With the speed and power of a blue marlin on a rampage, Valhalla Boatworks has morphed from the new boatbuilder on the dock to a major player in the luxury center console segment. The brand was launched in late 2019 and yet in just over a year, it boasts a line-up that’s four boats strong. The newest addition is the company’s flagship, the V-46 center console.
Valhalla Boatworks is a subsidiary of Viking Yachts of New Gretna, New Jersey, a family-owned and operated builder of convertibles and motoryachts ranging from 38 to 93 feet. “Our goal when we started Valhalla Boatworks was to be a dominating force in the center console market, and in the 16 months of production we have delivered more than 90 boats,” said Pat Healey, Viking’s President and CEO, at the official launch of the 46 in January.
At that launch event I spent a few hours aboard the V-46, both at the dock and behind the wheel out on the water, where I discovered the boat can rip to a top speed of 60 knots with four Mercury Racing 450R supercharged 4.6-liter V-8s. For cruising, the boat does 20.8 knots at 3500 rpm; throttle up to 4500 rpm and the tach climbs to 37.3 knots. The boat handles well, too, and should give the driver plenty of confidence, even with its size and power. Like other Valhalla boats, the V-46 rides on a double-step tunnel hull by Michael Peters Yacht Design.
Early in the design phase, one of the first issues addressed was how to incorporate the necessary electrical and mechanical components and keep them dry aboard an open center console boat. Viking, highly regarded for its engine rooms, came up with an innovative solution for the V-46. It’s equipped with a desert-dry machinery room located beneath the console and accessed from a door in the head. The space includes a diesel generator, raw-water strainer, water heater, house and engine batteries, bow thruster breaker, freshwater pumps, filters and 6 feet of headroom so it’s easy to inspect the wiring on the back of the helm console. Neat, dry and accessible, this space showcases great attention to detail and it’s something I haven’t seen on any other center console in this size range.
The boat’s 13’4” beam affords the real estate necessary to accommodate the wide center console that serves as the command post and cabin. Headroom at the cabin entrance is 6’7” and there’s 5’2” near the sitting area. There’s a synthetic teak sole, a dinette that converts to a queen berth, a flat-screen TV, a compact galley and an enclosed head compartment.
The air-conditioned helm is well-designed, with a black acrylic raised panel that’s home to three Garmin screens, engine instruments and Boca Tech accessory switches. The faux teak helm pod with its Edson carbon-fiber steering wheel is flanked by glove boxes for access to windlass controls, fuel transfer operation, livewell pump flow switches and the Optimus Command Boost joystick. The Zipwake screen and bowthruster joystick neatly dress the dash flat.
The test boat also had an optional Pro Curve windshield that follows the contour of the console and is married to the fiberglass windshield frame that’s made in- house at Viking. That framework, along with stout and polished anodized aluminum, supports the fiberglass hardtop, yet the individual components look seamless, as if it’s all a single unit. In addition to good form, it’s very functional as the enclosure keeps the operator and passengers in a surprisingly quiet environment, even when throttling up the eager-to-please Mercs.
There are two rows of Release Marine seats at the helm, which is protected by a fiberglass hardtop. The second row, with four seats, is mounted slightly higher to provide better visibility for passengers.
The cockpit is for serious fishing and socializing. Average depth is 29” and the reach to the waterline is 36” for fast fish releases. Large scuppers and deep gutters drain water quickly and the molded nonslip is grippy yet easy on bare feet. Rod holders line the coaming and are built into the mezzanine. Multiple compartments stow fishing tackle. There are two 50-gallon live wells in the transom and a third beneath the bow lounge. Your catch can be iced in four overboard-draining insulated boxes.
Convenience features on the V-46 include a Seakeeper, a hullside door, a coaming bolster that runs the length of the boat, a bow lounge with seating and a raised platform that provides safe access to the anchor locker and windlass.
The V-46 is that rare boat that uses every foot of space for safety, convenience purpose and style. From its transom bustle to the faux teak treatments on the toe rail, it’s a standout.
Specifications
LOA: 46’7”
Beam: 13’4”
Draft (engines down): 3’6”
Weight (full load): 27,217 lbs.
Fuel: 694 gals.
Power: (4) Mercury 450Rs
Price: $1,212,000
This article was originally published in the May 2021 issue.
