Australia’s luxury motor yacht manufacturer Riviera has announced an advanced, mid-sized addition to its SUV Collection, designated the 505, which will make her international debut at the 2020 Miami Yacht Show (13-17 February).
The Riviera design team, working in partnership with company owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey, was given free reign to unleash its creativity with a hull that’s brand new from the keel up, resulting in a multi-functional cruising yacht.
The designers integrated a number of the distinctive “big-boat” attributes while staying faithful to the SUV pedigree that blends a seaworthy, sports-friendly flybridge ethos with the entertainment amenities inherent to a sport yacht.
One feature is the 505’s raised mezzanine seating area that draws innovation and design from the recently announced 64 Sports Motor Yacht, which is also set for a 2020 premiere.
The covered entertainment area gains extra privacy and protection from the elements, along with the comfort and convenience of built-in furniture, to enable sociable and enjoyable, year-round boating.
“Boating enthusiasts are really going to love the new 505 SUV,” Rodney Longhurst says. “She perfectly complements our growing SUV range and, coupled with IPS performance, economy, and ease of use, offers so much for families looking to put fun and freedom back into their weekends.”
Grace and space
Drawing on almost four decades of blue water heritage and the launching of over 5,500 motor yachts, the Riviera 505’s hull is classically appealing with a gently sweeping sheerline and prominent topside windows, balanced by a raked coach-house with generous glass surrounds.
For a cleaner, more contemporary look, the bowsprit is incorporated into the hull design that boasts generous flare forward. The bowsprit will house a 35kg stainless-steel Ultra Anchor and 50 metres of 10mm chain, as standard.
Further innovation is found in the new foredeck entertainment zone, with a walkway running laterally to avoid having to step over the double sunpad cushions when transitioning from port to starboard, cleaning the windscreen or attaching window covers.
Wide sidedecks with raised bulwarks safely connect the foredeck with the cockpit, while dual transom doors provide equally unfettered access to the large hydraulic boarding platform, enhancing the outdoor living space. Reminiscent of Sport Yacht styling, the platform sides extend forward along the aft quarters to protect the topsides.
Total cockpit area equates to almost 10 square metres, which is ample for fishing, all manner of watersports and entertaining. It accommodates a large barbecue/wetbar centre to port and 130-litre fridge/freezer compartment to starboard, flanking the steps leading to the mezzanine.
Here, there are two comfortable lounges either side – the starboard seat will also fold out to become a day bed. While the hardtop extends fully over the mezzanine, twin sliding sun hatches will allow filtered light and air to flow from above. It is a cool and calm place to read, relax and enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon refreshment.
Linking the mezzanine with the saloon are a tinted, tempered glass door and awning window, both set in a stainless-steel frame. A U-shaped galley resides immediately to port, where it can serve meals to the mezzanine and forward dinette. The designers have specified solid-surface benchtops with electric cooktop, microwave convection oven, dual drawer fridge/freezer, stainless steel sink, plus storage cabinets and drawers above and below the bench.
They’ve devoted space immediately adjacent to the galley to an L-shaped lounge that extends forward to the starboard-side helm station featuring twin pedestal seats. A large sliding sunroof is incorporated above the helm and L-shaped lounge to port that will be popular with guests when underway.
The Riviera designers have also excelled themselves in the accommodation department with a full-beam master suite as the centrepiece of a spacious three-stateroom/two-bathroom layout.
Bathed in natural light from large hull windows, the cabin offers a queen-sized island berth, chaise lounge to starboard, drawer bureau to port, en-suite access and personal touches such as a full-length mirror. Guests are offered a twin bunk cabin to starboard, and a plush VIP stateroom forward with en-suite access to the luxury day head.
Riviera has launched more than 120 SUV motor yachts which are known for their power-to-weight ratios, fuel efficiency and bluewater performance and handling, and the 505 will certainly share these qualities. Standard power is twin six-cylinder Volvo Penta D8-IPS 800 turbo diesels developing 600hp (441kw) apiece, mated to joystick controls (helm and cockpit) and twin 16-inch Volvo Penta Glass Bridge screens.
At the purchaser’s discretion, the powerplants may be upgraded to twin 725hp (533kW) D11-IPS 950s.
“The 505 SUV benefits from our latest research and development processes,” Mr Longhurst concludes. “Whether it’s fishing, diving, paddle-boarding, or simply entertaining with family and friends in the comfort of the mezzanine, she offers the best of all worlds and will be in a class of her own when unveiled at Miami early next year.”