Practical, thoughtful, and stylish, the perfect hydraulic swim platform is a must-have option or Aftermarket accessory for Riviera luxury motor yachts.
While most Riviera motor yachts offer hydraulic swim platforms as an option during a build, classic Riviera yachts can also enjoy the convenience. Enter the Riviera Aftermarket team. Chris Brown, from Riviera Aftermarket, says without question the hydraulic platform is one of the most popular requests, and for good reason.
The hydraulic swim platform is among the most versatile accessories available for Riviera motor yachts providing a sure-footed way to enter the water.
“It’s one of the most functional and convenient accessories, doubling as a tender storage option and a user-friendly way to go swimming,” says Chris. “A hydraulic swim platform makes it easy to launch and retrieve any small watercraft, for that matter, whether it’s a tender, a kayak or even a jet ski. This is handy not just for when under way, but also for storing watercraft out of the water overnight when at anchor for a few days. I would say 90 per cent of owners opt for a hydraulic platform for this reason.”
Lowered into the water at anchor, a large boarding platform also provides a sure-footed way for families – young and old – to step into the water, or simply sit there and cool down without treading water.
“It’s like having your own little lap pool,” adds Chris. And it takes much of the hassle out of watersports with cumbersome or heavy gear, such as scuba diving and underwater photography equipment.
It’s one of the most functional and convenient accessories, doubling as a tender storage option and a user-friendly way to go swimming.
Chris Brown
Installation
While most new Riviera motor yachts have a hydraulic swim platform built into the yacht during the factory build, some owners make a last-minute change and that’s when the Aftermarket team will need to step in. However, more often than not, they are pre-owned Riviera yachts that the team work on.
“We remove the original fixed platform and bolt a hydraulic lifter to the transom. In some cases, we are able to then re-attach the original platform after some modifications,” says Chris.
On some models, additional strength is added into the transom to help spread the weight of the lifter. It is important to always follow the Riviera guidelines regarding platform operation and the recommended tender size and weight to comply with the carrying capacity of the platform.
Powered by house batteries, the hydraulic swim platform is operated with the press of the button.
Personalisation
Manufactured and installed by the Aftermarket team, an owner can expect Riviera refinement, durability and style. Platforms can be framed by attractive and practical stainless-steel rails; there are seemingly endless configurations and they are removable to allow a tender to fit aboard. Rails can also be customised for fishing rod holders, barbecues and bait boards.
Teak is another popular option for a swim platform. Its high oil content, tensile strength, and tight grain makes teak extremely weatherproof and highly suitable for a component that is in and out of the water.
For more information, contact the Riviera Aftermarket team.
