OnBoard Magazine - Issue XII - 2020 Season

J ust over a year ago, Viking Yachts CEO Pat Healey made an exciting announcement to a packed press conference at the Miami Yacht Show, and Valhalla Boatworks became known to the general public. By this time, plugs for the new hulls were already being precision cut by Viking’s 5-axis router, and perfected by their team of shipwrights. Production was about to kick into high gear at their Mullica, New Jersey facility for three new models. Furthermore, quite a few of the first hulls were already spoken for by owners and dealers in-the-know, such as Bluewater management and VIP customers. While the Viking name and heritage may have aided the upstart of this new center console brand, boarding a Valhalla for the first time and hitting the open waters is what sells them. The exclusive Michael Peters Yacht Design features a ventilated- tunnel stepped-hull on each model from 33’ to 41’, which marries the performance with stability and predictable handling. Even with top speeds in the 60-mph range and some configurations touching the low 70s, the ride always feels controlled. "The bottom design really shows its merit on all three Valhalla models," explains Bluewater Yacht Sales Partner, Earle Hall. Another feature that adds control and comfort is the available Seakeeper gyro stabilizer. Part of the original R&D process the Seakeeper is “integrated into our resin infused structural grid,” explains Justin Healey of Valhalla Boatworks. “Rather than losing tackle storage or a cooler, we have designed and engineered to have a gyrostabilizer below decks on all three of our models." HIGH STANDARDS The helm imparts a very clean look with factory installed, flush mounted displays and Bocatech 12V switches with a centerline steering wheel available in either stainless steel, matte black or carbon fiber. Between the helm console and hardtop is a frameless wraparound windshield from ProCurve or Costa Clear. The hardtop and frame take a cue from the Viking side, integrating plenty of standard and optional features with no exposed hardware. "Viking's metalwork is second to none,” Hall explains. “No fasteners showing, a super clean look and there won't be corrosion issues later on." On the underside of the hardtop is amolded electronics pod for VHF, Seakeeper, stereo, autopilot and other equipment, plus a box that conceals optional teaser reels. On the topside are integrated mounts for antennas and outriggers plus a stylish radar pod. All three models feature a unique pantograph console door hinged on two stainless steel struts that will swing out of the way and stay open. It also includes a handle to aid in entering and exiting the console, which in turn offers over six feet of headroom. The console is equipped with an electric head plus a sink with a Corian countertop and pullout shower wand. Forward inside is additional rod storage and dry storage that can be further customized by the owner. HAVE IT YOUR WAY On deck, there are multiple seating configurations and even more options for storage—both dry and insulated—along VIKING’S NEW CENTER CONSOLE BRAND CAPTURES THE MARKET’S ATTENTION 34 BLUEWATER