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I was sitting in Crooked Island in the Bahamas, fishing for wahoo with my longtime friend Rob Desmond, a seasoned Viking owner with boats from 42 to 72 feet. Over a few bourbons, the conversation shifted. With two young kids and a desire to slow down from the tournament grind, Rob was ready for a different kind of boat.
The answer was the Valhalla 55. He started a build shortly after that trip and took delivery in late 2024. Since then, we’ve fished a few tournaments and taken countless trips aboard, and I can say this boat checks every box.
Powered by quad Mercury V-12 600s, the Valhalla 55 leaps onto plane with ease, even when fully loaded. We cruised the Florida Keys at speed, despite the boat’s nearly 60,000-pound displacement and full 1,200-gallon fuel tank. She runs like a true performer but offers the presence and comfort of a larger sport-fisher.
Rob customized his layout to balance hardcore fishing and family-friendly features. Instead of a twin-row helm setup, he went with four Release Marine helm chairs and a second-row lounge that’s proved a guest favorite. A drop-down Garmin screen with Apple TV turns the lounge into a mobile theater, a great feature for winding down after a day offshore.
The cockpit is massive. We fished six guys during sailfish season without ever feeling crowded. Dual 65-gallon transom livewells fed by Hooker pumps keep bait fresh, and the tackle center tucked behind the aft-facing seat ensures gear is within arm’s reach. Twin in-deck refrigerated boxes, port and starboard dive doors, and an extra bow livewell round out the fishing layout. Forward, a large sun pad gives non-anglers a place to relax.
Below deck, the Valhalla 55 blends functionality with luxury. A forward stateroom with a queen berth is paired with a Jack-and-Jill-style head. Two aft bunks, a full galley, a convertible dinette and hidden appliances, including a cooktop, microwave, fridge and TV, maximize overnight comfort. As with all Valhallas, nearly every detail is customizable.
The mechanical space is just as impressive. Per Rob’s specifications, the build benefits from a long list of neatly arranged systems, including an ElectroSea, a 15 kW diesel genset, a Spot Zero watermaker, a bilge dryer and a Reverso engine-flush system. The Seakeeper is tucked away in the lazarette and virtually silent underway.
This boat is dialed. Whether chasing sailfish, making a quick run to the Bahamas or hosting a weekend getaway, the Valhalla 55 delivers unmatched versatility and refinement. It’s a serious fishing machine—built for family and built for fun.
Valhalla Boatworks 55 Center-Console Specs
- LOA: 55’7″
- Beam: 15’6″
- Draft:
- 4′ (engines down); 3.0833′ (engines up)
- Displ.: 59,873 lb. (Full Load.)
- Fuel: 1,200 gal.
- Water: 125 gal.
- Power: Quad Mercury V-12 600 hp
