1991 - RIVIERA 42 OPEN FLYBRIDGE

She was launched in the midst of Australia’s “recession we had to have”. Yet, instead of putting in as much into this new cruiser as possible for perceived value, Riviera’s design team created the 42 as a model that provided plenty of space both in the accommodation deck and the saloon living area.

The Riviera 42 was awarded Modern Boating magazine’s Powerboat of the Year in 1991. She also featured on the magazine’s front cover in August of that year.

The judges commented on the boat’s presentation, economy and performance.

“The smoothness of the Riviera 42 when under power and the performance that the boat produces were the highlights of our initial test,” they wrote.

The 42 was a three-cabin, single bathroom model. The master stateroom, forward, offered a double bed with ample space for a couple and a large cedar-lined hanging locker. The stateroom offered en-suite access to the bathroom, immediately aft on the starboard side.

The guest cabin with a double bed was aft of the bathroom. A third cabin with pullman-style bunks was on the port side.

The saloon offered a different layout, with a V-shape dinette rather than the more standard U-shape. The design maximised space for six guests around a timber table and also provided for a well-equipped and spacious galley.

The 42 was powered by a pair of Caterpillar diesel engines rated to 375 hp each.

Riviera built 21 examples of this model over six years.