2020 Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht review

Riviera is on a 40th-anniversary production roll at present, launching the exciting new Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht mere months after the debut of the larger 64-foot model. The two new boats join the 68 and flagship 72 SMY to expand this versatile motor yacht range to four models.

Compared with the larger Sports Motor Yachts models, the 50 SMY is diminutive in size, but the new boat's scaled-down dimensions make it easier to handle and manoeuvre around wharves and marinas – although all four SMY models come standard with joystick docking controls.

As you read this, the Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht has just arrived in Florida ahead of its North American debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The 50 SMY is available with a pair of 725hp Volvo Penta D11-950 IPS drives, or dual 800hp MAN i6-800 V-drives, the latter a $44,000 option. Both are six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines, albeit with completely different drive systems.

Our test boat was paired with the Volvo Pentas with IPS pod drives turning forward-facing propellers. With this standard engine configuration, pricing for the Riviera 50 SMY starts from $1,816,900.

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As you might expect from Riviera's flagship flybridge models, the Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht is intelligently designed, beautifully finished, and wonderfully appointed.

Three staterooms are among the standard inclusions, along with two bathrooms (includes ensuite); a spacious saloon with dinette and lounge seating areas; U-shaped galley aft with two-element electric stove; two-drawer fridge/freezer; convection microwave oven/grill; sink with mixer tap; varnished (non-slip) internal timber staircase to flybridge living area and helm station.

The flybridge features a high/low teak table with lounge/day bed; wet bar with sink/fridge; two-section electric sunroof; and leather-wrapped port side dual-chair helm station.

External features include a through-bow anchor (with Muir electric windlass and stainless steel Ultra anchor); a 6.5-square-metre self-draining aft cockpit with wet bar/electric BBQ grill; fridge-freezer; ice-maker; sub-floor fish box; lazarette storage compartments; elevated 5.9-square-metre mezzanine deck with starboard side lounge/day-bed; and a port side fixed-height table and lounge; and ample storage lockers.

Other notables include air conditioning, LED lighting and high gloss polished walnut timber cabinetwork throughout; joystick docking controls at the helm and aft flybridge; multiple washdown and external shower outlets; CZone digital switching and systems monitoring; Garmin electronics suite with fishfinder, GPS, and auto-pilot; Fusion audio system; TVs to saloon and master stateroom, and more.

Our test boat was rigged with a range of options and custom accessories, lifting the ex-factory package price to $2,065,631.

Key additions included a more powerful 17.5kW Onan generator; hydraulic-lift transom boarding/swim platform; a cockpit-mounted joystick control (adding to the existing two); transom livewell with viewing window; Davco 350kg davit on the bow for the inflatable tender; high-pressure water cleaning jets plumbed to bow and stern with accompanying pumps and water tanks; teak mezzanine flooring; a dishwasher in lieu of a pot drawer; laundry station with stacked Miele washer and dryer; Dyson vacuum cleaner; extra cockpit rod holders; galley, bath and soft-furnishing packages; custom aft awnings and cover enclosures; underwater LED lighting; Garmin GMR Fantom radar, watermaker, Siren Marine remote security and emergency monitoring system; custom carpets, vinyl flooring, and more.

The Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht has a smooth-riding, efficient vee hull bottom made from solid fibreglass from the keel to the chines. Cored fibreglass is used thereafter to save weight, but without sacrificing construction strength.

Independent, foam-filled compartments segregate the hull, separated by transverse bulkheads that provide strength and rigidity.

At the bow is a watertight collision bulkhead and dual-compartment anchor locker.

Vinylester resin is used in the outer layers of the hull to provide strength and prevent osmosis.

Below decks, the white flowcoated and insulated engine room is neat, tidy and spacious. Everything is clearly marked for ease of access, identification and servicing.

Technicians even place special coloured paint dots alongside specific fastenings during the build and engine install process to show they have been "torqued" (or tightened) to the manufacturer’s specification. Nothing is left to chance here; all installation procedures are checked and double-checked.

The engine room is accessed via cockpit- and mezzanine-level floor hatches (with gas strut-supported lids) to allow service technicians to reach all of the components from the Volvo Penta diesel engines and pod drives through to pumps, strainers, filters, generator, HVAC and electrical systems, fire suppression systems, batteries, and more.

A polished stainless steel framed sliding glass door separates the interior of the 50 Sports Motor Yacht from the outdoor mezzanine deck and living area. Walking inside to the open-plan saloon brings you immediately to a U-shaped galley to port and the internal flybridge stairwell to starboard.

The galley is equipped with all the usual kit, but what strikes you most as you scan the galley features and fittings is the wonderfully bright, rich finish to the glossy dark walnut timber cabinetry, matched by an equally well-crafted stairwell and polished timber liquor/glassware cabinet (with freezer) opposite.

This gorgeous, high gloss walnut is used throughout the boat, offset and contrasted by neutral and light coloured seat cushions, quality Sunbrella fabrics, and soft-touch vinyls used to line the walls and ceilings.

White-coloured stone benchtops to the galley and bathrooms also lift the interior so that it feels light and spacious, rather than gloomy and cramped.

As noted earlier, the galley features include a dual-drawer fridge-freezer, microwave combination oven/grill, twin element cooktop, rangehood, sink with mixer tap, an optional dishwasher, and ample cabinet storage space.

Forward is an elevated L-shaped lounge on the port side, along with an expandable dinette table with a timber finish so bright and polished that I'd be worried about scratching it. A satin or matt finish may be a better option here to help conceal marks.

Opposite, to starboard, there is a larger U-shaped lounge that will comfortably seat four adults. Both saloon lounge seats have storage cupboards beneath them.

Upsized sliding glass side windows provide nice views and ventilate the entire saloon, although saloon air conditioning is a standard inclusion.

A stainless steel grab rail overhead allows you to walk securely through the saloon to steps that lead down to the accommodation deck.

The Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht has permanent overnight accommodation for six people in three staterooms.

Should you require more sleeping quarters you can convert the U-shaped lounge seats on the mezzanine and flybridge decks into temporary double beds, adding sleeping spaces for four more people.

The master stateroom is below the saloon, at the rear of the accommodation deck. A queen-size island bed stretches longitudinally down the centre-line of the boat, occupying much of the full beam-width stateroom.

That said there is space for bedside tables, along with a comfy chaise longue on the starboard side, and walnut timber storage drawers to port.

Large port-holed windows are on both sides of the cabin and provide ambient light and ventilation.

Other features include carpeted flooring, a wall-mounted LCD TV with storage drawers beneath, soft-touch vinyl-trimmed storage compartments above each of the cabin windows, roller blinds and LED lighting throughout.

Instead of a conventional hanging cupboard, the master stateroom has a walk-in-robe immediately behind the cabin entry door.

Alongside it is a private ensuite bathroom. Similar to the dual-entry VIP bathroom/day head located forward, the ensuite has an electric toilet, solid-surface bench-top with porcelain washbasin, vanity cabinet and mirror, opening porthole (alarmed to the helm), as well as a moulded shower stall with frameless glass door, teak seat and handheld showerhead.

The VIP stateroom in the forepeak of the boat isn't as spacious as the master, but there is ample space to each side of the queen-size island bed to move about comfortably.

Key features in the VIP room include light-coloured padded vinyl to the ceiling and surrounds, glossy timber walnut cabinetry, cedar-lined hanging lockers, cabin windows and storage drawers beneath the bed.

The starboard stateroom is smaller than the main rooms, but there is enough space to move about and the large port-holed window makes this space feel larger, more open.

This third cabin is equipped with bunk beds, a timber hanging locker, LED lighting, and a bedside table with drawers.

The enclosed flybridge, accessed via the non-slip internal timber staircase, is much more than the location for the helm station.

Upstairs there is a complete living area, one that can be separated from the rest of the boat for privacy via a weather-proof glass hatch at the top of the stairwell.

The overhead hardtop and tempered glass windscreen and windows also surround and protect the helm station. Clear zip-out drop curtains encircle the rear of the bridge to ensure the crew has excellent weather protection.

Two electric glass sunroofs are built into the hardtop, giving you the choice of opening one or both to flood the bridge with sunlight.

There is no need to venture below for food or drinks; a wet bar with fridge, solid-surface bench-top, and sink/mixer tap is situated at the top of the stairs to cater for the skipper and crew on the bridge deck.

Opposite is a U-shaped lounge with a height-adjustable glossy timber pedestal table that drops down to convert into a daybed. A second, smaller lounge is located forward on the starboard side.

The helm station is offset to port at the front of the bridge, offering an unrestricted view forward and to each side of the vessel.

Two broad, adjustable leather-bound pedestal bucket chairs front a dual-width helm station. Engine controls include a tilt-adjust sports steering wheel, a left-handed throttle box, left-handed joystick control, and full-width footrest.

The fascia is large enough to take three 16-inch multifunction displays, a Fusion audio system head unit, CZone display panel, anchoring controls, compass and more.

Our test boat was fitted with a pair of the included Garmin 8616xsv MFDs optimised for Volvo Penta engine systems.

A second joystick control is aft on the starboard side, mounted on the trailing edge of the wet bar. Thankfully, for properly right-handed people like myself, this aft joystick control suits both left- and right-handed operation.

There is also the option for game fishing skippers to control the boat using a third (optional) joystick control mounted in the aft cockpit and close to the fishing action.

The rear cockpit is split into two equally spacious sections comprising the aft fishing cockpit and the elevated mezzanine deck with hardtop shelter overhead.

The latter is set up for alfresco entertaining with a lounge/dinette on the port side, beneath an outward-opening galley awning window; chefs can easily pass out dinner plates and drinks to people gathered around the dinette.

Opposite there is a comfortable lounge that converts into a daybed. Storage compartments are beneath both lounge seating areas.

There's also a large hatch in the floor that opens to provide unrestricted access into the engine room.

The self-draining rear cockpit is further aft, down two steps. Storage cupboards, lockers and various other compartments and bins abound.

There's also rear cockpit access to the engine room, lazarette storage, and a pair of large transom doors leading out the large boarding platform.

Anglers will be happy with the size and fishing space in the cockpit, along with the high freeboard, freshwater shower, raw water deck wash, wide side and rear coamings, and the underfloor fish box with pump-out.

Our test boat also came fitted with the optional transom livewell with viewing window.

Other features include a wet bar and BBQ grill to port and a fridge/freezer/icemaker compartment over on the starboard side.

To each side of the cockpit there are deep side decks to provide secure access to the bow. Our test boat was rigged with a davit and tender storage area up forward, but you can option the boat with an expansive foredeck sun lounge.

As noted earlier, the Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht is available with two engine options: a pair of 725hp Volvo Penta D11-950 IPS drives or dual 800hp MAN i6-800 V-drives.

Both options yield a top speed of more than 30 knots.

Our Volvo Penta-equipped test boat attained a top speed during our test of 31.5 knots – against a run-out tide. Tests conducted by Riviera confirm the Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht can run to 33.7 knots with maximum fuel and water, and five people onboard.

That's an impressive pace for a 50 footer with a high superstructure and an enclosed flybridge.

When approaching wide open throttle the Riviera takes a few moments to achieve its ultimate top speed, but it is quick to plane and very responsive through the 19-26 knot mid-range.

Underway the Riviera feels solid, sure-footed, and comfortable. At the helm, there is surprisingly little noise or drama even when travelling at speed offshore.

The absence of squeaks, rattles or vibrations attests to this craft's excellent build quality.

We exited the Gold Coast Seaway against a lumpy, 2.0-metre- plus sea generated by a strong ebb tide.

Our test boat revelled in the rough stuff, the Riviera's fine bow entry cutting easily through the abrupt, incoming waves. Barely a drop of water was taken over the bow and the hull remained stable and well balanced throughout.

Riviera's vast experience in hull design is evident in the excellent performance of the new Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht.

We found little to fault and much to applaud; as an all-rounder for a mix of bay, coastal and offshore fishing and boating, the 50 SMY is wonderfully capable.

Range on 90% of 3300L fuel supply at 2100rpm: 372nm
*Both engines

The Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht might be the entry model in Riviera's deluxe flybridge range, but it is perfect for weekend escapes, coastal passage making, day cruising, fishing, and more.

The interior blends a practical, clever layout with luxury appointments and a world-class standard of fit and finish.

For first-time power cruiser buyers, the new Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht fits the bill admirably.

Priced from less than $2 million cruise-away, this versatile vessel represents good value, combining many of the features of the larger SMY models into a smaller, more affordable family boating package.

Specifications
Model: Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht
Length overall: 17.01m
Hull length: 15.43m
Beam: 4.96m
Draft: 1.45m
Weight: 25,500kg (dry)
Engines as tested: Dual 725hp Volvo Penta D11-950 IPS drives
Genset: Cummins Onan 13.5kW (upgraded to 17kW)
Fuel: 3300L
Water: 460L
Holding tank: 151L
Accommodation: 6

Priced from: $1,816,900 including three forward staterooms (two with queen beds; one with bunks), two bathrooms (includes ensuite); saloon with dinette and lounge seating areas; U-shaped galley aft with two-element electric stove; two-drawer fridge/freezer; convection microwave oven/grill; sink with mixer tap; varnished (non-slip) timber staircase to flybridge living area and helm station featuring high/low teak table with lounge/daybed, wet bar with sink/fridge, two-section electric sun-roof and port side dual leather chair helm station. External features include a 6.5m squared self-draining aft cockpit with wet bar/electric BBQ Grill; fridge-freezer; ice-maker; subfloor fish box; elevated 5.9sq m mezzanine deck with starboard side lounge/day-bed; port side fixed-height table and lounge. Other notables include air conditioning, LED lighting and high-gloss polished walnut timber cabinetry throughout; joystick docking controls at the helm and aft flybridge; multiple washdown and external shower outlets; wine chiller; CZone digital switching; Garmin electronics suite with fish finder, GPS, and auto-pilot; Fusion audio system and more.

Price as tested: $2,035,631 including a 17.5kW Onan generator; hydraulic-lift operation for the transom boarding/swim platform; a cockpit-mounted joystick control (adding to the existing two); transom live well with viewing window; Davco 350kg davit on the bow for the inflatable tender; high-pressure water cleaning jets plumbed to bow and stern with accompanying pumps and water tanks; teak flooring to the mezzanine; a dishwasher to the galley (in lieu of pot drawer); laundry station with stacked Miele washer and dryer; Dyson vacuum cleaner; additional cockpit rod holders; galley, bath and soft-furnishing packages; custom aft awnings and cover enclosures; underwater LED lighting; Garmin GMR Fantom radar, water-maker, Siren Marine Remote security and emergency monitoring system; and custom carpets, vinyl flooring, and more.

Supplied by: Riviera Australia