2020 Riviera 505 SUV hits the water ahead of Miami reveal

Hull No.1, the first of the new Riviera 505 SUVs to come out of the Queensland-based luxury motor yacht maker’s shipyard, will now undergo its interior fit-out ahead of an extensive pre-launch audit that will check, operate and verify all the boat’s systems.

“Next week, our engineering experts will take her to sea and commence their in-depth trials,” Riviera said in a social media post teasing the newest member of its SUV collection.

“It is indeed all of these processes, audits and trials that occur as part of the building of every Riviera luxury motor yacht, that creates the true boaters’ boat.”

This is the first time we’ve seen the Riviera 505 SUV since the top decks joined the hull in a video released in October.

When it launches at Miami, the Riviera 505 SUV will be the newest addition to the single-level alfresco entertainer collection, but with the added benefit of mezzanine space. The mezzanine opens up via two teak steps and a tinted glass door to the 505 SUV’s single-level saloon and galley.

The Riviera 505 SUV will come with a full-beam master stateroom, private ensuite and walk-in robe as well as two guest staterooms with a shared bathroom.

From the rear, the Riviera 505 SUV’s cockpit will be a step up from the hydraulically lowering swim deck, optimising it for everything from sport fishing to diving. Access to the swim deck will be via a pair of outward-swinging transom doors.

The cockpit will contain a handheld shower with hot and cold water, as well as a saltwater washdown.

The cockpit is made for fishing, with a pump-out fish bin locker beneath the floor. A transom-mounted storage bin can convert into a live bait tank complete with window and a light.

At the rear of the cockpit will be a barbecue, wet bar and sink, as well as a large lift-up fridge/freezer and icemaker.

The saloon features lounges to either side, with the port side also featuring a folding table and a large icebox hidden away under its cushion.

The starboard side converts into an occasional day bed. To port will be a four-speaker LED TV that folds down from the saloon roof.

The galley will feature stainless steel appliances including a Miele combination oven and microwave, and a two-element cooktop.

Opposite the galley is an L-shaped lounge and dining area. It also features a 43-inch LED TV that rises from the cabinetry behind the helm.

The starboard helm sits behind a curved glass windscreen with what Riviera says is “outstanding” visibility. Information from the Volvo Penta IPS turbo diesel engines is displayed on a Glass Cockpit screen, and a large overhead sunroof and sliding side windows bring the outdoors in while passage-making.

The Riviera 505 SUV is also taking shape as a comfortable family boat. This is noticeable in things such as the wide side decks with toe-kick bulwarks, and framed in a stainless steel rail, making forward access safe and comfortable.

This design also pushes new boundaries, featuring a through-the-bow opening for the anchor that uses it as a showpiece rather than incorporating it in a traditional bowsprit.

The 2020 Miami International Boat Show runs from February 13-17.

Specifications*
Model: Riviera 505 SUV
Length overall: 17.01m
Hull length: 15.43m
Beam: 4.96m
Draft: 1.35m (including props)
Weight: 21,800kg (dry, est)
Engines: 2x600hp Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800 (std), 2x725hp Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 (opt)
Fuel: 3300L, diesel
Water: 460L
Holding tank: 151L
Accommodation: 6
*Preliminary specifications only