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Viking Launches New Center Console Brand: Valhalla Boatworks

Sep 10, 2019 | Magazine, News, Valhalla Boats, Viking Yachts | 0 comments

Viking CEO Pat Healey recently announced the creation of a new brand called Valhalla Boatworks at their winter VIP event and Miami Boat Shows. The mission of this company is to take the signature Viking quality that has been seen in their sportfishing and motor yachts and integrate it into a new generation of high performance center consoles.

“The idea for a Viking-built center console was born seventeen years ago and has been brought to the table on several occasions,” says Chris Landry, Viking’s Director of Communications. “Pat Healey and his team felt the time was right for this project for several reasons, and one of them is our Mullica plant, which began operating in 2016. This Viking facility provides a dedicated manufacturing space to carry out the Valhalla Boatworks vision.”

…these new large center consoles will provide reliability, stability and efficiency.

The initial lineup of boats will range in size from 33 to 41 feet, feature outboard power, and be offshore-ready with custom-engineered, deep-v, stepped hulls. In coordination with world-renowned Michael Peters Yacht Design, the Viking Design and Engineering team has developed these models with the fisherman in mind. Like their inboard-powered siblings, these new large center consoles will provide reliability, stability and efficiency.

Tell me More, Please

Valhalla Boatworks’ first models include the V-33, V-37 and V-41. All three models will have a similar look and feel, while the larger models will have increased space in the cockpit, helm and console and of course more horsepower hanging off the transom. Four-stroke outboards from Mercury and Yamaha with horsepower ratings from 300 to 425 in twin, triple or quad configurations, depending on the model, will provide the power for the V-Series. The V-37, for instance, can be powered with four different propulsion packages. “Viking feels strongly that they should offer the right power that is a good fit for the boat,” explains Bluewater Partner and Salesman, Jud Black.

These new center consoles are constructed with what is called a Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel in the hulls, a concept which comes from Michael Peters Yacht Design. This design is meant to increase efficiency in key operating ranges, which will give these boats advantages in speed, performance and stability. The ventilated tunnel is a unique feature in the aft center section of the hull that brings the boat stability and very predictable handling at running speeds.

These new center consoles are constructed with what is called a Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel in the hulls, a concept which comes from Michael Peters Yacht Design. This design is meant to increase efficiency in key operating ranges, which will give these boats advantages in speed, performance and stability. The ventilated tunnel is a unique feature in the aft center section of the hull that brings the boat stability and very predictable handling at running speeds.

Black explains, “Viking did not borrow a design from another builder, but rather went out and worked with a designer to get the hull form and proportions nailed down, and then designed the topside in-house to look like what they had envisioned.”

Options Galore

The Viking team envisions Valhalla Boatworks as a premium brand and they intend to offer a lot of equipment and features as standard, with an equally long list of options and add-ons. Each model will be equipped with transom livewells, in-deck fishboxes and plenty of storage forward and aft. The spacious helm area will feature an expansive black acrylic helm panel for flush-mounted electronics, raised helm pods in optional faux teak, power-assist hydraulic steering and forward lounge seating integrated into the console with dry storage. The console in each will include an electric freshwater head, dedicated lockable rod storage, vanity with freshwater sink and electrical access panels.

When it comes to fishing equipment and seating arrangements, the V-Series gives you tremendous flexibility. On all three models, upholstered bench seating with slide-out cooler, tackle storage and rod holders are standard, while Llebroc Billfish or Release Marine teak helm chairs with armrests and flip-up bolsters are optional. You can also opt for integrated GG Schmitt transom seats and forward bench seating with backrests. The V-37 and V-41 can be outfitted with an aft mezzanine seating module with armrests, tackle storage and insulated cooler (or livewell) under the seat. Additional live wells and rod holders can be added to the V-Series vessels, and you can dress up your boat as you like with faux teak helm pods and toe rails, custom hardtop underside colors (to match hull color), teak forward backrests, deck box illuminated lighting, and much more.

Custom towers with various outrigger choices, second helm stations and full electronics packages from leaders like Simrad and Garmin can be optioned by the owner. Installation of these items can be completed during the build by Viking’s subsidiaries, Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics. This vertical integration of components and systems throughout the build process provides an unsurpassed level of quality assurance before a boat is delivered to her owner.

Stabilizers for Center Consoles?
Meet the Seakeeper 3
The Seakeeper 3 is the company’s second smallest gyro stabilizer, but arguably one of their most versatile. The model 3 started the center console stabilization craze, thanks in part to Seakeeper’s unique leaning post installation option that provides a quick turn-key, all-in-one solution for equipping a Seakeeper to boats ranging in length from 30′-39′.

This 550-pound unit confines all the equipment into a tidy package less than 28″ squared. Designed to run on a center console’s 12-volt DC electrical system, the Seakeeper 3 consumes less than 750 watts once spooled up to operating speed. The relatively small footprint and minimal power consumption develops impressive performance, delivering nearly 5,800 pound feet of torque to eliminate up to 90% of boat roll in the majority of vessels.

Another option that has become remarkably popular is the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer. Every new model from Valhalla Boatworks is being designed and built with a dedicated spot for a stabilizing unit to be installed as an option or future upgrade. This feature is important for those that have enjoyed the roll reducing technology of a Seakeeper and can’t go back to a non-stabilized platform. Bluewater’s Earle Hall points out, “Even without a gyro installed at the factory, having the space planned for one will be good for the boat’s resale value. A future owner can always add one later by visiting a reputable service yard that specializes in Seakeeper installations such as our yards in North Carolina or Virginia.”

Being part of the Viking Yachts family, Valhalla Boatworks will benefit from three generations and 55 years of experience in producing industry-leading yachts. This includes Viking’s prowess to produce 90% of every boat in-house through their professional shipwrights and craftsmen at both their New Gretna and Mullica facilities.

First splash of the new Valhalla Boatworks model lineup is anticipated for late summer 2019 with a full debut scheduled for the annual Viking Dealer Meeting and Sea Trial Event in Atlantic City, New Jersey in September. Bluewater will be one of the first dealerships to showcase these incredible new models at our display in Annapolis, Maryland during the United States Powerboat Show in October!

Valhalla V-33
LOA: 32’ 10″
Beam: 9’ 9”
Draft: 1’ 9” – 2′ 4″
Fuel Capacity: 335 gal.
Water Capacity: 40 gal.
Holding Tank: 12 gal.
Livewell: 52 gal.
Deadrise: 24°

Power Options:
Twin Yamaha F300
Twin Mercury V8 300
Twin Mercury Verado 400

Valhalla V-37
LOA: 36’ 9″
Beam: 10’ 0”
Draft: 1’ 11” – 2′ 10″
Fuel Capacity: 465 gal.
Water Capacity: 40 gal.
Holding Tank: 12 gal.
Livewell: 56 gal.
Deadrise: 24°

Power Options:
Triple Yamaha F300
Twin Yamaha XTO 425
Triple Mercury V8 300
Triple Mercury Verado 400

Valhalla V-41
LOA: 40’ 6″
Beam: 11’ 7”
Draft: 2’ 0” – 2′ 11″
Fuel Capacity: 550 gal.
Water Capacity: 50 gal.
Holding Tank: 20 gal.
Livewell: 90 gal.
Deadrise: 24°

Power Options:
Triple Mercury Verado 400
Triple Yamaha XTO 425
Quad Mercury Verado 300
Quad Mercury Verado 400