With the Viko S 21, the shipyard has built a large yacht in a small format. Just place your hand over the photo above so that the people in the cockpit are covered. This gives the impression that it is a 40-footer. This illusion is created on the one hand by the voluminous lines, which do not appear clumsy despite the high freeboard, and on the other hand by the hull windows. Visually, the Viko S 21 is a successful compromise between maximum living space in a small area and a modern appearance.
Rough weather
Gusty 4 Beaufort winds prevailed in Neustadt Bay for the test of the Polish small cruiser, conditions that can make it difficult for a ship of this size. The Viko performed well, logging speeds of between 4 and 5 knots. The boat was already sailing at the reefing limit. This is due to the powerful rig, which is dimensioned for inland waterways. However, by actively working with the mainsheet, the gusts were not a problem. Although the boat became quite windward, partly due to the large sail area of the side, it was easy to control.
The cockpit is very high to create space for a berth underneath. This makes the position more noticeable when sailing. This is because the rather wide stern and the high seating position create a lift effect when heeling, and the crew in the cockpit is then relatively far above the water. But that's not a bad thing, the cockpit is a good place to sit. The opposite side of the seat offers secure support for the feet. Alternatively, a footrest in the cockpit floor provides support. Backrests are also available as an option: The padded cylindrical supports are simply inserted into the flat coaming; they can be removed just as quickly and stowed below deck. This is useful when, for example, the gennaker is set - then the otherwise cosy backrests are in the way of the sheets. Without cushions, the crew can also sit comfortably on the high edge.
Also interesting:
Thanks to the elevated seating position and thus the relatively large distance to the waterline, sailors on the Viko S 21 are also spared splash water as far as possible. The boat is steered using a stainless steel tube tiller. This has a large round handle like on a training boat or larger older regatta yachts. The mainsheet is guided in the cockpit and is within easy reach. The headsheets are operated with winches on the superstructure roof. The 7-piece Lewmar winch on the port side is not self-tailing, and there is a cleat on the companionway bulkhead. On the starboard side, however, there is a selftailer, as this winch is also used for hauling up the keel.
The concept of the boat is clear, André Hochfeld from Yachthandel Hamburg explains: "The Viko S 21 is aimed at families, not regatta or single-handed sailors. The boat is also designed for beginners and offers a phenomenal amount of space below deck for a length of 6.50 metres." In addition, the entry-level price of 22,990 euros is unbeatably favourable. A point that still needs to be checked.
Two rooms, kitchen, bathroom
The way down the companionway into the cabin is impressive. There are four steps to take, it's a metre down until you reach the saloon floor. Once again, you get the feeling that you are actually missing three metres of hull length, because this is a large yacht that has been shortened slightly. Just below deck, it becomes clear how high the sides are. Even though at 1.65 metres there is still no headroom, the feeling of space for a boat 21 feet long is impressive.
The berth in the bow is not partitioned off, everything is open. The transverse bunk under the cockpit is also easily accessible if you push past the pantry block. The companionway steps can be easily removed to create more space. The saloon table houses the retractable keel, which is 1.40 metres deep. And it's hard to believe: there is even a toilet room. At 80 centimetres long, 90 centimetres wide and 148 centimetres high, it is not particularly voluminous. But on this size of boat, it's the presence that counts. And with a small porthole, it is even possible to ventilate.
In the rest of the interior, this is done via the porthole and companionway. The hull windows also allow plenty of light to penetrate downwards. In the tested version of the Viko S 21, the front hull windows are real, while the aft ones are glued to the hull. However, real windows are also available as an option. The hull is a polyester full laminate with an inner shell. This extends to the waterline. The deck is a sandwich with a foam core. The workmanship looks good, there are no visible defects. The woodwork in the saloon also makes a good impression.
Scarce standard equipment
Like the hull windows and the mahogany decor on the saloon floor, upholstery, lighting, fresh water, a cooker, the separate toilet room and the lifting keel come on board as options; a swivelling keel hangs under the hull as standard. Compared to the extremely favourable entry-level price, these extras seem expensive. However, Flexiteak, Torqeedo, Furlex and the like are branded products that appear on the accessories list at a fair price.
There is ample storage space for luggage under the bow berth. There is also an open space with a sling rail in the foredeck for equipment that can be reached quickly. Behind the aft berth, there is a very large storage space in the stern, which extends across the width of the boat of 2.50 metres. The flexible tank under the bunk holds 40 litres of fresh water for the sink. There is also space for kitchen utensils in the galley block. At 120 x 60 centimetres, the saloon table is large enough for four people. On deck, fenders and lines are stowed in the starboard locker and in the anchor locker.
Back on deck, it turns out that the wind has dropped a little - the ideal moment to unpack the gennaker. The 26 square metres of cloth are led to the bowsprit made of solid laminate using a jib line. This also functions as a step and is an option. Although the wind lets us down a little, we log 4.5 knots. When the longed-for gust comes, the clamp on the jib line tears from the superstructure roof. The two screws had hardly any grip in the laminate, they should be bolted through better - the shipyard must improve this point. The argument that the boat is intended for inland waters doesn't hold water here. After all, it is well known that pressure and gusts can sometimes occur there.
The design for less windy areas is also reflected in the rather generously dimensioned sail area. In relation to the weight of the boat, this results in a sail load factor of 4.9, which actually indicates a very sporty boat, but the Viko S 21 is not. Because if you factor in 300 kilograms for two sailors plus luggage and equipment, this value drops to 4.4. Every additional kilo has a particularly negative effect on the sailing characteristics in relation to the light boat. This is probably also where the greatest danger lurks: As there is a lot of space and storage space available below deck, it will be utilised and the boat will be overloaded.
The mast base is foldable, so the rig can be laid down easily
On a half-wind course we log well over 5 knots, here the Viko S 21 sails very upright again. The ballast of 300 kilograms provides a lot of righting moment. In addition, the wide hull with a flat underwater hull already provides a lot of initial stability. The harbour rigidity, which is important for small boats, is noticeable from the very first step on board.
Shortly before entering the harbour, the sails are recovered and everything is redirected into the cockpit. The battened mainsail falls into the lazy jacks. The Torqeedo is simply folded down and comes to life with a slight turn of the tiller. It can be reached from the cockpit while seated. This means that a manoeuvre in a confined space can be supported by carrying the drive and turning almost on the spot.
The trailer is already waiting under the crane, the Viko S 21 is to go directly to the customer. Before that, the mast has to be laid and the keel raised. With the small 7 mm winch, this is a feat of strength, but in the end it goes off without a hitch. All that needs to be done is to remove a cover from the saloon table and then the keel can be winched under the cabin deck. The keel is guided by four rollers and is limited at the bottom by a wire stop; this is also the only stop. The keel has a few millimetres of play and rattles, which is particularly noticeable in aft winds and waves.
Then the rudder is folded up and the boat can be craned. The almost one tonne weight is easily lifted out of the water and onto the trailer, revealing two underwater lights, also an extra. The small Viko doesn't just want to compete with the really big ones in terms of volume.
The measured values for testing the Viko S 21
The Viko S 21 in detail
Technical data of the Viko S 21
- Designer: Andre Koschel
- CE design category: C
- Torso length: 6,50 m
- Width: 2,50 m
- Depth: 0,50-1,40 m
- Weight: 0,95 t
- Ballast/proportion: 0,3 t/32 %
- Mainsail: 13,3 m2
- Furling genoa (105 %): 8,9 m2
- machine (Torqeedo): 1.0 kW/1.4 hp
Hull and deck construction
- Hull: Full laminate with inner shell
- Deck: Sandwich with foam core
Price and shipyard
- Base price ex shipyard: 22,990 euros gross incl. 19 % VAT.
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/2 year
As of 08/2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
Shipyard
Distribution
Yachthandel Hamburg, Jacobsrade 38-40, 22962 Siek, www.viko-hh.de
YACHT review of the Viko S 21
The Viko S 21 is a good compromise between spaciousness, modern looks and good sailing characteristics. The price is also very attractive, even if many purchases are still necessary to make the boat ready for sailing
Design and concept
- + Successful lines
- + Variable draught
- + trailer bar
Sailing performance and trim
- + Large cockpit
- - Lots of wind pressure on high dropside
Living and finishing quality
- + Plenty of space below deck
- + WC room possible
- - Pantry without ventilation options
Equipment and technology
- + Very practical bowsprit
- - Small winches
- - Scarce basic equipment
Video of the Viko S 21
This article first appeared in YACHT 25-26/2016 and has been updated for this online version.
