VALHALLA V-46
This 46-foot centerconsole with a double-stepped hull can approach 70 mph.
AAccording to David Wilson, Valhalla Boatworks design manager, “Our customers wanted more of everything, and we could not stretch the V-41 to do it.” The extra 6 feet in length overall for the Valhalla V-46 and almost 2-foot-wider beam checked every box, not only in volume, but also in performance, fishability and human-size accommodations. The hull, drawn by Michael Peters Yacht Design, features a double-stepped running surface with a centerline tunnel. The vertical walls of the tunnel act like keels, which afford lateral stability and direction most noticeable at the helm when ripping into high-speed turns. Powered with four Mercury Racing 450R V-8 outboards, the 46
achieved speeds just under 70 mph. Push the throttles forward, and the acceleration is furious. The EPS SeaStar Optimus power steering proved precise and effortless. Set with 4½ turns lock-to-lock, the carbon-fiber Edson wheel provided sports-car-like response.
The helm features a large air-conditioned command station with three Release Marine 19-inch seats with electric slides and flip-up bolsters. A black acrylic helm panel allows for three flush-mounted Garmin screens, while the dash is home for the Zipwake and Merc controls, the Side-Power thruster joystick and two banks of switching. The faux teak helm pod looks great. Abaft the helm chairs is a second row of four air-conditioned seats mounted a few inches higher than the forward seats to give crew an unobstructed view. Built into the seating bases are multiple stowage compartments for tackle and gear. When running at flank speeds, everything needs a place to be, and this ride has a place for everything.
The fiberglass hardtop with polished aluminum supports
features a teaser reel compartment and an electronic box built into the overhead (which can be color-matched to the hull), along with spreader and overhead lights, six rod holders, and a radar antenna pod. Our test boat also boasted the optional ProCurve solid curvedglass windshield ($9,700) that complements the contour of the console. In true form following function, the helm area is generously protected from spray, sun and wind.
Aft-facing mezzanine seating with armrests and drink holders keeps anglers close to the action in the cockpit. Behind the backrests we found stowage compartments for tackle and gear, insulated drink boxes, flush rod holders and more drink holders.
In the cockpit, with an average depth of 29 inches, the reach to the waterline is 36 inches, making release of billfish safe and easy. Two 50-gallon livewells built into the transom get water from a sea chest and a variable speed pump to ensure proper flow to keep bait lively. Two 15-by-67-by-24-inch fish boxes flank large hatches in the sole for the available Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer ($52,200), and lazarette access to the fuel filters, bilge, livewell, refrigeration, air conditioning and Seakeeper cooling pumps. The antiseptic-looking bilges are finished with white gelcoat for easy cleanup. Integrated lift-up transom seats also can be added, as well as an engine flush system.
Additional fish wells flank the helm console. Above deck, dry stowage compartments are plentiful as you move toward the bow thanks to the wide coaming with space under the gunwales for the portside dive door ladder, gaffs and line bins, and eight fishing rods on the starboard side. A recessed stainless-steel bow rail and bolsters line the coaming from bow to stern. Forward lounge seating is framed with more rod holders and can be fitted with another pressurized livewell under the cushion. The deck space includes room for a tuna-size fish box beneath the molded nonslip sole. Removable backrests complement port and starboard bow seating. I liked the step platform between the bow seats; it conceals a drink-box cooler and affords unfettered access
The stand-up, well-lit and fully equipped machinery room abaft the head is the knockout punch.
to the cleats, the anchor rode locker with freshwater spigot, and the Lewmar windlass, without needing to stretch over cushions.
Take three teak steps into the cabin within the console. Headroom going in is 6 feet, 7 inches. Sitting headroom at the teak table is 5 feet, 2 inches. With U-shaped seating, it serves as a dining area. Dropping the table converts it to a queen-size berth. A 32-inch flat-screen television and stereo provide entertainment. An overhead hatch and large side windows fill the area with natural light. The galley includes Corian counters, an Isotherm refrigerator/freezer, a two-burner Kenyon cooktop and a Samsung microwave. A hatch in the galley sole provides access to the water tank, shower sump and overboard discharge. Abaft the galley is the head with a Dometic marine toilet, a shower, a vanity with a Corian countertop, and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom.
The knockout punch? The machinery room is abaft the head. Here, there is access to the water heater, batteries, the 8 kW generator, freshwater pumps and filter. As much as 6 feet of standing height allows you to reach all of the helm wiring, which, by the way, I found superbly done.
Boats comparable to the V-46 prove rare. Savvy buyers will check out Intrepid’s 475 Panacea, which runs on a stepped hull and can also be highly customized ($1,000,000 with quad Mercury Racing 450Rs). Schedule sea trials of both boats, and be prepared to be impressed.