Along with the broader marine industry, NMMA is mourning the passing of William “Bill” Healey, co-founder of Viking Yachts and a 2003 inductee into the NMMA Hall of Fame, who died Aug. 14 at the age of 97. Healey, together with his brother Robert Healey Sr., founded Viking Yachts in 1964. A respected industry leader, Healey played a pivotal role in modernizing yacht-building and shaping the future of recreational boating.

Over six decades, Healey's vision and resilience reshaped yacht manufacturing, from pioneering fiberglass construction to building a vertically integrated production model focused on quality and innovation. Beyond his business acumen, Healey was known for his deep loyalty to Viking employees and their families, creating a workplace that valued craftsmanship, community and care.

“Healey was intense and feisty, but beneath that drive was a soft heart and a deep bond with others,” wrote Viking Yachts in a statement. “He valued his team with unbounded enthusiasm and commitment, often reminding them that they did not work for Bill Healey but that they worked with Bill Healey.”

Among his various major honors, Healey was inducted into the National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame in 2003, and the following year earned the Press of Atlantic City’s Bailey Award for community contributions. He enjoyed receiving the Ernst & Young N.J. Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1998. In 2024, he was inducted into the Marine Trades Association of N.J. Hall of Fame.

Although Healey retired in October 2013, turning the throttles over to his son Patrick Healey, he continued a daily presence at the New Gretna facility to the delight of old and new customers he would meet at the factory.

To read the full Viking Yachts release on Bill Healey’s passing, click here, as well as service and funeral arrangements information.