2020 Valhalla Boatworks V-33

Overview

With more than a half-century of building prowess, the Viking Yacht Company is known for showcasing new models. At the 2019 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, it added to this repertoire with the introduction of Valhalla Boatworks, featuring a trio of custom high-performance outboard-powered center-console boats: the V-33, V-37 and V-41 models. We tested the V-33.

It should be no surprise that when a yacht manufacturer that has built nearly 5,000 yachts up to 93 feet since it began in 1964 takes on a new venture, it will be with grit and commitment, starting with a stand-alone factory on the Mullica River near the Bass River in New Gretna, New Jersey.

The V-33 boasts plenty of bluewater genes and is poised for action, whether its mission is a stellar family cruiser for day trips to Nantucket or a sailfish rumble in the Florida Keys. Viking’s engineering group partnered with Michael Peters Yacht Design to create a double-step hull with a tunnel along the centerline. The tunnel walls create two vertical strakes that act like keels, which deliver stability when negotiating high-speed turns. There’s no sliding or unsteady behavior. Idling or running full-tilt, the V-33 handles and feels like a luxury car.

Engine

The ocean was as flat as Lake Worth the day we ran the boat with Valhalla’s Chris Gallagher out of the Viking Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida. With twin 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards, the V-33 rushed to a top speed of better than 61 mph; 63 and 65 mph have been attained by Mercury and Valhalla reps with other V-33s. Our test boat was hull No. 7, and we were the first to run it, so some prop work could be in order. With the optional 414-pound Seakeeper SK2 gyrostabilizer ($42,000) in the bilge aft, the Kiekhaefer racing-style trim tabs lifted the stern to hold the bow down for good visibility while accelerating from a dead stop, and we reached the 30 mph mark in about 10 seconds seamlessly. With afternoon traffic providing sizable wakes, the boat ignored the wash for a smooth ride. Omit the Seakeeper, and the space belowdecks becomes a sixth fish box, or a second livewell to complement the 52-gallon transom well. In the lazerette lined with Dri-Dek tiles, mechanicals and plumbing fittings are neat and accessible. A sea chest with a Hooker 2500 variable-speed pump controlled from the helm keeps live bait frisky. A varied array of large fish lockers includes two beneath the cockpit sole, another pair flanking the helm console, and a 98-gallon, 60-by-29-by-18-inch fish locker in the bow.

Interior and Accessories

The molded nonslip sole is grippy yet cleans easily, and the 24 1/2-inch cockpit depth, wraparound coaming bolsters, and recessed bow rail blend security and comfort. The inward-opening portside dive door is 24 inches wide with a removable stainless-steel swim ladder. Abaft the fiberglass helm seating module is a slide-out cooler, tackle stowage, and rod and drink holders in the backrest. A lounge forward of the helm console includes rod and drink holders, as well as ample stowage beneath the removable cushions. Freeboard in the bow area is 31 inches for safe line handling and fishing. Additional lounge seating with hidden fasteners and toe kicks can be added without compromising usable deck space.

The helm station features a wraparound Costa Clear windshield panel, an Ongaro stainless-steel wheel, and Bocatech 12-volt switching with backlit labeling for ease of reading. The dash accommodates a pair of 17-inch Garmin touchscreen displays, and additional electronics find a home in the overhead panel of the fiberglass hardtop, featuring an underside that’s gelcoated in a glare-reducing color. The hardtop also includes rod holders, a radar pod, and Lumitec spreader and overhead lighting.

Seating choices range from the standard three-person bench seat to double or triple helm chairs with flip-up bolsters and electric slides. Inside the console is stand-up headroom for using the Dometic MSD, a Corian sink with a retractable shower wand, stowage space, a DC electrical panel, and excellent access to the backside of the helm.

Because each Valhalla V-33 is essentially custom-built, a good comparison is the Mag Bay 33 outfitted with twin 400 hp Verados, for about $460,000 equipped similarly to our test boat. Of course, both boats can be had for prices in the low to mid-$300s, but most owners of such boats buy them tricked out. Either way, with alpine marks in construction, fit and finish, performance and style, the V-33 from Valhalla Boatworks is aimed squarely at welcoming more boaters to the Viking family.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 400 hp inline-six Mercury Verados
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Revolution 4 14 5/8″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 150 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Eight outboard combinations from Mercury and Yamaha include power steering and available joystick controls.
• Delivery is turnkey-ready, including your electronics, and fishing and cruising gear.
• Bring your wish list—myriad options include hull color, faux teak treatments, and custom tournament and cruising amenities.

Low Points

• Lots of decisions are necessary to personalize the boat you want.
• Smaller standard livewell capacity than some comparable models.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Valhalla Boatworks – Egg Harbor City, New Jersey; 609-296-6000; valhallaboatworks.com