2004 - RIVIERA 51 OPEN FLYBRIDGE

When the Riviera 51 Open Flybridge was launched at the 2003 Sydney International Boat Show, she was an instant success, with sales of more than 10 boats over the six-day show.

Sales success was quickly followed by a prestigious award – the Australian Marine Industry’s Cruiser of the Year.

She offered her owners a large and comfortable saloon with L-shaped lounge in the aft port quarter opposite an entertainment unit that included TV, sound system, a fridge and wine fridge. A large C-shaped dinette around a polished timber table was immediately forward of the entertainment unit opposite the galley with its recessed two-burner cooktop, convection microwave oven, drawer fridges and a recessed, moulded sink.

The accommodation deck offered two staterooms and a bunk cabin to port. The master stateroom was to starboard amidships with its queen double bed, hanging wardrobe and an ensuite bathroom. A VIP guest stateroom forward shared a second bathroom with the bunk cabin.

The flybridge reflected her size with the aft helm set to starboard and a companion seat amidships. A U-shape lounge around a large GRP table was immediately forward of the helm with a second lounge along the port side, forward of a wet bar.

The world media were enthusiastic. She featured on the front cover of Modern Boating and on both Australian and New Zealand edition covers of Trade-a-Boat. She was reviewed in Italy, Spain, the Middle East, Japan, Thailand, The United States, New Zealand and Australia.

Trade-a-Boat New Zealand’s reviewer wrote: “it is difficult to imagine how a designer could draw a better-looking hull.

“The boat’s real beauty lies in its ability to cater for the myriad demands that come with extended family cruising”.

Australia’s Club Marine magazine stated “Moving inside the saloon you are enveloped in the unabashed opulence and imperiousness of the vessel”.

Siam Marine described her as a “user friendly and stylish boat”.

Through 11 years in production, the Riviera 51 evolved with improvements in the hull – propeller tunnels, underwater exhausts and larger rudders – and interior design. In that time, Riviera built 181, both Open and Enclosed models.

The original 51 was powered by twin standard 700 hp Caterpillar turbo diesel engines. Later options included MTU 825 hp or even 1085 hp engines.

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length Overall (inc. swim platform and bow sprit)

    17.73 m

    58' 2''

  • Hull Length (Lh to ISO8666) *

    16.67 m

    54' 8''

  • Beam (inc. gunwale)

    4.93 m

    16' 2''

  • Maximum Draft (inc. props)

    1.38 m

    4' 6''

  • Dry Weight (approx.) **

    20,500 kg

    45,200 lb

  • Fuel Capacity ***

    2,700 L

    713 gal

  • Water Capacity ***

    860 L

    227 gal

  • Sleeping Capacity

    6-8 persons

  • Standard Engine Caterpillar 2x

    522 kW ea

    700 hp ea