Riviera Yachts: Performance And Luxury At Sea

Riviera Yachts is an Australian manufacturer and the country's largest and most awarded luxury yacht builder. The company has been operating for over 40 years and has built a large and loyal customer base. Riviera boats are designed and built to withstand rough seas and blue-water conditions. The yachts are known for their high-quality materials, solid build, and sea handling capabilities. The boats are also praised for their interior design, with handcrafted cabinetry using real timber. The company offers a diverse model lineup, including Open and Enclosed Flybridge, Sport Yacht, SUV, Sports Motor Yacht, and Belize Motoryachts, ranging from 36 to 77 feet in length. Overall, Riviera Yachts are considered a good option for those seeking a well-built, luxurious, and capable boat for cruising, entertaining, and fishing.

Riviera Yachts' quality and build

Riviera Yachts is the largest luxury yacht builder in Australia, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. The company has built a loyal customer base, with some owners switching models multiple times as their needs evolve. Riviera's commitment to top-notch service, a diverse model lineup, and owner feedback has fostered a strong sense of loyalty among its customers.

Riviera yachts are designed and built to withstand rough seas and blue-water conditions. The yachts feature solid fiberglass bottoms, forward watertight crash bulkheads, keels, and fiberglass tabbed deck-to-hull joints, resulting in exceptionally rugged fiberglass hulls. The interior cabinetry is handcrafted using real timber, adding to the overall quality and luxury of the yachts.

In terms of performance, Riviera yachts offer a range of options to suit different needs. The 58 Sports Motor Yacht, for example, delivers a mix of 30-knot performance and impressive cruising range, making it a capable all-rounder. The yacht's IPS pods and jack shafts contribute to a balanced centre of gravity and running attitude. Additionally, the C Zone digital switching system allows for full control of all boat systems and includes preprogrammed modes like 'Entertaining' and 'Cruising'.

The build quality of Riviera yachts is often compared to other brands such as Viking, Cabo, and Sea Ray. While some owners have reported issues with their yachts, overall, Riviera yachts are known for their solid construction and reliable engineering. The company's commitment to using high-quality materials and attention to detail in the building process further contributes to their reputation for quality and performance.

Riviera offers a comprehensive warranty package for new yachts, including a two-year comprehensive manufacturer warranty, a five-year hull warranty, and an exclusive five-year Volvo engine warranty. This level of coverage reflects the company's confidence in the quality and durability of their yachts.

Customer service and loyalty

Riviera Yachts has been building boats for over 40 years and has cultivated a large and loyal customer base. The company's commitment to top-notch service, diverse model offerings, and owner feedback implementation has resulted in a strong sense of customer loyalty. Riviera's business plan focuses on engendering loyalty by providing exceptional service, a wide range of models, and a willingness to incorporate customer suggestions into their designs and services.

This commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their response to Mark Doxon, who experienced engine trouble in a secluded location with no cellphone service. Riviera arranged for a seaplane to deliver the necessary parts and a technician, fixing the issue within two days. Doxon's positive experience is not an isolated case, as many Riviera owners have expressed their satisfaction with the brand. Some owners have purchased multiple boats from the company, and others have proudly displayed their loyalty through events and gatherings.

Riviera's dedication to customer service and loyalty is also reflected in their willingness to modify designs to meet specific customer preferences. Ray Haddrell, for example, appreciated the company's willingness to listen to his ideas and make adjustments to their SUV line to suit his needs. This level of personalisation and attention to customer feedback fosters a strong sense of loyalty among Riviera owners.

In addition to their exceptional service, Riviera yachts are known for their high-quality construction and design. The yachts are built in Australia, where the seas are rough, so they are designed to withstand challenging blue-water conditions. The structural integrity of Riviera yachts is renowned, with solid fiberglass bottoms, forward watertight crash bulkheads, keels, and fiberglass tabbed deck-to-hull joints. The interior design is also impressive, with handcrafted cabinetry using real timber, creating a timeless and elegant aesthetic.

Riviera's commitment to customer service and loyalty extends beyond the initial purchase. The company offers an extensive network of service providers who can handle maintenance and repairs directly at the customer's dock, eliminating the need to transport the yacht to a yard. This convenient and friendly service network further enhances the customer experience and strengthens loyalty.

In conclusion, Riviera Yachts has earned a reputation for exceptional customer service and loyalty by delivering top-notch service, diverse model offerings, and a willingness to incorporate owner feedback. The company's dedication to customer satisfaction, combined with the high-quality construction and design of their yachts, has resulted in a strong base of loyal customers who proudly display their affiliation with the Riviera brand.

Interior design and functionality

The interior design of Riviera yachts is impressive, with a richly contemporary style that is not faddish. The interior cabinetry is handcrafted using real timber instead of MDF or artificial wood. The styling and entertaining functionality of the sleek, express Sport Yacht are what US boaters enjoy the most about these boats. The Sport Yacht also boasts wonderfully designed interiors and excellent sea-handling abilities. The stainless steel bulkheads that open up between the aft galley and the cockpit create a more sociable and spacious arrangement. The single-level design from the cockpit to the helm also makes the boat safe to move about in all conditions.

The Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht, based on the 585 SUV, is a good example of Riviera's interior design and functionality. It is an enclosed flybridge design aimed at the owner/operator, big enough to handle challenging seas but small enough to handle as a couple. The interior feels very similar to the 585 SUV but without the lower helm, creating a more spacious and sociable arrangement. The galley has a homely feel, with a U-shaped layout and a big pop-up window that connects to the outdoor areas. Unlike many boats of this size, this galley feels like a proper kitchen. The main saloon is a space where you wouldn't mind hunkering down on a cold, rainy night. It is incredibly cosy and inviting, with a beautifully finished table and a movable footstool with a fitted tray for drinks and snacks. The upper deck provides a cosy seating area, another TV, and a fridge. The third control station offers an elevated position for superb sightlines, making it incredibly handy for managing the boat.

The guest accommodation on the Riviera 58 SMY offers a home-like experience. The layout includes three cabins in total: an owner's suite amidships, a VIP cabin forward, and a twin guest cabin on the port side. The owner's suite includes a coffee-making area, a large bed, ample storage, a TV, and a walk-in wardrobe. The VIP cabin has a generous double-hanging wardrobe and additional storage, while the twin guest cabin does not have an ensuite but is located across the lobby from the day head.

The Riviera 58 SMY also features a spacious and well-designed cockpit, with plenty of room for anglers to fish without knocking into each other. It includes a live bait well, a hydraulic bathing platform, and ample storage for fishing gear. The mezzanine cockpit is another great design feature, offering a well-protected space to relax. Overall, the Riviera 58 SMY blends luxury and practicality, with robust craftsmanship, versatile fishing features, and excellent cruising performance.

Performance and handling

The Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht, for example, offers a blend of performance and luxury. It provides a top speed of 31 knots and an impressive range of over 400 nautical miles. When dropped to trawling speed, the range extends to over 1,000 nautical miles, making it ideal for extended fishing expeditions or long-range cruising. The yacht's IPS pods contribute to its performance, offering a mix of speed, cruising range, and manoeuvrability, especially around marinas.

The Riviera 58 SMY's engine room is a standout feature, with excellent access and spacious layout. The Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines, delivering 1,000hp each, are surrounded by ample space for inspection and maintenance. The jackshafts on the pod drives also contribute to optimal weight distribution. The machinery space reflects Riviera's robust craftsmanship and careful attention to detail.

The Riviera 58 SMY is not just about speed and power; it also excels in practical detailing. The yacht features three docking stations in addition to the helm, making manoeuvring a breeze regardless of the berth type. The side decks and cockpit provide convenient access to maintenance points, such as diesel tank fillers and levels. The use of 316 marine-grade stainless steel in outriggers and rails adds to the boat's practicality and aesthetic appeal.

The Riviera 58 SMY's fishing-focused cockpit is incredibly versatile. It offers ample room for anglers to move around without bumping into each other, and it includes a live bait well with lighting and a window for easy visibility and access. The hydraulic bathing platform and configurable railings allow for customization based on your needs. The boat also has ample storage space integrated into the deck and sides of the cockpit and foredeck, making it a practical choice for serious anglers who need to store their fishing gear.

In summary, Riviera yachts, including the Riviera 58 SMY, offer exceptional performance and handling. Their sturdy construction and design ensure a smooth ride even in rough seas, while the powerful engines and IPS pods provide a blend of speed, range, and manoeuvrability. The practical detailing, ample storage, and versatile cockpit further enhance the boat's performance and handling characteristics, making Riviera yachts a top choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and sporting capabilities.

Resale value

Riviera Yachts is a semi-custom, low-volume builder, meaning the market will never be flooded with used Rivieras for sale, thus retaining value better than the competition. A properly maintained used Riviera will hold its value well over time, better than most, in both condition and resale value.

Riviera Yachts is the largest and most awarded luxury yacht builder in Australia, and a leader in the global marine industry. The company has been building boats for over 40 years, and this experience is evident in the 58 SMY. Riviera’s designers have focused on convenient access to maintenance points throughout the yacht. The company uses only high-quality materials in the production of their boats, which not only looks and feels rich but also allows the boats to age well.

The Riviera 58 SMY is a brilliant blend of luxury and practicality, underpinned by Riviera’s robust craftsmanship. The boat’s fishing-focused cockpit is incredibly versatile but doesn't compromise on comfort; the mezzanine seating area offers a well-protected space to relax, and the top deck provides fabulous views with seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity. Equally, the interior has the comfort and high levels of storage to make long stays as comfortable as possible either as a couple or with a full complement of cabins.

The Riviera brand dates back to 1980 near Sydney. Within five years of setting up shop, the yard was delivering boats to owners in the United States and Europe, with the Riviera reputation based primarily on flybridge motoryachts. Riviera has released a 280-page coffee-table book in celebration of the brand’s 40-year anniversary. About 2,000 copies have been made available, each one individually numbered and presented in a box. “It documents every boat we’ve built by model and by year,” says Riviera’s Stephen Milne. “It’s fascinating. The owner engagement that we get from people talking about their love of Riviera, and when they had a 35 and went to a 42, and now they’ve got a 50—it’s a culture that is very special. We’re very proud to be a part of that.”

Frequently asked questions