A Classic Joins Montauk's Viking Fleet

From fishing to ferries, and now cruises, one longtime Montauk business seems to have a boat for all reasons. 

For the first time, this summer the Viking Fleet, which has been in Montauk since 1936, will offer four cruises for all ages every day, and unlike the other outings the fleet is known for, these will not be about fishing. 

“We wanted to try something altogether different,” Capt. Paul Forsberg, the fleet’s owner, said this week. “This is something that isn’t available in the town, and there’s a market for this.” 

Upon realizing that many people were looking for shorter rides that were not centered around fishing, Captain Forsberg decided to try to fill the gap. And because he needed a boat to do the job, he decided to rebuild the last boat designed by his grandfather, who was a naval architect. 

“It was on its way to the graveyard, and we rescued it and rebuilt it,” Captain Forsberg said. 

Although the total refit includes a new engine and new wiring, the steering wheel of the 65-foot Viking Classic had been a gift to Captain Forsberg’s grandfather Paul G. Forsberg. “He designed racing sailboats too,” Captain Forsberg said. “And one of the boats won a couple of races, and they took the steering wheel off and gave it to him.” 

After years of keeping the wheel as a memento, Captain Forsberg thought it was appropriate to put it on the newly rebuilt boat. It bears the names and birthdates of all the men in the Forsberg family, from his grandfather down to his youngest grandson, who is 7 years old. 

Now, with all of the amenities of a new boat, but with an old-time feel, the Viking Classic is ready to take around 40 passengers on the water for about two-hour boat rides. Viking Fleet is also working with Lynn’s Hula Hut, who will serve food and signature cocktails on board the Viking Classic, which has a full bar and tables on the main deck.

The first morning trip, Cruise & Splash, will take adults and children around Montauk from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Upon anchoring in either Fort Pond Bay or Lake Montauk, passengers will get a chance to jump into the refreshing water to swim or snorkel before heading back. 

For naturalists and sightseers alike, at 2 p.m., the Eco & Lighthouse Cruise will sail off for a unique two-hour adventure. “We will pull up lobster traps and we will have a touch tank for the kids,” Mr. Forsberg said. “They can see fish, and lobsters, and crabs, and we will give them gloves so they can help and be a part of it.” The captain of the boat also studied marine biology and will be able to explain everything that is caught.

In the early evening, there will be a Happy Hour Cruise from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and a Sunset Cocktail Cruise after, from 6:30 to 8:30. For more information and pricing details, visit vikingfleet.com. 

Correction: The website address has been corrected.