Valhalla Boatworks just announced that it’s building a V-55 Sport that will emphasize comfort, style and accommodations in a high-performance luxury cruising yacht. The V-55 represents a major move by Valhalla, part of Viking Yachts, which has concentrated on center console fishing boats since it was started in 2019.
Pat Healey, the Viking president, made the announcement this week at a Viking and Valhalla dealer meeting in Atlantic City. “The V-55 Sport represents our ability to diversify within a model to meet the needs of more owners,” he said. “It takes the proven performance of our 55 hull and merges it with an exciting, contemporary design that the cruising crowd will love.”
The new Valhalla sport was designed by Michael Peters, the prolific Sarasota designer who has recently worked on Hinckley, Summit and Outback cruising boats. It has Peters’ stepped-V, ventilated tunnel hull with a 22.5 degree deadrise at the transom for offshore performance, and it’s powered by four 600-hp Mercury outboards.
The cockpit is designed for relaxing and outdoor entertaining, with an L-shaped summer kitchen on the starboard side. Balconies, with integrated boarding ladders, fold down from both sides to provide more deck space and easy access to the water.
The side decks are asymmetrical to provide for more interior volume. The raised starboard side deck (three steps up) frees up space in the cabin while still providing access forward for line handling. The port-side walkway is flush with the deck all the way to the bow, with a three-person sun pad and a wraparound lounge and table.
The helm deck features a powered aft window in the bulkhead for ventilation and natural light, plus a sunroof overhead. Powered doors slide open on port and starboard sides aft. Three seats face the helm.
Stairs on the port side lead down to the galley below on the starboard side; the dinette is to port with L-shaped seating that is convertible to a berth. The two private staterooms have walkaround queen beds. The master is forward with an en suite head and separate shower. A day head, with a separate shower, is just forward of the guest stateroom amidships.
Hull number one is scheduled to be ready for the fall boat show season.
On a personal note, I’ve visited the Viking factory in New Gretna, New Jersey, many times over the years. Vikings are built like little battleships.
Specs.: LOA: 55’7”; Beam: 15’6”; Draft: 4’; Disp.: 47,500 lbs.; Fuel: 1,100 gals.; Water: 150 gals.; Power: 4×600-hp Mercury outboards.
Read more at http://valhallaboatworks.com
