A Boating Story Built on Relationships
Originally featured in the Summer 2026 edition of Viking’s Valhalla Magazine.
Some relationships in boating span a season. Others span decades. For more than 25 years, Mark and Rita Bachman have been part of the Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales family, taking delivery of 10 Viking Yachts while building a lifetime of memories on the water.
Recently featured in Viking’s Summer 2026 issue of Valhalla Magazine, the Bachmans’ story highlights more than an impressive fleet of boats. It reflects a long-standing partnership built on trust, shared experiences, and a passion for Great Lakes boating.
Their Viking journey began with a 50 Convertible before evolving through a series of custom builds, including multiple Convertibles and Billfish models. Every boat carried the name Hour Time, and each was thoughtfully designed around the way Mark and Rita fish, cruise, and spend time with family and friends. Over the years, they worked closely with both the Viking team and Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales throughout each build process, helping shape every yacht to fit their boating lifestyle.
As their needs evolved, so did their boats.
Today, their newest Viking 50 Convertible, Hour Time, represents their tenth Viking delivery, bringing them back to a layout that offers the comfort, fishability, and versatility they were looking for in this next chapter.
While the boats have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t: the relationships. From Greg Krueger to Erik Krueger and the entire JBYS team, the Bachmans have remained part of the Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales family for more than two decades, a testament to the lasting partnerships that boating creates. We’re grateful to Mark and Rita for allowing us to be part of their journey and congratulate them on another incredible Viking. We look forward to seeing where Hour Time takes them next.

“There’s no greater testament to the trust our clients place in us than earning their business time and time again. Being part of the journey as a client purchases their tenth Viking Yacht is incredibly rewarding and speaks to the relationships we’ve built, the confidence in the Viking brand, and our team’s commitment to delivering an exceptional ownership experience every step of the way.”
โ Erik Krueger, Vice President, Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales
Read the full feature in Viking’s Summer 2026 issue of Valhalla Magazine.
Why JBYS?
With 7 Great Lakes locations, 2 in Naples, FL and 21 mobile service vehicles, JBYS is your trusted partner for boating year-round. Many of our clients head south for the winter, and our Naples location ensures weโre here to support your boating needs wherever the water takes you. Whether youโre exploring the Great Lakes in summer or cruising Floridaโs coastline in winter, weโre here to provide world-class service, expertise, and an unmatched selection of yachts and boats.
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