V-28 and V-29 Paddle Shift Design

The paddle shift helm design on our Valhalla V-28 Bay and V-29 Hybrid increases ease of operation and safety while maintaining the classic look of the Viking/Valhalla raised pod. Mounted to the steering column, the paddles allow operators to control jack plate height and engine trim without removing their hands from the wheel.

“Functionality, aesthetics and safety were the top priorities,” said Winston Zeberlein, Viking’s Special Projects Engineer. “Our in-house 3D printing allowed us to design and prototype this unique solution.”

Left: The various components of the paddle shift helm, with our 3D printer in the background. Right: The prototype helm used by our Design and Engineering Department to verify ergonomics and functionality.

The shape and installation of the helm/paddle shift mount (left) had to be perfect to enable easy fingertip control. In addition, the mount and the helm cover/bezel (right) had to accommodate two different steering pumps – one from Optimus, the other from Mercury (both are offered depending on the engine package chosen by the owner) and fit a Viking/Valhalla-style helm pod.

The V-28 and V-29 are extremely fast, and their minimal drafts and jack plates allow them to run through shallow inshore waterways with varying depths that may require constant adjustment of outboard height and trim. “Being able to keep your eyes on the water and your hands on the wheel is crucial,” says Justin Healey of Valhalla Boatworks. “The paddle shift design gives you immediate and precise control.”

Our 3D printer was used to fabricate four different prototypes of the helm/paddle shift mount. “Like the helm and paddle shift mount, the helm cover required four 3D printed iterations,” says Winston. “Each time I was able to see, feel and fit the part until we got it to its optimum shape and look.” The underside of the helm cover required specific curves and contours so it could fit over the helm mount and sit on the helm pod.

In addition to 3D printing, the production of the helm cover required the use of lost-wax casting, also known as investment casting. This is a versatile process in which a single metal object is cast from a wax model, producing detailed results. “We needed a highly refined and detailed – inside and out – stainless steel part,” says Winston. “This tried-and-true technology was the answer. Our final 3D printed design is utilized in the lost-wax casting process to make the part.” And oh, what a part it is – the helm cover is like a shiny jewel sitting upon the teak helm pod.

The paddle shift system and hydraulic jack plates are standard equipment on the V-28 and V-29. We invite you to check out the article about our innovative helm in the latest issue of Valhalla magazine by clicking here. For more information about the V Series, please contact your authorized Valhalla Boatworks dealer.

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