hydrostream.org/Specific%20Models/Viking.htm

[Scream And Fly]

I liked both names but I always thought V-King was a bit cooler, and also more descriptive.

[LakeFever]

I just bought a 79

I've always called them V-kings but I dont wanna call this one wrong and I have read that .org article and no where does it say what year this happened so my new project is having an identity crisis

[tnelsmn]

I just bought a 79

I've always called them V-kings but I dont wanna call this one wrong and I have read that .org article and no where does it say what year this happened so my new project is having an identity crisis

Any chance the coast guard tag is still intact on your dash? It was stamped into that tag. My '78 clearly states its a Viking.

[LakeFever]

Unfortunately no, this hull was completely stripped down to the bare shell core/transom removed etc and cap separated 11 years ago and its sat since. The only thing on the dash is holes and lots of em, more than any boat Ive ever seen haha. I'm either going to start the restoration immediately or park it in storage until I get my ducks lined up. tnelsmn its all your fault man your build thread has me so amped up to build one LOL

[tnelsmn]

Ahh bummer, we need to find someone with a '79 and get this figured out! haha

I'm glad I could be of some inspiration! It's a fun process if you can keep in the right mindset.

[LakeFever]

I searched and searched and most of the 79 online talk the owners call them Viking so im thinking the switch officially happened in 1980

[nitro_rat]

Hydrostream literature said "Viking" through 1981. The 1982 brochure is the first that it's called "V-King."

[roadkill636]

Viking was only made in 78&79.
I have a 1979 Viking

[LakeFever]

Well it seems I have a 79 VIKING as well. Yee haw thanks all

[nitro_rat]

Viking was only made in 78&79.
I have a 1979 Viking

Screenshot of the 1981 brochure:



1982 was the first literature that said "V-King"



If anyone has any documentation prior to 1982 that calls it a "V-King" I'm all ears...