With 3 generations and 60 years of yacht building, Viking knows how to follow its mantra, “Build A Better Boat Every Day” and how to build on its loyal customer base. From a 38 Billfish to a 90’ Sportfish, the Viking dedication to quality and to its customer is seen in every boat. So what about the big yacht owner who wants a bay boat for shallow water fishing or the angler who fishes inshore, still wants to go offshore but wants the Viking brand on a different budget?

Viking has created the answer for those customers with its newest Valhalla editions, the V-28 Bay and the V-29 Hybrid—smaller boat sizes with yachtlike features, options and feel. All Viking.

V-28 Bay


Valhalla V-28 Bay Boat

Above: A Valhalla V-28 Bay Boat. Photo by Valhalla Boatworks.



Billed as a “tournament competitor” by Viking, the V-28 Bay packs a lot into a 28’ boat, enhanced by a 9’3” beam to provide ample fishing platforms at the transom and bow along with live wells—two, 25-gallon wells aft and an optional 28-gallon one forward. The 18-22” draft provides ease in shallow water as does the 18-degree deadrise, but the twin-stepped Michael Peters hull makes certain the V-28 can handle some rough water as well.

Key Features


The V-28 Bay is outfitted to fish with its big casting platforms, 130-gallon fuel tank, insulated fish boxes, tackle station and lots of rod holders and storage. There are up to four locking rod storage lockers under the bow and two aft, capable of holding up to ten, 7’ rods, and even a 9’ fly rod. Whether opting for a T-Top or open version, power options include twin Yamaha I4 225 HP or Mercury V6 225 HP or V8 300 HP outboards. A single 400 HP Mercury Verado or Yamaha V8 450 HP can also do the job.

In addition, the V-28 has many Viking finishes that belie its size. An optional teak or faux teak helm pod and teak Release seats add luxury, or the owner can opt for a bench seat with a large leaning post. The covered glove box with charging ports at the helm give the captain a Viking feel, as does the dash, equipped with twin 16” or 19” screens, or a single 22” Garmin or 19” Simrad screen, plus Bocatech controls, surrounded by a zipped acrylic enclosure or an optional ProCurve glass windshield.

Innovative Technology


But the most outstanding new standard addition on the V-28 Bay is the carbon fiber steering wheel with paddle controls for the SeaStar hydraulic jackplate on portside and the engine trim on starboard. This paddle technology enables the angler to maneuver the engine without releasing the wheel. Practical and safe handling as anglers move about the boat.

Another Viking feature is the immaculately rigged bilge under the rear seat that flips down to become a casting platform. The opened hatch reveals a Hooker sea chest, seacocks, manifolds and pumps. The head in the console is minimal but also provides storage and houses the electrical rigging, hidden behind a waterproof hatch. The all-around toe kicks, faux teak toe rail, bow seat with an integrated cooler and optional teak back rests and fabric upholstery on the bow seating provide the needs for a dedicated fishing boat that can also comfortably cruise with the family.

A Minn Kota, Rhodan or Garmin trolling motor is an important option, chargeable with a single 60Ah lithium battery in a dedicated hatch to increase the range and replace the weight of three lead-acid batteries. Power Poles are also optional.

If you are a smaller boat angler who always wanted to be a Viking owner—or a Viking owner who wanted a smaller tender, the 28 makes both possible, as does the V-29 Hybrid…

V-29 Hybrid


Valhalla V-29 Hybrid Boat

Above: A Valhalla V-29 Hybrid Boat. Image by Valhalla Boatworks.



The V-29 Hybrid model name does not refer to power, but rather to the type of fishing possible—offshore or inshore—depending on your preference. Like the V-28, the V-29 rides the patented twin-step hull to ensure a good ride from the flats to offshore chop. The extra 1’ and 6” length, plus a wider 9’ 8” beam provide enough room to move easily around the boat while the 21-24” draft still provides the ability to fish the shallows. The 180-gallon fuel capacity increases range.

Key Features


The V-29 has all the features of the V-28 from the bow to stern, with extra room in both—including a larger coffin box style bow lounge, framed with rod holders, with insulated storage beneath and plenty of lockable rod storage. The rear seat and casting platform is larger and lifts to reveal the easily accessible bilge and all its mechanicals. The deeper free board provides a bigger boat feel and the transom houses two 26-gallon live wells, while there is room for an optional SeaKeeper 1 or an optional 40-gallon live well.

While the dash mimics the V-28, complete with the paddle controls and carbon steering wheel, the optional assortment of Simrad or Garmin screens and backlit Bocatech switches and a bow thruster is also optional--as is the Valhalla style larger hardtop. That option includes a 6-rod rocket launcher and other electronic options such as Lumitec spreader and overhead lights, lightbar, FLIR infrared camera, radar and molded-in speakers. An overhead electronic pod houses a Fusion sound system and VHF radio. Telescoping or fixed Gemlux outriggers are available as is a second station stand-on console.

Power And Performance


Power options include twin Mercury V6 225 4 strokes, Mercury V8 300 Verados or twin Yamaha V6 300s. The V-29 is built on a Michael Peters Stepped V Ventilated Tunnel hull design providing efficient, high performance and agile handling. She's offered with three different engine packages, all of which can be equipped with optional jack plates and joysticks.

  • Twin Mercury V6 Verados 225s = 450hp total.

  • Twin Mercury V8 Verado 300s = 600hp total

  • Twin Yamaha V6 300s: 600hp total (max)


Ideal for a day fishing or cruising boat, a yacht or sportfish tender, the 29 provides all that is Viking in a smaller sized Valhalla that boasts the 60-year brand name and quality.

Specifications:
Length: 29'6″
Weight: 8,358 lb. (w/o engines)
Fuel: 180 gal.
Max HP: 600
MSRP: $355,000 (w/ twin Merc 225s on jack plates)

Take Aways


The introduction of the Valhalla V-28 Bay and V-29 Hybrid models exemplifies Viking's commitment to quality and versatility, offering yacht-like features in smaller, more accessible packages. Whether you're an avid angler seeking inshore and offshore adventures or a dedicated Viking owner looking for a refined bay boat, these new Valhalla editions provide the performance and luxury synonymous with the Viking name.

View Valhalla Boats for sale on boats.com