on 8 Sep 2019
Adding a meaningful new layer of refinement to already slick performers is quite an achievement for Australia’s premium marque, Riviera.
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW in August was an ideal place to experience Riviera motor yachts. The prolific builder had brought an impressive armada, so the relative scale of their most popular models – the towering flybridge cruisers – could be measured in relation to their in-vogue new Sport Yacht launches, comprising the 4800, 5400 and 6000 models. These single-level compact yachts embody much of what the modern boater seeks nowadays, so revamping them with the latest materials and systems made a lot of sense, explained company owner Rodney Longhurst as we viewed his yard’s latest creations. Decked out in grey livery on their topsides with even the teak deck caulking done in grey, all were well framed by the show’s Sydney CBD backdrop.
With three to choose from, one is reviewed in detail here and the other two follow briefly to compare with it. The 4800 came with more changes to merit a renaming to the 4800 Series II. Contrasting with the 63-foot (19.2-metre) 6000, a superyacht in many ways – including crew quarters and full-height engine room access – the 4800 has wider appeal, given its manageability and affordability. Slotting in-between, the 5400 comes with three large cabins and a second saloon space.
To read all of this article, pick up a copy of the September/October issue of Asia-Pacific Boating magazine, or buy it online from www.magzter.com. Also available for download from the App Store and Google Play.