Raise your standards in the new Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge

The brief was simple: create the largest, most luxurious and technically advanced Riviera ever. For the designers, engineers and tradespeople at Riviera, it was an invitation to express their talent and creativity like never before, but was all the effort worthwhile in creating the new flagship for the Australian boat builder? We take a look and find out.

The creation of the new flagship was the opportunity to capitalise on decades of boat-building experience and the lessons learnt from having crafted over 4,500 luxury vessels. The Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge has also been developed at a facility that houses some of the world’s most sophisticated marine technology, including the latest Computer Assisted Design software explain Riviera.

Craft of this calibre are clearly destined for the fortunate few – and typically those with very discriminating tastes and a wealth of boat-ownership experience. The task of impressing those not easily impressed meant rigorously inspecting competing craft and, simply, asking how could we do it better? With greater comfort, a better build, superior performance, more standard inclusions… Riviera believe they have excelled in every category.

So lets step aboard and discover the Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge to see if they managed to achieve what they set out to do.

The safety, comfort and performance of any vessel is contingent on the design and manufacture of the hull, and this is particularly important with large, long-range vessels as they are more likely to encounter big seas and challenging conditions. The Riviera 75 falls into the long-range category (the 8,000 litre/2,110 US gal fuel tank is a testament to this) and they have created a hull that is more than up to the task.

It is a hand-laid structure featuring solid fibreglass below the waterline and a watertight collision bulkhead forward; and the extensive use of lightweight, cored bulkheads throughout the hull provide exceptional structural integrity with minimal weight. Issues of durability and access for maintenance have also been carefully considered in its development. As for performance, this is a dream hull. It is as racy and responsive as it is robust and reliable. Features like tunnels that house the propeller shafts contribute to a lower shaft angle that delivers impressive thrust, is quick to plane and offers a smooth, dry ride. Engine options range from standard twin diesel Caterpillar C32 (1,156 bkw/1,572 mhp) to twin diesel MTU 12v Series 2000 M93 (1,340 bkw/1,823 mhp).

If there is one question that characterises Riviera, it is “how can we make your boating experience more pleasurable?” And the answer has never been more richly expressed than on the Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge. You expect a freshwater-maker, but maybe not one that delivers 284 litres per hour. Of course, your utility room would come with a washing machine and tumble dryer (and Miele in our case), but an optional temperature-controlled wine cooler may come as a surprise.

With five Bose entertainment systems and LCD TVs, who watches what, where and when will never be an issue. With three independent air-conditioning units, keeping your cool shouldn’t be a problem either. You might also appreciate the four built-in vacuum cleaners or even the abundance of rod storage compartments.

How sensible it is to have contemporary Amtico flooring in the galley and flybridge, how pleasing to have European design light fittings and, for the technically minded, how reassuring to have such sophisticated power control and back-up systems.

The quality of the stainless-steel exterior rails and smooth finish to the welds; the perfect, mirror-like gloss of the internal timber work; the advanced bow thruster or state-of-the-art trim tabs… wherever you look we have anticipated your needs and catered to your every comfort with thoughtful design, impeccable craftsmanship and superior technology.

The cockpit is a spacious and flexible playground for you, your family and friends. However, the clean, unencumbered styling conceals a host of smart features. Fishing enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the floor is reinforced with an alloy plate for a game chair and, in addition to several storage bins, an optional live-bait tank can be fitted in the transom. Toe kicks are also moulded into the bottom of the coamings.

For alfresco dining, an electric barbecue is built into the mezzanine floor together with a eutectic freezer, icebox and sink. Importantly, there’s ample storage room for tables and chairs alongside all that fishing and diving gear! The luxurious aft-facing lounge on the mezzanine level is an ideal position for watching the fishing action or to simply relax with a cocktail. There is also the option of a mezzanine dining deck.

Other little inclusions like a hot and cold freshwater shower and courtesy foot lighting make life in the cockpit as free and easy as possible. For serious sunning or maybe quiet contemplation, nothing beats the sense of space and freedom on the massive foredeck. A recessed area in the deck can also accommodate a tender, making it more secure and less obtrusive from the side profile.

With its stunning views, lounge-room comfort, first-class entertainment system and wet bar, you will rarely be alone in the flybridge – especially given the ease of access thanks to the internal stairway from the saloon. A large L-shaped lounge, plus Ottoman, offers supreme comfort within and an aft deck lounge provides comfort and distant vistas without. There’s also an aft deck docking station complete with Edson steering wheel, engine and thruster controls.

If your party wants to party, the flybridge is well equipped with an icemaker, refrigerator and glass and bottle storage unit. Guests can also join you at the helm courtesy of two Pompanette Platinum companion chairs – that is in addition to the skipper’s electrically adjustable Pompanette chair. Three massive pantograph wipers and freshwater washers ensure optimum visibility through the forward window and there is the option of opening side windows if you are a fan of fresh air. A huge electrically operated sunroof also enhances that delightful indoor-outdoor ambience. 

The helm features comprehensive electronic instrumentation and vessel controls together with ample space for your factory-fitted customised equipment. Riviera offers the full range of electronics, from fishfinders and chartplotters to underwater lights and GPS systems. However, the compass, VHF radio, intercom system and feed for cameras in critical locations are all standard… and all contribute to the smoothest, most enjoyable of voyages.

Welcome to a thoroughly modern saloon, one in which light and space and subtle styling produce an atmosphere of ease and understated elegance. Huge windows, an outward opening door to the cockpit and a large awning-style window above the cockpit mezzanine contributes to this light and airy character. Electrically operated day/night blinds and creative lighting also allows you to set the mood.

Lazing on that enormous leather-clad lounge watching a movie on the 42″ LCD TV, or listening to your Bose Lifestyle 48 audio system, you are truly in the lap of luxury. And a liquor cabinet complete with fridge and icemaker is at hand should refreshment beckon you.

Those with a culinary flair will appreciate the latest European appliances in the galley, along with granite benchtops, a built-in water purifier and copious amounts of cupboard and draw space. Given that this is a galley in which you can create gourmet fare, it is only appropriate that it is eaten in style. The elevated dining area has its own relaxed ambience and features a large, beautifully finished dining table and eight freestanding, leather-upholstered chairs.

Depending on your choice of cabin configuration, the 75 offers accommodation for up to 10 people in four cabins – all in exceptional comfort. The full-beam Master Stateroom is unashamedly indulgent. It starts with a king-size walk-around bed complete with a latex mattress; there are his and hers walk-in wardrobes with cedar linings and automatic lighting; there is even a two-seater couch, a writing bureau and, for your entertainment, a 32″ LCD TV and five-speaker sound system.

There are numerous pleasing little touches too, such as the deep plush carpet, full-length dressing mirrors, reflective mood lighting around the bed, and the inclusion of a safe for your valuables. Every cabin has an its own en suite with the port cabin also serving as a day head. As you might expect, these are no ordinary bathrooms. Here you will be treated to quality quartz floor tiles, contemporary marble vanity tops with porcelain bowls; the toilets are all full sized, freshwater models; the shower stalls have modern, frameless glass doors; the shower and tapware is of the highest standard; and every en suite has a heated towel rail.

Riviera have a relentless obsession with detail, with quality, with good design, with making your boating experience the best it can possibly be and with their flagship 75 there isnt much that will disappoint.

Riviera owner views at the ILBC www.worldsportsboats.ning.com