Archives: Classic Models

When the Riviera 70 Enclosed Flybridge was unveiled at the Sydney International Boat Show in August 2008, she was the star of the show. Here was a cruiser that could comfortably accept the mantle of flagship. She offered four staterooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, a lounge and separate dining space, a massive flybridge that… Read more »

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… Read more »

The Riviera 56 Open Flybridge benefited from the innovations of its sibling, the 56 Enclosed launched two years previously. Yet she stood apart in many respects with a distinctly stronger sportfishing fit out. Like her sibling, her hull, deck, and superstructure were fully computer designed and moulded, ensuring a millimetre-accurate fit between each component. Propeller… Read more »

When Riviera launched the 48 Offshore Express in 2008, it reintroduced the concept of the helm-deck layout so popular on the 4000 and 3000 Offshore models of the late ’90s. Layout options were plentiful, with a three-side enclosed, bimini covered or open helm deck and an optional double or pullman-style bunk second cabin below. The… Read more »

When Riviera launched its innovative 4400 Sport Yacht, the praise was immediate and effusive. She was the first boat in Australia to be designed specifically for the new Volvo Penta Inboard Propulsion System (IPS). The Riviera engineers introduced the concept of infusion moulding for the hull, saving weight and resin. And Riviera’s designers took full… Read more »

The Riviera 38 Open Flybridge, launched in 2008, offered owners the very latest iteration of a heritage spanning close to 30 years when the first 38 was unveiled. Like her predecessor, she provided two cabins – a forward stateroom with double bed and a second bunk cabin – and a dual-access bathroom. The cockpit offered… Read more »

The Riviera 4000 Offshore launched in 1997 was the first indication that Riviera’s design team was thinking well beyond flybridge design. The arrival in 2001 of the M430 Sports Cruiser was significant confirmation. Modern Boating magazine commented on “offshore racing influences on the hull design”. Trade-A-Boat’s reviewer said she “provides adrenalin-charged sportiness and true cruising… Read more »

The evolution continued at Riviera with the launch of the 45 Open Flybridge. This model introduced a moulded external staircase from cockpit to flybridge, replacing the traditional ladder. It also included an awning window between cockpit and saloon and an optional cockpit lounge seat below the window to take in the scenery or enjoy the… Read more »

When the Riviera the 41 Open Flybridge was launched in 2007, she had large shoes to fill. She replaced the 40, the biggest-selling boat Riviera has ever built. The design team retained much of the styling of the 40 and added a range of improvements – larger flybridge, hull tunnels to reduce shaft angle, underwater… Read more »