Riviera Launches New Flybridge Like No Other in 25 Years

Riviera Launches New Flybridge Like No Other in 25 Years

May 4, 2006 -- Twenty five years of innovative boat building have come together in the all-new 56 Enclosed Flybridge cruiser to be launched at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May.With all of the strength and security and sea-keeping ability for which Riviera cruiser are renowned, the new Riviera 56 adds a new level of lifestyle luxury to cruising.

This model is the first Riviera Flybridge cruiser to include the al fresco lifestyle option of a saloon aft window hinging up to bring the cockpit and saloon together. An aft galley, internal staircase and a range of other new design initiatives make the Riviera 56 the most eagerly anticipated new cruiser from Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder.

Interior designer Helene Johnston said: “The design is very much a group effort. There are strong European influences with squared sofas and bedheads. The dinette has a lounge-diner feel to it; very contemporary.”

This is a new Riviera cruiser in every respect. It features a wide range of technological innovations that take quality and integrity to a new level. This three cabin/three head cruiser is the first Riviera to be completely computer designed and computer moulded, ensuring even more accurate fit between hull, deck and flybridge components. The interior joinery has been coated by a high technology automatic varnish system that operates in an entirely dust-free environment and covers each panel with a precise coating. Finally, the swim platform and all of the hatches are made using Light Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) technology, a closed moulding system that ensures superior quality, consistency and strength of each component.

Leading hand Josh Bird is responsible for making sure that the Riviera 56 build project runs smoothly and that the quality of the boat is excellent.

“It’s an incredible boat - quite different from our other models in a number of ways,” said Josh. “The moulds include full gelcoat cabinet interiors. On other models, we glass and flowcoat the inside of the bathroom cabinets. On the 56, it’s all in the mould, resulting in a particularly clean, smooth finish.”

The interior layout, too, is breakthrough design for Riviera. The galley, dinette and lounge are all on one level. The U-shape galley in the aft port quarter is superbly equipped with a three-burner cooktop, convection microwave oven, two fridges and a freezer mounted under the solid surface benchtop. The dinette, immediately forward of the galley includes a sliding-top table that opens up to reveal storage for drink glasses. A 32-inch flat-screen television and Bose Lifestyle system provide the entertainment. Te entire saloon is, of course, air conditioned.

Concept Design Manager Neil McCabe said: “We were particularly pleased with the response to the Riviera 51 Enclosed. Feedback from owners as we designed both the 51 and now the 56 was particularly important. It influenced many of the design innovations.”

Access to the fully air-conditioned flybridge is via a wide staircase from the saloon with teak non-slip treads. The forward helm position with a companion chair face a full-beam-wide dash that can accommodate three full 15” monitors. A docking station in the aft of the flybridge makes reversing and docking the boat a breeze. Aft of the helm seats is an L-shape lounge and a table with further aft-facing seating behind.

Accommodation includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master stateroom starboard has a particularly light and airy feel with a large porthole in the hull.

McCabe said: “The porthole innovation is a result both of interaction with owners as well as research on overseas trends.”

A walk-around queen double bed has been designed with mitred corners for fitted sheets. There is plenty of storage, with a cedar-lined hanging robe, overhead storage and even more under the bed, with access made simple by gas struts hinging the bed base. The entertainment system includes a 19-inch LCD TV and DVD player as well as radio.

The guest stateroom forward also includes a walk-around double bed and plenty of storage as well as 19-inch TV and DVD player. Helene Johnston explained that mirrors under the overhead storage in this stateroom are designed to give the cabin a special feel of space and light.

Ensuite bathrooms to both staterooms include shower stalls with frameless glass doors, solid surface vanity benchtops with a semi-recessed porcelain basins and Vacuflush toilets. A third bathroom is also equipped with shower, vanity and Vacuflush toilet.

The third cabin, port, enjoys light from a large porthole in the hull and is equipped with a king-size single bunk and a second folding bunk.

Of course, all accommodation and bathrooms are fully air-conditioned.

Standard engines on the Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge cruiser are twin Caterpillar C18 diesels rated at 747kW (1,015hp), with electronic control and quick-shift gearboxes.

The hand-laid hull features full fibreglass below the waterline, a water-tight compartment forward and mid-ships fuel tank between the engine room and accommodation area to aid sea-keeping and add sound-proofing to the accommodation.

RIVIERA 56 ENCLOSED SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall (Incl bow roller and swim platform) 19.30 metres
Lh to ISO8666 (moulded length) 18.18 metres
Beam (Incl gunwale) 5.29 metres
Maximum Draft (Incl props) 1.53 metres
Dry Weight (approx, depends upon engines and options) 30,000 kgs
Fuel Capacity 4,200 litres
Water Capacity 1,000 litres
Sleeping Capacity 6-8 persons
Standard Engines x 2 Caterpillar C18 747kW (1,015hp)

Source: Riviera