New Boats - Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge

Australian luxury boatbuilder Riviera has released details of its latest model 53 Enclosed Flybridge, promoting her as a “new generation of luxury, technology and personal customisation”.

Designed from the keel up, using the builder’s Uni-Graphics NX 3D CAD software system, Riviera said the new 53 has been developed in-house after nearly two years of detailed consultation with boat owners across the globe.

“The new 53 flybridge retains the distinctive Riviera styling but incorporates a new generation of technology and comfort,” says concept design manager, Neil McCabe.

“The 53 combines contemporary thinking with traditional elements. There is a lot of boat for its length. For instance, the new Riviera 53 offers more cockpit length and beam than a Riviera 61,” he said.

The new 53 is the first Riviera flybridge in the 50-foot range to offer a full-beam master stateroom, with king-size bed and large en suite. Among other firsts for the builder, Riviera continued:

* the 53 is the first in this size bracket to offer an enclosed flybridge with spacious seating for a party of 10. (Flybridge access is via an internal staircase); and,
* the first to offer the flexibility of choice with a range of different pod-drive and engine-plant configurations, in a design entirely around these proven and efficient drives.

“The Riviera 53 is close to being the perfect flybridge boat, for its size,” notes Riviera’s Director of Brand and Communication, Stephen Milne. “It is the sum total of extensive feedback from experienced boaters all over the world.”

Riviera said the vessel’s lines on the water are both powerful and noble, with a strong sheer forward and raised topsides creating as much freeboard as a much larger vessel.

“It creates a very strong presence on the water,” explains McCabe. “The 53 feels like a big boat yet will be easily handled by two people.”

Generous sidedecks and easy-feed hawse holes (another customer-inspired innovation) make berthing a breeze, said Riviera, while a dedicated docking station on the starboardside of the flybridge gives the skipper clear vision aft.

The new Riviera 53 features hull lines that run straight aft from maximum beam, creating a powerful lift and planning surface along with great stability, said the company, adding that, “moulded window casings create style and function, bringing 360 degrees of light into the interior and offering water views from every saloon seating position.

“The 53’s main deck design is the culmination of years of experience from the Riviera design team, bringing light and fresh air from the huge cockpit — which doubles as an entertainment venue complete with hidden barbecue — into the main saloon living space, through a sliding glass door and a hinged hopper window.

“The U-shaped galley design is positioned aft and therefore central to the massive saloon entertainment space and the cockpit. The galley is located to the port side and separated from fore and aft passing traffic,” Riviera said.

The boatbuilder pointed out that the Riviera 53 offers the latest in European appliances showcased in high-gloss timber and solid-surface bench top.

“Central to the galley is a Miele combination oven, featuring an induction cooktop, with microwave oven and electric grill,” said Riviera.

“Proven Vitrifrigo drawer-fridge and freezer along with Fisher and Paykel drawer-dishwasher are all standard.

“Opposite the galley, to starboard, is a wetbar featuring options for icemaker, drawer-fridge and freezer, and a floor-to-ceiling, pull-out Hafele pantry. All galley drawers operate on soft-close runners.

“Also opposite the galley is a stylish internal staircase leading to the enclosed flybridge. Its floating teak treads mounted on solid stainless steel rails complements what will be a beautiful interior.

“Forward of the galley is a C-shaped dinette to port, that can convert into a double berth with a drop-down table. This arrangement faces a C-shaped settee on the starboard side creating a spacious social setting for up to 10 in sheer cruising comfort.
All of the lounges on the 53 are plush and luxurious, with a generous depth of padding.
An option for a massive widescreen 50in TV on electric lift rises from the dash forward on the port side bringing sport and entertainment to the entire living area.

“The flybridge is available in two options, with helm forward for long-distance cruising or helm aft, which many skippers prefer when sportsfishing. In either option, skipper and mate are seated on swivel pedestal chairs for maximum visibility.

“A dinette table set amidst a C-shaped settee on the portside of the flybridge seats six comfortably, and a separate lounge to starboard complements the seating arrangement. A wetbar with drawer-fridges and hand basin serves to refresh while underway. Prepared food is easily brought up to the flybridge from the galley directly below via the internal staircase. At rest or underway, the staircase can be secured for privacy or as a safety precaution via a folding, lockable hatch that disappears when open into varnished cabinetry.

“The roof of the flybridge boasts a sliding electric sunroof creating a sky-lounge, typical of much larger vessels. Side-opening windows and surround visibility will add to the light, airy atmosphere.

“The vessel’s massive engineroom allows for flexibility of powerplant choice, with the option for crew quarters or workshop isolated from the main living space. And the propulsion arrangement allows for maximum amidships space, which is used to deliver the most luxurious master stateroom for a vessel of this size.

“When the party is over, there is nothing as comfortable as retiring to the full-beam master stateroom, with king-size bed set amidships, and ample space either side. Port and starboard alarmed opening portholes bring light and fresh air below.
A separate en suite with solid surface non-slip tiled floor is set slightly below the level of the main cabin to contain water. A vanity unit with surface-mounted porcelain sink, typical of those found on much larger vessels, and a vacuflush toilet complete the amenity.

“A large cedar-lined walk-in robe complements the master stateroom, which features a multitude of storage set behind high-quality gloss woodwork — a feature of all Riviera boats.

“There is a massive 96,000 BTU of air-conditioning on the new 53 reflecting the increasing use of Riviera boats in harsh tropical conditions. All venting and ducting is discretely hidden behind the stylish cabinetry.

“To balance the interior, the 53 features a clever combination of varnished wood and fabric panelling, to create a soft acoustic ‘feel’ with visual styling to match. Forward of the master stateroom is a guest stateroom, with a queen-size bed and wardrobe, and a third cabin with two single berths. A separate en suite serves the guest accommodation and doubles as the dayhead, making this vessel perfect for larger families, or holidays involving two couples with children.

“When it comes to propulsion, Riviera designers have settled on new-generation, fuel efficient pod drives to propel the 53 to a top speed of around 35kts and a cruise speed between 25 and 28kts delivering a range of 400nm depending on engine options on a 3500lt fuel tank. However, there are a number of propulsion options on the new 53.

“Up to 30 per cent efficiency gains are the hallmark of the proven Volvo Penta IPS system. There is the option to choose twin IPS 1200 units or three IPS 600 units.

“A further propulsion option is available using the ZF 4000 pod-drive system, with twin counter-rotating Nibral (nickel, bronze, aluminium) propellers facing aft, instead of forward as they are on the IPS system.

“Either way, the opposing blades — the forward blade pitched differently to its aft partner — make optimum use of wash and water movement to deliver a smooth, quiet ride.

“With all major engineering positioned well aft, enormous gains are made with beam-width space amidships, and that translates into better living. Mid-ship fuel tanks from keel to saloon sole double as a sound barrier between master bedroom and engineroom and help deliver better trim to the vessel when cruising.

“With the option of ZF drives, a customer can choose between Caterpillar or MTU powerplants, with the option of twin 1015hp C18 engines to achieve higher top speeds.

“The 53’s hull is laminated using vacuum infusion to deliver an exceptionally sound structure that incorporates areas of solid GRP and various core materials, depending on engineering requirements.

“Infusion technology used in the hull also helps replicate the incredibly precise lines lofted from Riviera’s CAD computer system, and provides an accurate foundation for parts milled on a 5-axis CAD–driven router.

“Controlling all DC electronics is the digital system, a revolutionary Controller Area Network CAN-bus design that allows for the ultimate in customisation and finger-touch control of all aspects of electrical operation, from entertainment lighting to navigation equipment,” Riviera said.

“Each Riviera vessel is an evolution on the last,” says Riviera’s new products design manager, Alan Dowd. “After launching nearly 4800 Rivieras over the past 30 years, the new 53 is clearly our best boat yet.”

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au

Photos: The new 53 flybridge retains the distinctive Riviera styling; 53 FB upper accommodation; 53 FB profile; 53 FB lower accommodation; 53 FB flybridge standard; 53 FB flybridge option.