Riviera’s exciting new 53 enclosed flybridge makes her Sydney debut at the Boat Show

The latest model from Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded pleasure boat builder will make her Sydney debut at the Sydney International Boat Show in July.

The stunning 53 Enclosed Flybridge is a new generation of luxury, technology and personal customisation.  It has been developed in-house after nearly two years of detailed consultation with boat owners across the globe and with 13 orders now confirmed from buyers around Australia and in the US, the 53 is proving to be the model of choice for experienced boating enthusiasts.

Designed from the keel up, using Riviera’s Uni-Graphics NX three dimensional CAD software system, the 53 is a vessel of considerable internal volume, allowing Riviera’s designers to create unprecedented living spaces, elegant amenities and unrivalled performance.

The result is a fresh approach, signalling a new generation of Riviera prowess and efficiency.

Riviera’s concept design manager Neil McCabe said the new 53 retained the distinctive Riviera styling but incorporated a new generation of technology and comfort.

“The 53 is the first Riviera Flybridge in the 50 foot range to offer a full-beam master stateroom, with king-size bed and large ensuite. The 53 is also the first Riviera in this size bracket to offer an enclosed flybridge with spacious seating for a party of 10. Flybridge access is via an internal staircase. The 53 is also the first Riviera to offer the flexibility of choice with a range of different pod drive and engine plant configurations. This new model has been entirely designed around these proven and efficient drives,” said Neil.

Riviera’s director of brand and communication Stephen Milne said the 53 was close to being the perfect flybridge boat for its size.

 “It is the sum total of extensive feedback from experienced boaters all over the world,” Stephen said.

The vessel’s lines on the water are both powerful and noble, with a strong sheer forward and raised topsides create as much freeboard as a much larger vessel.

“It creates a very strong presence on the water,” explains concept design manager Neil McCabe.

“The 53 feels like a big boat yet will be easily handled by two people.”

The 53’s main deck design is the culmination of years of experience from the Riviera design team, connecting the huge cockpit – which doubles as an entertainment venue complete with hidden barbecue – with the main saloon living space, through a sliding glass door and a hinged hopper window into one giant space.

The U-shaped galley design is positioned aft and therefore central to the massive saloon entertainment space and the cockpit. The galley is located to the port side and separated from fore and aft passing traffic.

Opposite the galley is a stylish internal staircase leading to the enclosed flybridge. Its floating teak treads mounted on solid stainless steel rails complements what is a beautiful interior.

Forward of the galley is a C-shape dinette to port, that can convert into a double berth with a drop-down table. This arrangement faces a C-Shape lounge on the starboard side creating a spacious social setting for up to 10 in sheer cruising comfort.  All of the lounges on the 53 are plush and luxurious, with a generous depth of padding.

The flybridge is available in two options, with helm forward for long-distance cruising or helm aft, which many skippers prefer when sportsfishing. In either option, skipper and mate are seated on swivel pedestal chairs for maximum visibility.

A dinette table set amidst a C-Shape settee on the port side of the flybridge seats six comfortably, and a separate lounge to starboard complements the seating arrangement. A wet bar with drawer fridges and handbasin serves to refresh while underway. Prepared food is easily brought up to the flybridge from the galley directly below via the internal staircase. At rest or underway, the staircase can be secured for privacy or as a safety precaution via a folding, lockable hatch that disappears when open into varnished cabinetry.

The roof of the flybridge boasts a sliding electric sun roof creating a sky-lounge, typical of much larger vessels. Side-opening windows and surround visibility will add to the light, airy atmosphere.

The vessel’s massive engine room allows for flexibility of power plant choice, with the option for crew quarters or workshop isolated from the main living space. And the propulsion arrangement allows for maximum amidships space, which is used to deliver the most luxurious master stateroom for a vessel of this size.

When the party is over, there is nothing as comfortable as retiring to the full beam master stateroom, with king-size bed set amidships, and ample space either side. Port and starboard alarmed opening port holes bring light and fresh air below.  A separate ensuite with solid surface non-slip tiled floor is set slightly below the level of the main cabin to contain water. A vanity unit with surface-mounted porcelain sink, typical of those found on much larger vessels, and a vacu-flush toilet complete the amenity.

Forward of the master stateroom is a guest stateroom, with a queen-size bed and wardrobe, and a third cabin with two single berths. A separate ensuite serves the guest accommodation and doubles as the day head, making this vessel perfect for larger families, or holidays involving two couples with children.

When it comes to propulsion, Riviera engineers and designers have settled on new-generation, fuel efficient pod drives to propel the 53 to a top speed of around 35 knots and a cruise speed between 25-28 knots delivering a range of 400 nautical miles depending on engine options on a 3500 litre fuel tank.

However, there are a number of propulsion options on the new 53.

Up to 30 per cent efficiency gains are the hallmark of the proven Volvo Penta IPS system. There is the option to choose twin IPS 1200 units or three IPS 600 units.

A further propulsion option is available using the ZF 4000 pod drive system, with twin counter-rotating Nibral (Nickel, Bronze, Aluminium) propellers facing aft, instead of forward as they are on the IPS system.

Either way, the opposing blades – the forward blade pitched differently to its aft partner – make optimum use of wash and water movement to deliver a smooth, quiet ride.

With all major engineering positioned well aft, enormous gains are made with beam-width space amidships, and that translates into better living. Mid-ship fuel tanks from keel to saloon sole double as a sound barrier between master bedroom and engine room and help deliver better trim to the vessel when cruising.

The 53’s hull is laminated using vacuum infusion to deliver an exceptionally sound structure that incorporates areas of solid GRP and various core materials, depending on engineering requirements.

Infusion technology used in the hull also helps replicate the incredibly precise lines lofted from Riviera’s CAD computer system, and provides an accurate foundation for parts milled on a 5-axis CAD – driven router.

Controlling all DC electronics is the digital system, a revolutionary Controller Area Network (CAN) bus design that allows for the ultimate in customisation and finger-touch control of all aspects of electrical operation, from entertainment lighting to navigation equipment.

“Each Riviera vessel is an evolution on the last,” says Riviera’s new product design manager, Alan Dowd.

“After launching nearly 4,800 Rivieras over the past 30 years, the new 53 is clearly our best boat yet.”

53 Open & Enclosed Flybridge Preliminary Specifications*

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.