WHAT’S HOT S – The best of the newest boats

2021 Valhalla Boatworks V41

Viking, the sportfishing icon, has introduced its star in the center console market — the Valhalla. It has a stepped-V, ventilated running surface and cutting-edge fishing equipment and innovative deck design for storage or rods, tear, tackle and bait.

The frameless, wraparound windshield gives the captain excellent visibility and the raised transom livewell lets anglers keep an eye on the health of the bait.

With tons of Viking “DNA,” the Valhalla is elegant and comfortable without limiting fishability.

Specs
LOA: 40’6”
Beam 11’7”
Fuel Capacity: 557 gallons
Capacity: n/a
Power: (quad) 400 hp Mercury Verado Outboard
Draft: 33”

2020 Solace 345

The most outstanding feature of the Solace 345 is the Fish Thru® transom making it possible for anglers to stand aft of the two engines without leaving the cockpit. Boating Magazine named it the 2019 boat of the year.

The Solace also features a really versatile workstation that doubles as seating when not in use (the cushions pop on and off with magnetic attachments.) The workstation is fit with a sink, refrigerator, drawers and a grill.

Two more details: A platform under the captain’s feet can be raised for vertically challenged boaters. It comes with an option for a raised second helm (buggy option) that can be lowered when trailering.

Specs
LOA: 34’
Beam 10’6”
Fuel Capacity: 343 gallons
Capacity: 16 persons
Power: (double) Yamaha 425 xto V8 outboard
Draft: 24”

2020 Hewes Redfisher 21

Back by popular demand, the completely new Redfisher 21 takes hardcore, nearshore and backcountry fishing to a whole other level. Built using VARIS (Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion System) and designed for a maximum horsepower rating of 350 with a jackplate standard, this boat specializes in catching bait in one zip code, fishing in another, and then getting back to the dock in time for a tournament weigh-in.

Huge casting decks and walkaround gunwales make for a stable, uncluttered platform. Plus, there’s tons of lockable, dry storage for everything from cast nets to gear bags and the new console has enough dash space to flush mount a 12” unit with room to spare.

Specs:
LOA: 21’6”
BEAM: 8’6”
Fuel capacity: 50 gallons
Capacity: 6 persons
Power: (single) Yamaha VF250 SHO
Draft: 14”

Sara Matthis
Sara Matthis thinks community journalism is important, but not serious; likes weird and wonderful children (she has two); and occasionally tortures herself with sprint-distance triathlons, but only if she has a good chance of beating her sister.