World-firsts for Riviera and Volvo Penta aboard new 4800 Sport Yacht

by Riviera on 17 Jun 2016 Riviera has just confirmed the stylish new 4800 Sport Yacht will be first production motor yacht in the world to be showcased with the next generation of Volvo Penta’s Inboard Propulsion System (IPS).

The latest addition to Riviera’s luxurious Sport Yacht collection is already generating very strong interest ahead of her own World Premiere at Sydney International Boat Show (28 July – 1 August 2016).

Riviera and Volvo Penta have now revealed the 4800 Sport Yacht will showcase the innovative new IPS15/800 pod-drive system for the very first time in the world. In addition, Volvo Penta’s compact new D8 marine engine will be on display to the public for the first time in Australia.

Riviera chief executive Wes Moxey said Riviera is very proud to be at the forefront of a global marine revolution that is making boating even easier and more enjoyable.

“The evolution of IPS has completely changed the way we go boating and Volvo Penta’s continued refinement is setting new standards in handling, onboard comfort, dependability and maneuverability,” he said.

“Riviera has now launched over 500 pod-driven luxury motor yachts that can be seen cruising the great rivers, lakes and oceans of the world.”

“For the two-stateroom/two-bathroom 4800 Sport Yacht, we have developed a completely new hull with keel and it is the perfect match for both the new IPS15 and new D8 engines.

“Partnering with Volvo Penta for the world release of this powerful new IPS package – as part of the Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht’s World Premiere – confirms our position as a global leader in embracing innovative easy-to-use boating technology.”

Stepping aboard

The 4800 Sport Yacht’s distinctive exterior profile features contemporary hull windows and porthole designs that are recessed for added protection, as well as a sports-styled targa arch and an hydraulic boarding platform.

The door to the tender garage, which has enough room for a 2.7-metre tender, is electric and above is a true entertainer’s covered barbecue with stainless steel splash-back and convenient LED lighting.

The 4800’s fully equipped cockpit enhances the easy alfresco lifestyle valued so highly by Riviera luxury motor yacht owners around the world.

Storage solutions abound on the 4800 with cockpit lockers under both the aft and starboard lounges. A hatch is in the cockpit floor to provide access to the servicing pods, while there’s also an optional folding teak table to connect both lounges.

To port there is a solid surface bench-top, wet bar with refrigeration, ice-maker and sink with hot and cold water tap-ware.

And on both sides of the 4800 Sport Yacht, there are steps up to the wide walk-around side decks, which feature raised bulwarks and full-length bow rails for safe access to the forward deck.

Here you’ll find an additional onboard entertainment zone with speakers under the windscreen brow, a double sun-pad with adjustable back rests and convenient drink-holders. All deck hardware is crafted from marine-grade 316 stainless steel.

Stepping inside

The new 4800 Sport Yacht is at the vanguard of on-water luxury motor yacht design courtesy of her interior spaciousness, premium comfort and practical lifestyle features.

Her rear bulkhead is tempered glass and incorporates a sliding glass door set in a strong marine-grade stainless steel frame. And a large awning window opens out from the spacious saloon to the cockpit, creating a seamlessly flow from boarding platform through to the front windscreen.

The modern aft galley – set to port to ensure the free flow of traffic through the saloon – features premium appliances, including dual stainless steel refrigeration drawers and a drawer freezer. The hand-crafted cabinetry offers excellent storage and features positive locking hardware.

When the celebration begins, a cocktail cabinet to starboard features a lift-up lid, revealing bottle storage and drawers for glasses. Forward, an elevated, leather-upholstered, C-shaped lounge provides excellent visibility forward and through the wide side windows and seats up to six adults around a large, fixed dinette table.

Natural light fills the expansive interior living space, with the side windows able to slide open for cross ventilation when desired.

An electric saloon sunroof also slides open for additional light and fresh air, or an amazing view of the stars at night.

Take command

The most discerning Riviera skipper will appreciate the high degree of boating knowledge and consideration drawn up to create the ergonomic design of the 4800’s luxury sports-inspired helm.

Within easy reach of the two deluxe helm chairs – which each have folding arm and foot rests – are the premium leather-upholstered steering wheel, electronic engine controls and IPS joystick for easy docking.

Visibility through the two curved glass windscreen panels is also excellent, with each featuring pantographic wipers and washers that are plumbed off the fresh water system.

There’s ample storage for binoculars, phones and tablets, instrument covers and thoughtfully placed drink-holders, as well as designed-in access underneath the helm to ensure any issues are quickly identified, and service costs are kept to a minimum.

Taking it the next level

The command centre of the 4800 Sport Yacht features the latest Volvo Penta/Garmin Glass Cockpit navigation and systems monitoring features, with two 12-inch multi-function display screens set into the sunken dash.

Volvo Penta’s innovative Glass Cockpit control and monitoring system also provides a very clean, easy-to-use system that provides exceptional overview and control of both engines, navigation including Dynamic Positioning System, sounder and radar, even Auto-Pilot and optional charts … all in one place and in the one system.

Integrated with the IPS Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, the Glass Cockpit gathers all driver information and displays all of this data in an integrated form on the pinch-to-zoom Multi-Function Display screens.

One of the many clever feature of the Glass Cockpit is the unique Auto Guidance feature that searches through all relevant charts to create a route you can follow and avoid shallow water, buoys and other known obstacles.

Coupled with the Auto Pilot, it not only shows you the way … it can also take you there.

The 4800 also features the next generation of CZone digital switching and monitoring system, with a 10-inch control panel right at hand so owners can, at the touch of the screen, select from cruising and entertaining modes, dock unattended mode or full systems shutdown.

Stepping below

Stepping down to the 4800’s accommodation deck atrium, the full headroom achieved by clever design is immediately evident.

The 4800’s accommodation layout gives owners a large atrium lower lounge that can comfortably seat up to five adults.

This space is the perfect retreat, games centre … or even a quiet workspace. At night it can also provide sleeping for an extra guest.

Natural light filters into the atrium through from the saloon and the fixed starboard-side hull window, and an overhead hatch opens for fresh air and features a flyscreen or block-out screen when required.

Forward is the luxurious master stateroom featuring a queen-sized walk-around bed with innerspring mattress and volumes of storage underneath, with drawers and gas struts for easy access.

The master stateroom also features additional storage cabinets with positive locking hardware outboard, with a cedar-lined hanging locker and automatic lighting to starboard and a cedar-lined storage locker with shelves to port. This stateroom has its own private en suite with contemporary styling and an overhead hatch for fresh air, which also screens for privacy when required.

The VIP guest stateroom amidships features full headroom at its entry, where there is a cedar-lined hanging locker, as well as three adult-sized single beds. There’s the option of sliding together the two port-side beds to create a double.

The long, fixed hull windows on both sides of the guest stateroom capture all the natural light you’ll need, and there are opening portholes to port and starboard that are alarmed to the helm so they are not left open while underway.

The day head, on the port-side, also features contemporary styling and premium appointments. Its linen cupboard has a convenient bi-fold door that opens to reveal space for an optional washer-dryer.

Power and performance

The 4800 Sport Yacht features Riviera’s signature clean and thoughtfully laid-out engine room with acoustic and thermal insulation, accessed through a forward cockpit hatch with gas strut and heavy duty stainless steel lockdown.

The Volvo Penta D8 engines and IPS15 pod-drives are set wide apart for responsive steering and stability. This drive package offers spirited performance and fuel-efficient cruising economy.

One of the first things you will notice about the D8 engine with IPS15 pod-drives has further improved noise levels and vibrations.

This enhancement is enabled by Volvo Penta’s advanced common rail technology, our rigid engine construction, mounting system and an innovative sound-dampening structure.

It makes for a very pleasant boating experience.

Volvo Penta is widely recognised as the world-leader in complete end-to-end power systems for marine applications. The new D8 engine offers Volvo Penta’s trademark high torque and excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Fuel efficiency and low emissions – also hallmarks of Volvo Penta’s engines – have been further improved with the D8 engine as a result of Volvo’s continued research and technical development programs.

The easy joystick maneuverability of IPS is also enhanced thanks to the wide 34-degree articulating pods of the new IPS15 configuration.

The IPS15/800 package with D8 engines (2 x 441kW/600hp) is an optional upgrade for the new Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht, which has the IPS15/700 with twin D8 engines (2 x 404kW/550hp) as base power.

Both configurations have Volvo Penta’s counter-rotating, forward-facing propellers that operate in undisturbed water to pull the yacht through the water as opposed to pushing the yacht by conventional drive systems, and which are protected by Volvo Penta stainless steel line-cutters for protection from fishing lines plastic bags and nets.

The Riviera Advantage

Riviera is continuing to lead the luxury motor yacht market and proudly endorses the easy-to-use systems onboard its world-class designs, including the new IPS15 pods and D8 engines.

“A five-year warranty on all Volvo Penta systems is now standard with every new Riviera and spans Volvo Penta helm stations, steering and propellers as well as major componentry of their high performance drivelines and fuel-efficient engines,” said Mr Moxey.

“Available worldwide, this extended warranty complements the Riviera five-year structural warranty and will provide even greater peace of mind for our valued Riviera boating family members,” he said.

“The entire 480-strong Riviera team is feeling very proud ahead of the World Premiere of the 4800 Sport Yacht and we look forward to welcoming our existing Riviera owners, and aspiring owners, to Sydney International Boat Show from 28 July – 1 August .”