Another piece of Riviera history

Riviera’s limited edition commemorative 30 year poster has sparked a huge amount of interest both nationally and internationally with Riviera enthusiasts and it has also brought back a lot of memories.

Paul Cotton from Beacon Marine, a Riviera dealer in Perth, Western Australia, noticed there was a Riviera model missing from the poster.  Since this particular model was not a true production boat but rather a special interest project it was not featured on the poster but it is another interesting piece of Riviera history.

In 1994 Riviera designed and built three 34 foot Centre Consoles, which were sold for about $76,000 each.

Beacon Marine bought one of these boats to be used as a support craft for client relations, rescues, tows and owner functions ever since.

Paul said they saw the boat on display at the 1994 Sydney International Boat Show and thought it would make a great support vessel.

“Beacon Marine still owns the boat and we now use it for check point duty for the South Coast Yacht Club, rescues and as a support boat for junior sailing,” Paul said.

“At that time we decided we needed a support vessel for our Riviera owners.  This allowed us to provide and on water service to our customers.

“The boat served its purpose particularly well and she has become a bit of an icon.

“We used her to take tours of the Alkimos wreck, known as the unluckiest ship afloat following many ill-fated events involving the ship.  The wreck is about 10 nautical miles north of Mindarie Quay, Western Australia so we have used her for a lot of sight seeing.”

Paul said the Centre Console was a stern drive with a 200hp Volvo engine.

“The hull is the same as the Riviera Diavalo 34 of which is designed for almost 60 knot performance.  She is a boat that has got a beautiful pedigree and she is berthed in a prominent spot at the South Perth Yacht Club.”

Riviera has been inundated with orders for its limited edition 30 year commemorative poster.