2008 - RIVIERA 51 ENCLOSED 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.

The original 51 was powered by twin standard 700 hp Caterpillar turbo diesel engines.

A G2 edition introduced in 2008 included significant enhancements to the hull with underwater exhausts and propeller tunnels to reduce shaft angle and improve performance.

An Enclosed Flybridge version introduced a feature that would soon be a standard for large flybridge models – an internal staircase to the bridge. The seating arrangements were reversed from the open model with a forward helm and lounges for guests aft. A second helm on the aft flybridge deck of the enclosed version provided the skipper with a clear rear view for docking or fishing.

A later option included significant changes to the propulsion system and the bulkhead between cockpit and saloon.

The bulkhead change included a large awning window, similar to Riviera’s Sport Yachts. Another innovation was an electrically controlled double bed that could deploy from under the saloon lounge.

She offered her owners a large and comfortable saloon with an L-shaped lounge in the aft port quarter opposite an entertainment unit that included a fridge and wine chiller. A large U-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 pullman berth cabin to port. The master stateroom was to starboard amidships with its queen-size bed, hanging wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom. A VIP guest double forward shared a second bathroom with the third 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.

Engine options included triple Volvo Penta D6 IPS600s rated to 435 hp each. With the engines re-located further aft in the hull, a void was created between the accommodation space and the engine room which was adapted as a utility or storage space. The shaft drive options included twin 700 hp Caterpillar diesel engines or MTU diesel engines rated at 825 hp each.

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

Ocean magazine wrote that the 51 Enclosed “is equally capable of being use as a serious sports fishing machine or simply a most comfortable long-range cruiser”.

Sea magazine in the US commented that “Under way, the 51 Enclosed Flybridge performed like a champion with little noise or vibration, knifing through the swells rather than riding on top of them”.

Over 11 years of production, Riviera built 181 of the 51 Flybridge.

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

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

    17.73 m

    58' 2"

  • Beam (inc. gunwale)

    4.93 m

    16' 2"

  • Maximum Draft (inc. props)

    1.38 m

    4' 6"

  • Dry Weight (approx.) **

    22,900 kg

    50,485 lbs

  • Fuel Capacity ***

    2,700 L

    712 US gal

  • Water Capacity ***

    860 L

    227 US gal

  • Holding Tank Capacity ***

    151 L

    40 US gal

  • Sleeping Capacity

    6 - 8 persons

  • Standard Engine Standard Engine x 2 Caterpillar

    522 kW ea

    715 hp ea