Functionality plays a decisive role in outdoor leisure activities. This is all the more true for sport fishing on the high seas. The USA is a Mecca for this hobby - because its El Dorado is right on the doorstep. The Gulf Stream passes just off the coast of Florida and there are plenty of fish along its edge. So it's hardly surprising that the marinas along the coast are full ofsportfishermen.
The shapes of these special boats are unmistakable, with an elongated, high foredeck for high seaworthiness and the superimposedtuna towerwhose name speaks for itself: from the viewing platform at the very top, after jumpinggame fish spotted. To get to the fishing area and back again quickly - and to extend the time on site - these boats are also impressively motorised.
One of the many shipyards in this market segment is Valhalla Boatworks in Egg Harbour City on the coast of New Jersey. The name is no coincidence: in the 2000s, people began building boats there that were supposed to be as strong as those of the Vikings. A selling point that always seems to score points in the USA when it comes to seafaring...
But strength and functionality are not everything: as with modern American pick-up trucks, two other aspects also play an important role: looks and comfort. Valhalla's new flagship, the V-55, doesn't have to put up with any criticism on either of these points.
Various equipment options ensure that every angler can configure the boat of their dreams, for example with or withouttuna tower. There is plenty of space for fishing anyway, both in the wide cockpit aft and in the open foredeck. Thanks to the walkaround layout, you can move around freely without any problems. And when you're not out fishing, all this deck space can also be used for a cocktail party.
The flat deckhouse with its high, steep windscreen is reminiscent of the lines of alobster boatsthe legendary ancestor of all fishing boats on the US east coast. With a length of just under 17 metres, there is space below deck for a saloon with galley, an owner's cabin with toilet and shower forward and two further double underfloor berths amidships.
The glider is powered by outboards, with a maximum of four with a combined 3000 hp. To ensure that the Valhalla V-55 does not run out of fuel on the way back, the tanks hold an impressive 4500 litres.

Editor Travel