New Zealand premiere for Riviera’s exciting new SUV collection

by Riviera Australia on 17 Sep 2014 Two luxurious new additions to Riviera’s sporty and adventurous SUV collection will make their New Zealand premieres at the 2014 Auckland On Water Boat Show from September 25 to 28.

Iconic Riviera’s crossover SUV series – offering 445, 515 and 565 models – is the perfect pairing of two legendary designs, combining the high-performance, blue-water cruising and fish-raising abilities of the classic Riviera Flybridge with the single-level leisurely entertaining features of the very popular Sport Yacht series – a true bridge between them both.

The stylish new 515 SUV will be displayed in New Zealand for the first time alongside the impressive 565 SUV, in a stunning showcase of award-winning luxury pleasure craft, which will also include the seriously seaworthy Riviera 63 Enclosed Flybridge and a classically inspired new 54 Daybridge from the Riviera-owned marque, Belize Motoryachts.

Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the beloved Australian boat-builder’s multi-million dollar display at New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show would demonstrate the latest in luxury, design, innovation and technology, and the evolution of Riviera’s 34 years of building some of the best luxury powerboats in the world.
'Riviera is internationally renowned for its distinct indoor-outdoor characteristics, ultramodern technology, luxurious appointments, exacting eye for detail from fit to finish and, of course, for its superior sea-keeping and savvy serviceability,' he said. 'The SUV series, in particular, opens up a new world of boating enjoyment for both the cruising entertainer and the avid angler. Indeed, our valued owners tell us it’s like having two boats … in one!'

Stylish and sporty 515 SUV
The 515 is the latest member of the stylish SUV family offering myriad options to suit specific boating requirements – from recreational cruising and luxury entertaining to serious deep sea fishing.

The innovative pod propulsion systems employed in the SUV series deliver impressive fuel savings as well as notable internal volume from bow to stern, and every inch of extra available space is put to purpose by Riviera’s award-winning designers and engineers courtesy of an intrinsically detailed 3D design process.

'The striking exterior profile of the 515 SUV is just the first indication that this is a hallmark design from Riviera,' said Mr Longhurst. 'From the moment you step aboard you will sense this new approach in our styling – double transom doors create an island transom BBQ and storage centre aft of an already expansive, Flybridge-scale cockpit … extending it out to embrace her large teak-laid swim platform as part of the alfresco area.

'The 515 also has an amazing sense of light and space, captured through panoramic saloon sliding windows, huge curved glass windscreen, two electric Webasto sunroofs and an awning window opening out and over the cockpit, all of which work in tandem to create a free-flowing feel from the helm right through to the stern.'

The tinted, tempered glass awning window also appoints the modern port-side aft galley, complete with modern appliances and a satin-varnish finish, as the true conductor’s podium of the 515 SUV’s social scene.

The 515’s spacious saloon also has all the comforts of home, including plush leather lounges both port and starboard, clever design concepts that create extra seating around the hi-lo dining table, and a 32-inch television and entertainment system which rises at the touch of a button for viewing from every saloon seating position.

All critical navigation electronics, comprehensive engine instrumentation and vessel controls are within easy reach of two leather Navigator helm seats in the 515’s sporty command console which has the latest in marine technology, including joystick control for slow-speed maneuvering and precise docking, and clever C-Zone digital switching which energises or disengages any DC or AC onboard circuit, including lights, to suit the appropriate operation of the vessel – custom settings include ‘cruising’ and ‘entertaining’, as well as ‘dock unattended’ which maintains only the vital systems.

'Below deck, the 515 SUV offers a flexible three-stateroom - two-bathroom accommodation layout – and again there is absolutely no compromise in terms of onboard luxury and liveability, with full headroom throughout as well as Riviera’s renowned satin varnish cabinetry, and hard-wearing yet stylish timber-finish flooring,' Mr Longhurst said.

'The very generous master stateroom aft on the port-side has a massive queen island bed with surprising storage space underneath, a large hull window with opening port hole to bring in extra light and fresh air, as well as an exquisitely elegant ensuite with luxurious fixtures and overhead deck hatch with Oceanair screen to ensure maximum privacy. The forward VIP guest stateroom is every bit of luxurious as the master, with an ensuite mirroring the master and, in fact, this stateroom can be the master if desired. The starboard twin cabin also has a large hull window and an opening port hole to ensure the complete comfort of all guests.'

Yet another key feature of the 515 SUV is that the pod drives can be accessed for service directly through opening hatches in the cockpit floor. Access to the dry engine room is via an opening hatch on the cockpit mezzanine step. The 515 SUV is powered the new-generation twin Volvo IPS2 800s (460kW / 2 x 626hp), achieving a top speed of 31 knots under full load, a cruise speed of 23 knots and a cruising range of 355nm at 23.9 knots, with 10 per cent fuel reserve.

Versatile 565 SUV
Combined with her proven performance in tough seas, the SUV flagship 565 model features an incredible degree of versatility. Also making her New Zealand premiere in Auckland, this magnificent 60-foot pleasure vessel is a dream come true for both the cruising entertainer and avid angler.

'The 565 retains all the familiar aspects of Riviera boat-building: the purposeful lines, hefty scantlings, the solid feel offshore, clever layout and sumptuous décor, as well as a full, no-nonsense Flybridge-scale cockpit,' said Mr Longhurst. 'The flagship of the SUV series, the 565 has a strong fibreglass transom storage centre that can be customised to suit specific owner requirements – from clear-front live bait tank and bait preparation station, to the ultimate entertainer’s BBQ and alfresco lifestyle console.

'The interior of the 565 raises the bar in terms of luxury, practicality and comfort – natural light and fresh air are again captured through an awning window opening out and over the cockpit, sliding saloon side windows and massive electric sunroofs. She also has an ultramodern four-seat helm where the two central seats swivel to create even more saloon seating, if and when required.'

Below decks, the 565 offers a versatile three cabin - two bathroom layout with a full-beam master stateroom that serves as a private retreat, with a walk-around king-sized bed located right in the sweet spot amidships, private three-seater lounge, a walk-in robe, opulently finished palette of timber, fabric and soft-touch leather, large hull windows and opening portholes, as well as a recessed 32-inch television and entertainment system. The VIP guest stateroom engenders no envy of the master, with queen-sized walk-around bed, plenty of light and fresh air courtesy of opening deck hatch and an elegant ensuite. The starboard twin stateroom also offers full head and access and its own opening deck hatch.

Serviceability has also been carefully considered in the 565 SUV – the entire cockpit floor hydraulically lifts up for professional pod and engine maintenance of the twin Volvo IPS2 950s (533kW / 2 x 725hp), which have achieved a top speed of 32 knots under full load, a cruise speed of 25 knots and a cruising range of 435nm at 26 knots with a 10 per cent fuel reserve.

Flybridge freedom - Riviera 63 Enclosed
From its flagship Flybridge collection, the Riviera 63 Enclosed is a superbly seaworthy, highly capable, long-range luxury offshore vessel.

'She has all the practicalities of a sportfisher although her cockpit can easily be converted to a first-class alfresco dining space aft of the galley, from which a large glass awning window opens to create free-flowing space from windscreen to swim platform. Inside, there is comfortable seating for up to 12 people in the saloon … and 360 degree views from each of these seating positions,' said Mr Longhurst. 'Adjacent to the 63’s U-shaped galley is an internal staircase leading upstairs to the flybridge which is, in effect, a sky lounge. Here, another hinged awning window and glass doors also open to bring the outdoors in, creating one large open space encompassing the modern, upholstered wrap-around helm. Outside, to port and overlooking the cockpit, is a two-seater lounge and, to starboard, an aft docking station.'

Below decks is a four-stateroom - three bathroom accommodation plan with a port-side master with queen-sized island bed bathed in light and fresh air. The VIP guest stateroom forward also has a queen-sized bed and, in the optional three-stateroom layout, can be converted into the master with writing bureau or private lounge.

Popular power in the Riviera 63 – also available as an Open Flybridge – is via two Caterpillar C18 Acert shaft-driven engines (882kW / 1200hp) that have her achieving a top speed of 30.4 knots under full load, a cruise speed of 24 knots and a cruising range of 409nm at 24.4 knots with 10 per cent fuel reserve.

A totally new tradition - the Belize 54
Also on display in Auckland will be the distinctive new Belize 54 Daybridge, inspired by timeless design and incorporating Australian practicality and superior sea-keeping with the latest in technological innovation from around the globe. Her sophisticated styling, opulent interior, savvy storage concepts and high-performance hull are key attributes that sets Belize apart.

'The Australian-owned and designed 54 Daybridge has the ability to transfix an entire bay of modern craft when she glides in,' said Mr Longhurst. 'She was designed to cater for the growing affection for high-end luxury power boats that boast an nostalgic design, blending traditional charm with the latest in marine technology.'

Powered by Cummins Zeus 600 pod drives (442kW / 2 x 600hp) as propulsion, the 54 Daybridge has a top speed of 30.5 knots, a cruise speed of 24 knots and a cruising range of 364nm at 23.6 knots, with 10 per cent fuel reserve.

Inspect these beautiful new boats at the Riviera and Belize floating display at M-16 at the 2014 Auckland On Water Boat Show from September 25 to 28, which is being coordinated by R Marine JDC, Riviera’s and Belize’s New Zealand dealer.

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 Riviera website