2022 Riviera 78 Motor Yacht hits the water

Riviera released a video late last week showing the enclosed flybridge version of the Riviera 78 Motor Yacht – an open flybridge version also will be available – making its way out of the build shed, and crawling slowly to the Coomera River through a surprisingly narrow gateway to be transferred to a travel lift.

The travel lift uses a pair of slings to lift the Riviera 78, officially designated Hull No.1, off its transporter and then transfers the boat to the water where it is slowly lowered in.

“She is beautifully balanced and floats as we designed,” Riviera new product introduction manager Warren Maslen said. 

“She will settle slightly lower in the water after we have completed the fit-out of the yacht,” he said.

“While this first test is always a little demanding for the team, it is comprehensive proof of our design systems and approach.”

The Riviera 78 looks complete as it drops onto the water, although it is yet to have its transom doors – one leading to a large toy garage and with a built-in shower, the other leading directly to the engine room – fitted.

The new flagship also looks as though it is yet to have its electronics package fitted, with no radar or radome visible on the enclosed flybridge hardtop.

The default engines for the biggest model will be a pair of 1550hp MAN V12 shaft drives, with options to step up to 1800hp or 2000hp versions if more performance is on the cards.

Also missing from the boat are the custom three-step swim platform optimised for the Riviera 78, and the bow lounge.

The 2022 Riviera 78 Motor yacht is expected to have its official global debut early next year.