Riviera expands propulsion with Zeus drive Sport Yacht

by Denby Browning on 25 Apr 2009 Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, will unveil its latest step in the technology revolution with the launch its new 5000 Sport Yacht at the Sydney International Boat Show at the beginning of August.

Powered by twin Cummins Mercruiser turbo diesel engines linked to the revolutionary Zeus pod drives, this new model builds on the extraordinary success of the Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht that won the AMIF Boat of the Year award in 2007.

As well as the new propulsion system, the 5000 Sport Yacht is offered with an unprecedented range of options that will allow owners to configure the boat to their individual boating requirements.

The new propulsion system offers easy manoeuvring in close quarters such as marinas as well as overall performance. Cummins Mercruiser Diesel claims up to 30 percent improved fuel economy as well as 15 percent faster cruise and top speeds over conventional drive units.

The 5000SY is the fifth member of Riviera’s European-style Sport Yacht family and replaces the shaft drive 4700SY.

The elegant 5000SY maintains and expands on the single-level lifestyle design of the Riviera Sport Yacht line, including an aft galley and stainless steel pillarless aft bulkhead door and fold-up awning window that open the saloon right out into the cockpit.

The underwater profile of the Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht includes two Zeus drive units with aft-facing counter-rotating propellers and underwater exhausts mounted in tunnels that protect the pod drives from underwater debris.

An advanced joystick control system for slow-speed manoeuvring can be operated with one hand and a single turn of the wrist; from sideways tracking to spinning on a pin, to precise speed control. Zeus also features Skyhook™, a system that will maintain the vessel on a fixed heading within a tight area — even in strong currents and windy conditions.

Continuing Riviera’s commitment to innovation, the 5000SY offers owners a range of options including two accommodation layouts and optional cockpit furniture.

The accommodation options are the choice of three cabin and two bathroom design or two cabins and two bathrooms plus a below-deck lounge area. In the cockpit, owners can choose between a standard layout of a single long lounge across the transom with a long hi/low table or the option of an additional L-shaped aft-facing lounge in the forward quarter with a table, deleting the long table.

Concept Design Manager Neil McCabe said: 'Our computer modeling systems are giving us greater opportunities to offer these options. Our goal with the 5000SY was to create a fully specified boat while giving our customers the opportunity to tailor it to suit their individual needs and tastes.

'They can choose full sleeping accommodation for seven people or have two cabins and extra lounge space. In the cockpit, the option is for additional seating which will be an ideal spot in the shade of the cockpit overhang as well as a great place to sit when under way, in the open but out of the wind.'

Expansive panoramic windows and a huge electric sunroof in the saloon enhance the relaxed, refreshing and airy ambience of this new model.

The cockpit of the 5000SY is an expansive entertaining area, complete with an electric barbecue built into the transom, fully equipped wet bar: bar fridge, solid surface benchtop with a sink and a locker with rubbish bin. There is even an option for an ice-maker in this area.

A garage is tucked under the cockpit with a 3.1m Zodiac tender that can be launched with ease on to the teak hydraulic swim platform. The entire platform raises and lowers with touch of a button to help launch or retrieve the tender and personal watercraft.

If you want to get away from it all and simply soak up the sun, the forward deck features a recessed sunpad with stainless hand rails and drink holders.

The saloon of the 5000 Sport Yacht is an extension of the entertaining area with an L-shaped leather lounge running the full length, with chaise. A fold-out dinette table can be lowered to convert to a coffee table.

Portside forward of the lounge is a cocktail cabinet with lift-up lid for bottle storage and drawers for glasses. Entertainment is provided by an electric lift 26' LCD TV, Bose Lifestyle system with CD/DVD player, four speakers in the saloon and two to the cockpit.

The contemporary styled aft galley includes a two-burner electric cooktop, convection microwave oven, under-bench drawer refrigerator and freezer, the option for a drawer dishwasher and overhead storage lockers above the cooktop as well as a pull-out pantry.

The helm is designed with two quality leather electronically adjustable, ergonomic helm-chairs, timber sports wheel and vinyl dash with drink holders and storage trays. The large dash features electronic engine controls and a comprehensive safety monitoring panel.

Accommodation includes a full-beam aft cabin similar to the award-winning 4400 Sport Yacht, with a large athwartships double bed as well as a single bunk along the port side. This cabin includes three opening portholes to provide plenty of light and cross ventilation.

The master stateroom forward features a queen walk-around bed with an innerspring mattress.

The bathrooms are designed with a contemporary glass basin semi-recessed into a solid surface benchtop, Amtico flooring, shower stall with glass door, Vacuflush toilet and high quality mixer taps.


RIVIERA 5000 SPORT YACHT SPECIFICATIONS
Length Overall (Incl bow roller and swim platform) 16.69 metres 54’ 9'
Lh to ISO8666 (moulded length) 15.45 metres 50’ 9'
Beam (Incl gunwale) 4.76 metres 15’ 7'
Maximum Draft (Incl props) 1.10 metres 3’ 7'
Dry Weight (approx) 18,000 kgs 39,700lbs
Fuel Capacity 2,300 litres 608 Us gal
Water Capacity 750 litres 198 US gal
Sleeping Capacity (standard) 7 persons
Standard Engines x 2 Cummins QSC 8.3 442kW 600hp

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