Sure, you’re used to seeing quad-engine center-consoles that go fast. But 63.9 knots? Of course, tricked-out twin-step hulls are nothing new. But one with vertical sidewall tunnels and a centered aft tunnel that grips the water like Pirellis on asphalt, even in high-speed turns? And yes, we know there are plenty of big center-consoles with monstrous livewells. But a 90-gallon version so darn big, you could quite literally climb into it and, were it fitted out with a heater and jet pump, enjoy a soak in a hot tub? This is what happens when Viking Yachts decides to get into the outboard game.
When I ran the V-41, queen of Viking’s new Valhalla Boatworks fleet, the results were impressive. Along with that 63.9-knot top-end speed, the V-41 posted a 39-knot cruising speed at 4,500 rpm (and almost 0.8 mpg) while blazing through the 2- to 3-foot open Atlantic seas in comfort. The ride is helped, in part, by a wave-dicing deep-V hull form that transitions from a fine entry to 24 degrees of transom deadrise. To make the ride even smoother, there is space under the cockpit for a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer.
Speaking of comfort, at the helm, we were ensconced in triple-ladder-back chairs with fold-down armrests and diamond-stitched upholstery. And forward of the console, there’s a lounger for guests, the front of which swings up for stowage or a second livewell, owner’s choice. If that’s not enough seating, a pair of forward lounges in the bow is optional.
From an angling perspective, designers kept the console relatively svelte for a boat of this size, housing a small cabin inside with a twin-size berth, a head with a sink and rod racks for a dozen rigs. Some people might wish for a galley and/or a dinette in the console’s cabin, but boats of that ilk can’t even come close to competing with the V-41 for fishing space. And as it is, with a six-person crew swinging their fishing rods, this center-console will feel virtually empty.
You want to know what happens when one of the nation’s premier builders of sport-fishing yachts delves into the outboard world? Step aboard a Valhalla Boatworks V-41. You’ll find out in no time—and you’ll be fishing the canyons in less than an hour.
Take the next step: valhallaboatworks.com
