Big news from Viking in a slightly smaller package.
On February 1, the Viking Yacht Company announced that a new line of luxury center-consoles was officially in the works under their new Valhalla Boatworks.
And just like all Viking models, each new Valhalla Boatworks center console will be built by hand here in the state of New Jersey.
“Valhalla Boatworks was developed to allow our dealers and customers to fulfill a strong desire for high-end center consoles built by the Viking Yacht Company,” said Viking President and CEO Patrick Healey. “It’s a very exciting time and another important chapter in our history of building a better boat every day.”
According to Chris Landy, director of communications at Viking, the new line has been talked about internally for close to 17 years. “Customers have wanted to see a high-performance, top quality center console join the Viking family,” said Landry, explaining how Valhalla Boatworks and their new line of center consoles will possess the very same DNA, quality materials, and unmatched construction capability as their one of a kind sportfishing yachts.
The new Valhalla Boatworks V Series will consist of three outboard-powered deep-V monohulls from 33 to 41 feet in length designed to excel as hardcore fishing boats, to be built in the heart of the hardcore fishing boat manufacturing community, New Jersey.
Mullica Facility
Three years ago, New Gretna-based Viking Yachts purchased the former Ocean Yacht plant in Mullica Township where Viking has already been turning out several models including the Viking 38 Billfish and 44 series of open and convertible boats. According to Landry, the new Valhalla Boatworks V Series will also be built at the Mullica facility, with the very first model expected off the line sometime this summer.
“The workforce of New Jersey has been instrumental in the success of Viking as the industry’s finest boatbuilder,” said Landy, adding “you’d expect nothing less than this type of innovation from a company approaching its 55th anniversary.”
The announcement coming out in early February said the V-33, V-37 and V-41 models are the result of a cooperative effort between Viking’s design and engineering team and Michael Peters Yacht Design (MPYD). Each of the three models will utilize MPYD’s patented stepped-v ventilated tunnel running surface to reduce drag while increasing speed, stability and efficiency.
“It’s the most advanced and proven stepped-hull design in the world,” said Viking Design Manager David Wilson. “The twin steps and tunnel not only give you fast and efficient performance but also precise handling and a very stable ride.”
Viking design traits can be found throughout the V Series boats, with gently sloping S-shaped sheers, double forward chines, helm pods, raised toe rails and mezzanine seating, in addition to that tell-tale Viking bow. Customized Seakeeper installation will not sacrifice storage or deck space, while the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems are being designed and built to levels expected from Viking.
Built to Fish
The V Series will not only boast the latest in hull design for optimal performance, they’ll also be equipped with cutting-edge fishing equipment and innovative deck designs for storage of rods, gear, tackle and bait. The captain will enjoy excellent visibility through frameless wraparound Costa Clear or tempered glass windshields, while Llebroc or optional Release Marine individual helm and companion chairs will offer versatility and comfort with flip-up bolsters and armrests.
On deck, a raised transom livewell, in-deck fish boxes, strategically located rodholders, a port dive door and an abundance of storage space are just a few of the standard features on each of these V Series boats. They also feature a forward console lounge and optional port and starboard forward seating with forward-facing backrests. The consoles of these boats will feature rod storage, a head, a sink, and access to electronics, electrical distribution panel and other critical components.
The same resources of Viking’s vertically integrated company are at the disposal of Valhalla Boatworks, so major components of each build such as hardtops, Marlin and Gap towers and electronics packages are being manufactured in-house by experienced shipwrights to guarantee turn-key delivery; it’s essentially getting your own Vikingized center console.
The V-33, V-37 and V-41 will be powered by four-stroke outboards with horsepower ratings from 300 to 425 in twin, triple or quad configurations depending on the model. The efficiency of the stepped hulls and these direct-fuel-injected engines deliver best-in-class fuel economy and range. Power-assist hydraulic steering will be standard and joystick helm control systems will be optional for all three models.
The Valhalla Boatworks V Series was announced at an exclusive VIP event at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, FL in early February. The boats will ultimately debut at the Viking Dealer Meeting and sea trials this fall in Atlantic City.
The Valhalla Boatworks V Series will be offered by the Viking dealer network and Valhalla Boat Sales, which is based in New Gretna at the Viking Yachting Center complex that also includes marina facilities and a waterfront bar/restaurant (Breezes Bar & Grill). Also new for 2019, Valhalla Boat Sales has added Skeeter bay and bass boats to their lineup of offerings that also includes Contender.
For more details, go to valhallaboatworks.com.
