Newport International Boat Show - USA premiere for Riviera 515 SUV

by Riviera Australia on 2 Sep 2014 Riviera’s sporty and adventurous new 515 SUV has proven an immediate success in the world of luxury power boats ahead of her first appearance in the Americas at the 2014 Newport International Boat Show which opens next Thursday, September 11 and runs for five days.

This clever crossover model will feature alongside Riviera’s popular 43 Open Flybridge at the floating display.
The stylish SUV range combines the high-performance, bluewater cruising and fish-raising abilities of the classic Riviera Flybridge with the single-level leisurely entertaining features of the very popular Sport Yacht series.

Riviera 515 SUV
• Riviera’s renowned strong, robust hull with keel is backed by a five-year structural warranty
• Full 9.90 square metre no-nonsense Flybridge-scale cockpit
• 2 x Webasto sunroofs with Oceanair block-out blinds and flyscreens
• Flexible three-stateroom, two-bathroom accommodation plan
• Savvy storage concepts
• Easy access panels to all key service points throughout the boat
• C-Zone digital switching system
• Sporty helm with ultramodern technology
• Joystick control
• IPS2 propulsion system - twin 460kW - 626hp engines and drive units
• Top speed of around 31 knots under full load
• Cruising range of 355NM at 23.9 knots
- with 10% reserve

'The SUV is a perfect pairing of two legendary designs and the result is a vessel like no other – a true bridge between them both,' said Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst. 'Our Riviera family of SUV owners tell us that it’s a lot like having two boats in one.'

The 515 joins the larger 565 and smaller 445 models in Riviera’s new SUV collection, all of which have a number of exciting options to suit specific boating applications – from sport fishing to cruising and entertaining.

'I’m very pleased that we have now sold up to hull number 12 of the 515 model … since she made her world premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating just three months ago,' Mr Longhurst said. 'I look forward to seeing this interest continue in the US where she will make her Americas premiere at the Newport International Boat Show in Rhode Island next week.'

Riviera’s international sales director Chris McCafferty said this was the first time Riviera had released a new model at this show.

'The Newport International Boat Show is one of the largest in-water boat shows in the country and we anticipate the Americas will fall in love with this striking new model,' Mr McCafferty said.

'Currently in its 44th year, the event is spread across 13 acres of Newport’s famed waterfront, which for many years was home to a series of yacht races for the America’s Cup. Also home to the Naval Station Newport and the famous mansions from the Gilded Age, this seaside city is a popular tourist destination and given its maritime history, we thought it would be a fitting location to launch and showcase our latest SUV model.'

The 515 SUV retains all the familiar aspects of Riviera boatbuilding: the purposeful lines, hefty scantlings, the solid feel in a seaway, the spatial sense, luxurious layout and, of course, the reliability and integrity for which Riviera is internationally renowned.

Befitting a pleasure boat of this calibre, the 515 incorporates clever and convenient alfresco lifestyle concepts and ultramodern technology with luxurious appointments, enhanced serviceability, savvy storage and an exacting eye for detail from fit to finish.

'But this is an entirely new style of Riviera,' said Mr Longhurst. 'You will sense this new approach from the moment you step onboard – double transom doors allow better access from both the port and starboard sides creating an island storage centre in the transom. In effect, this incorporates the large swim platform to what is already a full, no-nonsense Flybridge-scale cockpit.'

The swim platform also has a number of options to suit individual owner requirements, for example: custom rod holders and a bait preparation station can be fitted for the angler, as well as a 400kg hydraulic lift to assist with tender storage.

The fibreglass cover of the transom storage centre lifts up to reveal a double BBQ with grill, stainless steel splashback and LED lighting – features that will impress even the most discerning chef. Port-side is a large self-draining locker for swimming or diving gear, which can be converted into a live bait tank with a water filter and glass front, or even an additional BBQ for the grand entertainer.

'The clever storage and smart serviceability concepts start to become evident before you even step out of the cockpit – although they are certainly a key feature right throughout the boat,' he said. 'In the cockpit floor are separate hatches providing direct access to each of the twin pod drives, as well as a large, central self-draining lazarette locker to store cockpit furniture and water toys.

'There’s an additional deep fish bin to port and forward, there is a comfortable three-seater cockpit lounge with the option for an integrated and interchangeable table to provide a versatile alfresco entertaining area.

The rear bulkhead of the 515 SUV is tinted, tempered glass in a highly polished stainless steel frame and contains a large awning window that opens out and up to connect the saloon, galley and cockpit as one space. This rear bulkhead adds to the sense of light and space as you step into her spacious and luxurious saloon. Here, you’ll discover all the comforts of home.

'To port is the modern and functional U-shaped galley from which the huge glass awning window opens out to the cockpit, in effect opening up the rear of the boat and, at the same time, affirming the galley as the central entertaining hub of the 515,' Mr Longhurst said. 'In the headlining above the galley there is a rod locker, a further example of the 515’s incredible versatility, and to starboard are two Vitrifrigo drawer fridges and a freezer, as well as a liquor cabinet.'

The 515 SUV’s spacious saloon features a large L-shaped lounge to port with a hi-lo dining table which folds and lowers to become a coffee table. Adjacent to the dining area is an optional three-seater settee in which the middle seat base can slide out as an ottoman and form additional seating around the main dining table – also handy for family games nights.

'Forward of the three-seater settee is a 32-inch television and Fusion sound system, stored out of the way in its own dedicated compartment to starboard. It rises elegantly and electrically at the touch of a button, and swings for viewing from every saloon seating position,' said Mr Longhurst.

'Built into the solid GRP hardtop are two Webasto electric sunroofs – each with Oceanair block-out blinds and flyscreens – which bring more light and fresh air into the saloon, enhancing that already achieved through the opening, tinted side windows and huge windscreen looking out over the forward deck and bow.'

The sporty and stylish command centre of Riviera’s 515 SUV is testament to its superior design elements. Complementing a huge array of ultramodern marine technology are two large and luxurious low-back leather Navigator helm seats, with sports flip-up cushions for bracing in rough seas.

Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said all critical navigation electronics, comprehensive engine instrumentation and vessel controls are within easy and ergonomic reach of the skipper’s seat, including the helm’s sporty steering wheel, remote control for the hardtop-mounted spotlight and a second C-Zone digital switching panel.

'C-Zone means you no longer need to decide which circuit-breakers to turn on – simply select the mode which best suits the operation of the vessel and the appropriate circuits will be energised or disengaged,' said Mr Moxey. C-Zone control panels are located at the helm and in the saloon, although the intelligent system can also be operated from an optional iPad thanks to on-board wireless technology.

'The 515 also comes with Raymarine electronics as well as full auto-pilot, cruise control, Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for station-holding while preparing lines and fenders or waiting off a fuel jetty, and Active Corrosion Protection (ACP),' said Mr Moxey.

Having now launched hundreds of pod-driven luxury pleasure boats, Riviera is at the forefront of a marine innovation offering superior handling manoeuvring in tight quarters, impressive fuel economy, high performance, quiet operation, more internal space and, of course, joystick control.

'The joystick offers slow-speed manoeuvrability when backing up on a prize catch, in addition to precise docking. Indeed a skipper – either solo or with a novice crew – can simply push and twist the joystick to make the boat respond immediately, pivoting in place or crabbing sideways into a berth that’s just long enough to fit the vessel,' said Mr Moxey. 'There’s also an additional joystick to starboard in the cockpit with the option of having it located on the port-side if owners desire.'

Standard power in the 515 SUV is the new-generation and fuel-efficient twin Volvo IPS2 800s (460kW / 2 x 626hp) pod drives featuring forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers. Quiet operation is achieved through under-water exhausts, an effective silencer, state-of-the-art turbocharger and an air filter with improved insulation. At the same time, the robust engine design contributes to minimising on-board vibrations.

Sea trials with the twin IPS2 800s have the 515 SUV cruising at 26-28 knots with a top speed of 31 knots under full load (full fuel and water), and achieving a cruising range of 355NM at 23.9 knots.

Riviera’s steadfast commitment to going 'first-class' in everything it does extends to the flexible three-stateroom - two-bathroom accommodation deck of the 515 SUV – again there’s absolutely no compromise in terms of quality or on-board liveability and luxury.

The very generous master stateroom aft features a contemporary palette of elegant fabric, soft-touch leatherette and satin oak with teak accents – another subtle reminder that you are aboard a world-class Riviera. Natural light is achieved through a large hull window and, although air-conditioned, there’s an opening porthole to bring in extra fresh air. The master’s massive walk-around queen-sized bed is supremely comfortable and savvy storage concepts include large under-bed drawers and a huge locker under the inner-spring mattress, in addition to the two bedside tables and cedar-lined hanging locker. From the comfort of the master bed, you can watch your favourite movie or television program courtesy of a 26-inch LCD TV and Samsung home theatre system.

The master ensuite forward also features generous headroom, luxurious bathroom fixtures, ample storage cupboards, overhead and vanity lighting, solid surface bench top as well as a contemporary porcelain sink and mixer tap. The large frameless shower-stall has a teak-faced seat and showerhead on a slide bar, while the bathroom floor is a high-quality, non-slip, timber-finish platform enabling excess water to drain quickly and ensuring that owners remain dry and comfortable. Maximum privacy is assured here – an overhead deck hatch brings in additional light and fresh air but, when it’s needed, an Oceanair block-out screen slides across.

Mr Longhurst said that the air-conditioned VIP guest stateroom boasts all the luxuries of the master. 'In fact, there’s the option for it to actually be the master stateroom with its own private ensuite, he said. 'The starboard aft guest stateroom has adult-sized twin beds, as well as cedar-lined hanging locker, drawers and under-bed storage, with an optional laundry and entertainment centres at its entrance.'

Depending on specific owner requirements, the 515 has the option of the aft port stateroom being a guest stateroom featuring full-length twin beds, with the forward stateroom becoming the master.

Be among the first in the Americas to inspect this sporty and adventurous new model from Riviera, Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder at the Newport International Boat Show, September 11 to 14, Newport, Rhode Island.

Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across three model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht and the new SUV collection.

In 2012 Riviera celebrated the launch of its 5000th boat, the 445 SUV, a significant achievement in the company’s rich 34-year history.

Riviera also offers the bespoke Belize Motoryachts. Inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has recently released the new 54-foot Sedan and Daybridge models.