V-55 update - Large and in charge

by Viking Yachts 12 Aug 2022 20:51 UTC

V-55 © Viking Yachts

Six months after rocking the center console world with the announcement of the Valhalla 55, it's clear that the new flagship of the V Series is poised to become the industry's leading center console over 50 feet, delivering unbeatable performance, range, engineering, fishability and luxury accommodations.

"There will be nothing like it," says Viking Yachts President and CEO Pat Healey. "We're setting a new standard by bringing together the qualities of a large center console and a luxury sportfishing yacht."

Valhalla Boatworks (VBW), owned and operated by Viking Yachts, burst onto the scene in 2019 with the premiere of the first three V Series center consoles - the V-33, V-37 and V-41. The Valhalla 46 followed 18 months later, solidifying VBW as the top choice for high-performance premium center consoles from 33 to 46 feet. And now Valhalla is pushing the envelope once again, conquering new ground in the Viking tradition with the revolutionary V-55.

Pat announced the new Valhalla flagship February 4, 2022, at the Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks VIP Boat Show at the Viking Yacht Service Center. The news spread like wildfire, with all major marine media outlets reporting on the V-55, its long list of attributes and qualities and the excitement the Valhalla brand has once again brought to the marine industry.

Power and Motoryacht: "Today's unveiling of the V-55—not just the largest center console Valhalla Boatworks has ever built, but one of the largest on the market period—is very much like lobbing a 50,000-pound explosive into the center console market. The fallout will be of seismic proportions."

Center Consoles Only: "Valhalla Boatworks has just announced its new V Series flagship, the V-55! This is guaranteed to be in the forefront of the mega center console space and we can't wait to see it come to life!"

Orders for the newest Valhalla neared 50 boats in early June, as the boat quickly staked its claim in a market segment that consumers cannot get enough of. The V-55 sets a new standard of excellence for center consoles over 50 feet with an unbeatable combination of engineering achievement, unique design traits and build specifications and next-level equipment and accessories.

The V-55 combines the speed, maneuverability, 360-degree on-deck access and convenience of an outboard-powered center console with the engineering, accommodations and conveniences of a Viking convertible. The V-55's overall size - particularly its 15-foot 6-inch beam - allows for more fuel capacity, cockpit space, on-deck seating and interior living accommodations than any other center console in its class.

"We're providing all the strengths of our Valhalla design - everything from the style and aesthetics to the ride quality and fishability - in a center console large enough to accommodate a private stateroom, head with separate shower and overnighting space for additional crew," says Viking Design Manager David Wilson. "We wanted to give our owners the ability to spend more time on board with family and friends - to go farther, stay longer and bring along more guests."

V-55 - photo © Viking Yachts

Role player

The V-55 will thrive in a variety of roles - offshore tournament contender, high-performance sport yacht, fish-and-cruise express or tender to a Viking or superyacht. Quadruple or quintet Mercury 7.6-liter V12 600-hp Verado outboards power the new Valhalla. "The boat was designed and engineered for these engines," says Viking Vice President of Design and Engineering Lonni Rutt. "We developed the transom and structure to support the weight and horsepower. We prepared for - and are working with - the technology rather than adapting to it." Mercury's electric power steering delivers true finger-tip control. The engine manufacturer's JPO (Joystick Piloting For Outboards) technology combined with the 600's steerable gearcase give the driver excellent responsiveness and 360-degree maneuverability.

The Valhalla 55 holds a total of 1,200 gallons of standard fuel - that's 200 to 300 gallons more than competing models. The boat is also engineered with an electrically operated fuel management system, providing increased reliability and utility by allowing each engine to draw from designated fuel tanks.

V-55, main bottom lounge - photo © Viking Yachts

Performance and quality

The Valhalla 55 rides on the patented Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) from Michael Peters Yacht Design. "We've seen great performance with the other V Series models in all aspects - from excellent ride quality and efficiency to maneuverability and helm visibility," David says of the double-stepped, deep-V running surface. "The V-55 is the largest center console on the market to utilize what we believe is the most advanced and effective stepped-hull design currently available."

Like a Viking sportfisher, the hull is being manufactured with fiberglass and carbon fiber/E-glass hybrid fabrics for optimal strength and weight savings. The structural stringer grid, deck, liners and hardtop will be resin-infused. The stringer grid has been engineered for the installation of a gyro stabilizer and is accessible through a watertight cockpit sole hatch. "We incorporated the space and the structure for a Seakeeper 9," says Lonni. "A smaller gyro would be sufficient, but we wanted to offer maximum comfort for our customers." Valhalla 55 owners also have the option of adding the ElectroSea CLEARLINE cleaning technology for the boat's seawater-cooled plumbing systems.

The V Series has been recognized for its meticulous fit and finish, and the workmanship on the V-55 will be equally impressive. All hatches have deep drain channels and gaskets that fit into molded channels to keep them in place and functioning as designed. Doors and lids are gelcoat-finished on both sides using Light Resin Transfer Molding. All insulated boxes include lids that are also insulated for maximum cold retention. The V-55 utilizes premium hardware from Gemlux throughout the boat.

V-55, main lounge - photo © Viking Yachts

Beam matters

At 15 feet, 6 inches, the V-55 has more beam than any other center console from 50 to 60 feet. That width brings a host of advantages on deck and in the cabin. Dual 65-gallon live wells anchor an immense cockpit, comparable to a convertible's business end. Flip-down transom seats can be integrated into the cockpit corners. Port and starboard standard dive doors give you the flexibility to dock the Valhalla on either side. The doors provide anglers an easy way to bring a fish aboard or keep it in the water for release; each door also has a recessed bracket for a stainless steel dive ladder.

The twin insulated and refrigerated 110-gallon fish boxes flank the centerline Seakeeper hatch and the lazarette - both finished with a white gelcoat for better visibility and maintenance. Fuel filters; bilge pumps and switches, live well and fish box pumps; live well manifolds; the Hooker Sea Chest System; the dual freshwater engine flush system (for quicker flushing time) and other components are expertly installed, neatly labeled and readily accessible in the lazarette.

The forward seating module is home to four Release Marine chairs (with electric slides for adjustment) and a fold-down step for the captain, if needed. The helm layout is clean, straightforward and operator-friendly with excellent visibility in all directions. A ProCurve solid glass enclosure with custom fiberglass frame provides weather protection and a gin-clear view ahead. A recessed black acrylic dash is home to three large multi-function displays, with a row of Bocatech switches beneath. The Edson steering wheel is mounted on a custom faux teak or solid teak helm pod, with the engine controls and standard Mercury joystick to starboard. The V-55 also comes standard with the Zipwake Dynamic Trim-Control System.

V-55, main bottom - photo © Viking Yachts

Seating versatility

The V-55 is offered with two different second-row seating layouts for maximum cruise-and-fish versatility. The standard configuration may cater toward the cruising crowd, with a U-shaped lounge (with a power-actuated hi-lo dinette table that coverts to a two-person berth) serving as a social hub.

Alternatively, fish-focused owners may prefer the optional second row seating module with five Release Marine teak chairs and its additional tackle storage and cooler space. With each arrangement, the second row's fiberglass seating module includes an aft-facing mezzanine seat with refrigeration underneath, a row of rod and cupholders, tackle storage, a drink box to port and a sink to starboard with the availability of an optional grill. Also available with the five-chair module is an optional 24-inch multi-function display, located on centerline that lifts up and faces the cockpit.

Wide sidedecks lead to the bow. A lounge (with armrests and cupholders) is integrated into the console and comfortably seats three guests. There's an additional seat on the forward end that can hold an available live well. A pair of forward seats with optional teak backrests are to port and starboard, allowing a clear path to the 186-gallon in-deck fishbox, centerline step-up casting platform and access to the anchor locker, windlass and ground tackle.

The optional power-actuated twin bow tables are perfect for lunch or drinks, and can be lowered to create one large sunpad. "In this area, we've added a versatile cruising amenity while still providing accessibility forward," says David. "The split design allows egress to the step-up platform, anchor locker and bow cleats without having to remove the tables."

The V-55 benefits from Viking's vertical integration in many ways, including the ability to outfit her with a custom Palm Beach Towers (a Viking company) gap tower. The hardtop package comes with a slew of fishing and navigational features and equipment, including an integrated electric teaser reel box; a six-rod rocket launcher; and molded-in pods for spreader lights, overhead electronics and radar antenna. VBW offers factory-installed electronics packages from Garmin or Simrad; custom installations of navigation, communication and entertainment systems from the Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics - another example of vertical integration at work - are also available to owners.

An array of color choices and options allows owners to personalize their V-55; popular options include faux teak for the transom and toe rail and custom outboard and antenna colors to match the hull. Color compatibility can be taken to an even higher level with custom outboard paint packages and gelcoat options for the deck liner, console, seating modules and deck boxes.

V-55, main bench - photo © Viking Yachts

Comforts of home

A companionway leads to the air-conditioned cabin. Its location - on the console's starboard aft end - and its sliding door are similar to a Viking express yacht, providing easy access and the ability to run safely with the door open or closed.

The V-55's accommodations below expand the use of wood and amenities, bringing an enhanced level of yacht-like luxury akin to a Viking interior. A Bomar overhead hatch and two portlights on each side of the cabin usher in an abundance of natural light, heightening the appeal of the horizontal grain walnut.

The cabin has ample headroom and is appointed with a feature-rich galley to starboard and an L-shaped lounge on the port side with a drop-down dinette table for conversion into a bunk. A standard 32-inch HD TV faces the dinette. The forward area is dedicated to the private stateroom with its raised walk-around queen bed (with storage underneath); 32-inch HD TV; port-side ensuite head with vanity and sink; and separate enclosed shower on the stateroom's starboard side. The layout also makes the head accessible from the cabin interior. Moving aft, there's a bunk area with a pair of single berths, each 6 feet, 3 inches long - perfect for a couple, kids or anglers.

With the V-46, VBW was the first to design and engineer a large designated dry space for mechanical and electrical components - a "machinery room." Accessed through an aft bulkhead door in the bunk area, the V-55's machinery room contains the batteries and battery chargers, fire and ventilation systems, water heater, electrical distribution panel, generator, access to the electronics, fuel management systems as well as optional systems including a watermaker, Spot Zero water purifier and sonar tube. A 15 kW genset was chosen as standard equipment to ensure ample power for air conditioning, refrigeration and Seakeeper operation.

"In every way, this boat goes above and beyond," says Pat. "We're raising the bar in this market segment of 50-plus-foot center consoles by leading in every important aspect for this size and style of boat - fuel capacity, beam, hull design, engineering, equipment, fishability and Viking-yacht accommodation levels."