After closely inspecting and spending time aboard the V-37 out on the water, it became clear this fishing machine is a winner.
Reinvented naval architect Michael Peters—in concert with Viking’s head of design, David Wilson—designed the Valhalla hulls. The V-37s incorporate twin steps and an innovative tunnel on the aft planing surface, resulting in superb boat handling. Our test boat was rigged with triple Yamaha F300 outboards, leaving room for 300 more horses for anyone who’d rather opt for max power. The distinctive bow, gently sloping sheer, double forward chines, elegant helm pod, and raised toe rails are design elements borrowed from Viking’s sport-fishing yachts. The tasteful tumblehome bustle supporting the engine platform is a look unto itself.
True to Viking, quality construction, fit and finish are front and center. Valhalla models consist of the hull, a stringer grid, deck liner and coaming ring. All are fitted with a belowdecks centerline mount for an optional Seakeeper 3.
The molds are sculpted using a five-axis, computer-controlled milling system that maintains super-tight tolerances. All components are cored with closed-cell foam and vacuum-infused for the best strength-to-weight ratio.
The deck layout is available with or without forward seating, and our demo featured an open bow with extra fishing room. Three helm seating arrangements are available, with a tackle-and-rigging station or optional aft-facing mezzanine seats. A 360-degree padded bolster surrounds the interior, and forward lounge seating is built into the console. There are vertical rod holders alongside the lounge.
The V-37 is a live-baiter’s dream. The 56-gallon transom livewell can be supplemented with an optional pitch-bait well under the lounge seats and an in-deck well, all fed by a Hooker Electric sea-chest system with external, quick-change pumps. A 2,500 gph pump is standard; a 4,500 is optional. Both are variable speed to accommodate the -water-flow rates needed for different baits. The flow control is inside the helm’s glove box. Five in-deck storage areas can be plumbed to serve as fish boxes, with the largest (123 gallons) in the bow. A Whale Gulper macerator handles pump-out.
The demo boat had 18 gunwale rod holders, eight around the lounge seat, six behind the helm chairs, and six on the T-top for a total of 38, plus lockable rod and gear storage inside the console, forward of the head compartment’s electric toilet, sink and shower area. Rod and cup holders, outrigger bases and pop-up cleats are Gemlux stainless steel, as are through-hull fittings above the waterline. Those below the waterline are titanium. The 470-gallon fuel capacity is split between three tanks, a design that enables any of the tanks to supply any engine with the twist of a lever.
The bow anchor compartment includes a rack for a full-size Danforth anchor and rode. A freshwater washdown inside the locker is optional.
The T-top boasts a wraparound Costa Clear panel instead of a plexiglass windscreen. Graphite composite outriggers mounted on Gemlux bases boast integral roller guides for the double spreader lines and teasers deployed from recessed teaser reels.
The helm holds a center pod for the steering wheel, and digital gauges and controls are within easy reach. The demo boat carried an Icom M506 VHF, a Garmin suite of electronics comprising two GPSMap 8617 17-inch MFDs, a Reactor 40 autopilot, GSD25 sonar and GMR1224HD2 open-array radar.
The Valhallas are available with a choice of outboards. Our test boat carried triple Yamaha F300s, which pushed the boat to 20 mph from a dead stop in 5 seconds, with minimal bow rise. On plane, response to throttle adjustments was nearly instantaneous. We -quickly topped 60 mph, then settled into a fast cruise, just shy of 50, still getting over 1 mpg. At 3,500 rpm and 36 mph, efficiency increased to 1.3 mpg. Handling proved quick and positive. Executing tight turns at speed, the Valhalla never slipped or shuttered. Exiting the inlet with big waves and the wind quartering against the tide, the hull tracked well and rode smoothly, with no spray rising over the gunwales.
Overall, the Valhalla performed admirably. It is clearly capable of competing on par with famed battlewagons. And wherever you target offshore game, the V-37 will get you to the fishing grounds in a hurry.
Specs
Length: 36′9″ Beam: 10′ Draft: 26″ Deadrise: 24 degrees Fuel: 470 gal. Weight: 12,789 lb. Max HP: 1,200 Price: $421,000 w/ triple Yamaha F300s. Valhalla Boatworks: valhallaboatworks.com
Test Conditions
Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey Wind: East 10 knots Sea State: Bay calm; ocean and seas 2 to 4 feet Test Load: Three adults, 290 gallons of fuel
