Valhalla V46 Review

Since its creation in 2019 as a division of Viking Yachts, Valhalla Boatworks has earned an international reputation for building high-end, high performance center console fishing boats that truly stand out from the crowd.

For 2022 the company is raising the bar again with its all-new Valhalla V46 – a big, fast, and capable offshore fishing rig with more than just a hint of luxury.

With a big cockpit for fishing, comfortable belowdecks accommodations and a spacious bow with luxurious seating for stretching out in the sun, the V46 ticks a lot of boxes for fishing families.

The newest model in Valhalla’s fleet of V-Series of luxury center consoles, the V46 made its official debut at the 2022 Miami International Boat Show where it drew rave reviews and long lines of people waiting to step aboard and check it out in person. Stretching a full 46 feet, 7 inches in length and riding on a beefy 13 foot, 4 inch beam, the Valhalla V46 is a genuinely massive boat, and that becomes apparent as you walk up to it at the dock. The generous freeboard and big, sweeping bow handle ocean waves with ease, while giving even non-boaters all the confidence in the world as they explore the blue water far offshore.

Twin 54-gallon transom bait wells with clear lids are just the beginning of the big Valhalla’s fishing amenities.

You can’t really see it at the dock, but the big Valhalla V46 rides on a double-stepped performance hull by Michael Peters Yacht Design. The twin steps cut into the hull bottom serve to break the surface tension and reduce drag, contributing to the boat’s quick acceleration and surprising fuel economy.

The aft cockpit is truly huge, allowing plenty of space for fighting big fish. Fold-down transom seats that retract out of the way when not needed are a nice touch.

Step aboard through the port-side cockpit door, and the size of the big, open aft cockpit immediately becomes apparent. Two 54-gallon live wells on the transom feature clear lids so you can easily keep tabs on the bait, while no less than five insulated fish boxes take care of the day’s catch – each one equipped with its own macerator pump for overboard drainage.

The standard Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer between the cockpit fish boxes can be deleted and replaced with a huge live well if desired.

Between the fish boxes on either side of the cockpit floor is a large compartment that accommodates a Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer – a wonderful standard feature that eliminates rocking and rolling in the swells, giving the Valhalla V46 living room-like stability in even big waves. For those who prefer it, the Seakeeper can be eliminated and the space used instead for a huge aerated live well.

An aft-facing bench seat serving the cockpit includes a seat back cushion that folds down to reveal storage drawers for tackle and other smaller items.

Flush-mount stainless steel rod holders surround the cockpit, while overhead, an available sunshade extends from the hard top to protect almost the entire cockpit area from the afternoon heat.

The console sits under a massive hard top, complete with a stylish, one-piece wrap-around windshield.

The hard top itself is nothing short of massive, providing plenty of protection not only for the helm, but for two rows of seating behind it. Three-abreast seating at the helm, followed by a row of four seats behind, all feature fold-down arm rests and lift-up bolsters for added comfort. The second-row seats are slightly elevated to allow for better forward visibility when underway, while the aft side of this row accommodates a rear-facing bench seat serving the cockpit. The bench’s back rest folds down to reveal a series of useful storage drawers for smaller items like fishing gear.

Looking like something right out of an executive jet, the helm console includes space for three 22-inch multi-function displays.

The helm console itself is a work of art, with a black acrylic helm panel wide enough to accommodate three 22-inch multi-function displays side-by-side, topped by a stylish, one-piece wrap-around windshield. Push-button switches arranged in a neat row on the dash beneath the displays gives the helm a real corporate jet look, right down to the strategically-places stainless steel drink holders.

There’s seating galore under the hard top, with two rows of buckets each featuring fold-down arm rests and pull-up bolsters.

The Valhalla V46 comes with three fuel tanks, with fuel flow controlled by a proprietary management system that’s operated with selector switches inside the port-side glove box. The starboard glove box includes space for an optional joystick for enhanced docking control. A bow thruster is also available as an optional upgrade.

Standard power for the Valhalla V46 is four Mercury Verado 400 outboards, churning out a combined 1,600 ponies. If that’s not enough, you can also order this bad boy with four Mercury Racing V8 450Rs, or Mercury Verado V12 600s in a triple or quad installation, kicking out up to 2,400 combined horsepower. All power options come with fly-by-wire electric power steering as a standard feature, and are fed by an enormous fuel capacity of just under 700 gallons, giving the V46 loads of range for those times when the hot bite is miles offshore.

Below-decks accommodations include a U-shaped dinette forward, with a table that lowers to convert the space into a comfy Queen berth.

But it would be a mistake to think of the V46 as just a fishing boat. The big helm console also provides access to the V46’s surprisingly large belowdecks accommodations, which feature a full 6 feet, 7 inches of headroom. The open layout includes a U-shaped dinette forward, with a drop-down table that can convert to a Queen berth for overnight trips.

There’s also a fully-featured galley below, including a stove, microwave and refrigerator/freezer.

To starboard, the Valhalla V46 includes a full galley, with a stainless steel sink, two-burner recessed stove, a refrigerator/freezer, a microwave and plenty of storage space for dishes and food.

Bow loungers with removable, forward-facing seat backs provide plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

The head compartment sits aft of the galley, complete with its integrated vanity, freshwater sink, residential-style toilet and shower.

Up front in the bow, the V46 features padded lounge seats with removable forward-facing back rests and full coaming, allowing the boat to pull double-duty as a family day boat when it’s not out chasing fish.

Valhalla has a waiting list for people who want a V46, in spite of its seven-digit price tag.

If that’s your family, they you’re very lucky indeed. The Valhalla V46 is a truly remarkable luxury center console with thoughtful features and an inspired design. If you want one, then be prepared to join a waiting list because this is a hot-selling boat – despite its seven-digit price tag.