EXCLUSIVE - RIVIERA 43 OPEN FLYBRIDGE WITH IPS
Australian luxury boatbuilder Riviera describes its new-model 43 Open Flybridge with Volvo Penta IPS pod-drives as a boat “that will progress flybridge boat design into a new generation of boating enjoyment” by incorporating more emphasis on entertaining and longer-term cruising.
The new model, which boasts extra beam-width space amidships courtesy of IPS, will be launched to the public at the Sancturary Cove International Boat Show (May 20 to 23).
“The external lines and look of this new model are unmistakably Riviera,” Concept Design Manager Neil McCabe told Trade-a-Boat. “But inside there is a totally new design and feel to the 43 Open Flybridge.”
Designed using Riviera’s Unigraphics three-dimensional CAD software system, the new 43 is described by the company as “a superbly considered boat with abundant light and space… bringing the outdoors in, and creating an alfresco environment with a seamless transition between the expansive cockpit and the contemporary leather and varnished cherry interior.”
According to the builder, the main saloon is both beautiful and practical, with seating for seven in a U-shaped lounge to starboard around a generous, folding timber table. To port is a two-seater leather lounge that can be brought forward to the saloon table as two separate dining chairs. When not required, the chairs are stowed between the bar and open-plan galley on the port side.
Below decks is sleeping accommodation for up to six in two large cabins, with the forward master stateroom featuring a queen-sized, two-metre long double bed, a cedar-lined hanging robe, extensive storage and an en suite bathroom.
Riviera said the aft, full-beam cabin has large portlights with optional opening portholes either side for natural light and cross ventilation, while a large skylight under the forward saloon windscreen provides additional light to this cabin creating a very bright and welcoming space.
“This new model recognises that the way people use their boat is changing,” notes McCabe. “A flybridge boat is just not used for fishing — they’re extensively used for entertaining and longer-term cruising. Our owners are changing the way they boat and our new designs reflect this transition.”
The flybridge, accessible from the cockpit via a new-design stair-ladder, is said to offer 360-degree vision with minimal interruption, thanks to a new structural hardtop canopy. The builder said swivel companion and helm chairs allow finger-tip console control, while there is seating for four in an L-shaped lounge in front of the helm around a weatherproof table. A wet bar with settee opposite to port completes the flybridge comforts.
Riviera said by utilising Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) has allowed its designers to create a fresh accommodation layout on the new 43 Open Flybridge, as all the major engineering are positioned well aft creating enormous gains with beam-width space amidships.
IPS incorporates twin counter-rotating, three-bladed, forward facing propellers that drive ahead of the pods in what is turbulent-free water to deliver a powerful and smooth ride. The installation of these pods, said Riviera, has allowed its New Product Design Manager, Alan Dowd, to create a high-performance running surface that is extremely fuel efficient.
Riviera said that cruising at 28kts with a top speed of around 31kts, the 43 Open Flybridge has a range of 340nm from its 1800lt tanks.
“Of course, handling the new 43 Open Flybridge in close-quarters is made carefree via the use of the integrated joystick control,” the Riviera told Trade-a-Boat.
The hull and deck construction of the new model is solid handlaid fibreglass below the waterline and core materials in the hull topsides and superstructure. This composite laminate design, says the builder, makes good use of weight where it is needed most, to deliver a solid feel and soft ride offshore.
Riviera said controlling all onboard electrics is the digital CZone system, which it explained is a revolutionary solid state Controller Area Network CAN-bus design, allowing for the ultimate in customisation and finger-touch control of all aspects of electrical operation, from entertainment lighting to navigation equipment. There are multiple custom settings for easy operation and the CZone system allows for the ability to ‘drill down’ within each setting in order to control or change specific operations.
“In fact, CZone also talks the same data language as the Volvo Penta IPS system, so all engine parameters are metered through the same monitoring system,” Riviera said.
For more information, go to www.riviera.com.au