For most boat builders, it is a major achievement to debut a new model, especially when the world is watching at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Rolling out a new boat at a show leaves no room for error. The boats must be perfect, and builders have to follow a strict timeline to design, build and deliver their boat well in advance of showtime. The boats are anticipated by crowds and will be under scrutiny by droves of knowledgeable boaters, so everything has to be right.
For the experienced boatbuilders from Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks, show debuts are almost routine, with new models announced nearly every year. At the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Show, Viking and Valhalla defied expectations by unveiling four new models, with two boats making their global debuts, and two boats making show debuts. One model, the Viking 74 Convertible, was not even announced until just weeks before the show. The Viking team hid their new boat in plain sight, disguised within a factory full of industry-leading sportfish.
Viking Yachts President and CEO Pat Healey and his sons Justin and Sean celebrated the company’s 60th Anniversary in Fort Lauderdale by introducing the Viking 74 and 82 Convertibles, as well as the Valhalla V-29 Hybrid and the V-28 Bay. Pat kicked off the festivities by unveiling the 74, which is an improvement on the popular 72 Convertible. The 72 was a favorite of the Viking demo team, with four 72 demo boats built over the lifetime of the model. According to Pat, those hours on the water are where the biggest ideas evolve. “We had close to 3,000 hours on those [demos]. And with that came a lot of time in the cockpit,” said Pat. That time spent resulted in a larger cockpit on the 74 so there is more space for anglers to maneuver and more room to bring in larger fish. Viking also added their advanced propulsion system to this new model, making it faster than the previous 70 and 72, even with more length.
We had close to 3,000 hours on those [demos]. And with that came a lot of time in the cockpit.
Following the announcement of the 72, Healey also showed off the 82 Convertible, which is the latest evolution of the tournament-tested 80. As compared to the 80, the 82 also has much more room in the cockpit, a more spacious mezzanine, and an improved flybridge with a lounge and more freezer storage for extended travels. The Viking engineers also incorporated a full-beam master stateroom, and a reimagined engine room which Pat described as “a work of art.”
Justin Healey Introduces V-28 Bay
Sean Healey Introduces V-29 Hybrid
After showing off the two Viking showpieces, Pat turned it over to Justin and Sean Healey, who took the opportunity to introduce the Valhalla 28 Bay and Valhalla 29 Hybrid. The brothers explained the versatility of the two newest models, which were built to expand the Valhalla offerings to inshore anglers in addition to their offshore base. Sean highlighted the quality and workmanship that goes into the smaller center consoles, saying, “what goes into our 28 or 29 or the rest of the Valhalla fleet is exactly what is going into our 90 Vikings, our 82, and our new 74.” These boats feature all of the craftsmanship that one would expect in the larger sportfish, as well as quality components like Release helm chairs, Gemlux accessories, faux teak appointments, and gorgeous upholstery. Although the purposes might be different, the Valhalla team shares the same commitment to build a boat every day.
After a star-studded lineup of boats in Fort Lauderdale, it is clear that the builders at Viking and Valhalla are not afraid to make a splash. The next one will be right around the corner with the Valhalla V-55 Sport Yacht in early Spring of 2025.
