David Lockwood•5 Nov 2012

REVIEW

Belize 52 Day Bridge

Name: Belize 52 Day Bridge
Brand: Belize

Luxury cruising in a new day bridge with all the bells and whistles and superior fit and finish

LIKES

- Very well conceived and considered cruiser

- Cool retro chic lines that stand out from the crowd

- Experienced Kha Shing yard, with local Riviera backing

- Bespoke fittings and incredible Taiwanese brightwork

- Full-beam stateroom and upgraded interior style

- Zeus pod drives are wonderfully smooth, with Joystick that assists docking

- Finish is a cut above your average production cruiser

NOT SO MUCH

- Comparatively small swim platform

- Short hanging space in stateroom

- Beatiful finishes including timber floor will take some maintenance

OVERVIEW

- Belize buys Riviera, Day Bridge released pronto

After much fanfare and a big pre-boat marketing campaign, the all-new Belize 52 was launched in Sydney late 2011. The boat and new brand was the brainchild of Wes Moxey and Lee Dillon. At the time, Moxey was the former CEO of Gold Coast-based Riviera -- so he knows all about the realities of building boats -- where he’s now returned to that role.

Meanwhile, Dillon sold rafts of Riviera cruisers during his retail reign at Rushcutter’s Bay in Sydney prior to joining the boat-builder’s board. Upon exiting Riviera, these two big names in the pleasure-boating industry decided to team their talents, in-depth knowledge of boat building, and shared love of luxury conveyances to create something new and refreshing.

The first thing they agreed on was the need to build offshore. Their virtual manufacturing model engaged the established Kha Shing yard in Taiwan. There are obvious monetary advantages in using an Asian-based artisanal boat builder -- though not as great as you might suppose, we’re told -- yet their new venture still cost a multi-million dollar sum of their own money, it was reported.

Well-known in the global market, Kha Shing has a reputation as one of Taiwan’s best yards. The subsequent moulds for the Belize 52 Hardtop -- and this Day Bridge variant -- have been described as the fairest in the land. You can see the design elements that go beyond your average high-volume production boat.

We’re told the Belize Hardtop and Day Bridge take their cues from the automotive world. The leather-and-carbon dash was inspired by Bugatti, the electro-polished stainless steel fins adorning the tender garage suggest Audi R8, while the hip line is said to hail from a Bentley Continental.

But since the first Belize Hardtop was launched there have been some big changes. In March 2012, Longhurst Marine Holdings bought Riviera and Moxey, a friend of Rodney Longhurst’s, resumed the position of Riviera CEO. As part of the deal, Riviera bought Belize and, thus, the brand now nestles under its wing. Interestingly, some of the Belize touches are now finding their way on new Riviera models.

Four months after Riviera bought Belize, this Belize 52 Day Bridge was released at the 2012 Sydney International Boat Show. So it’s been a rather circuitous journey to this point. We include this background so prospective buyers know that when they buy a Belize their getting the backing of its designer and builder, as well as Riviera. Dillon has a Riviera dealership on Pittwater from where the Belize are sold.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

- Loaded and ready to please

The Day Bridge pictured here was Belize 52 hull number five in just under a year, but the first one sporting the new flying bridge. This is a $150,000 upgrade, but money well spent, we reckon.

The demonstrator also had some standard and factory options. The most notable was the $16,739 full cockpit awning, supported by oval stainless steel tubes, with clear quarter panels and integrated LED lighting. It extends the day-time usability of the cockpit and outdoor living areas.

There were optional covers for the windscreen, forward sun bed and cockpit seat, and a drawer-style dishwasher and washer/dryer. Factory options included electric blinds to master cabin, back-up freshwater pump, TV in port cabin, high/low table in saloon, twin ottomans, crockery, fourth camera facing back aft, and Brig Falcon 300HL tender.

From a base price of $1,559,000 our test boat was priced at $1,577,290. This is for an exceptionally complete boat in need of nothing more than, perhaps, a waterblaster, watermaker and an outboard for the tender.

DAY BRIDGE

- More than just a lid

The new Day Bridge on the Belize 52 is more than just a lid. It’s a whole new navigation, lifestyle, entertaining and helm station. And it adds considerably to the boat’s cool retro-chic look. In fact, we’re on record in saying this is the best-looking Belize yet! The Day Bridge also comes with a complete ‘storm’ cover so when the weather’s not so great you can drive from below and run the boat like a Hardtop.

Accessed via a sweeping cockpit ladder akin to a staircase, with a cover so you don’t fall through when cruising, the Day Bridge is surprisingly roomy. The central helm seat fronts a dash brow with 15in Raymarine glass screen, Cummins electronic controls and joystick for the Zeus pod drive system, CZone AC/DC panel for switching and vessel monitoring, chain counter, stereo, radio, drink holders and more. It’s a great set-up with a sports wheel and effective wind deflector.

The L-shaped lounge that wraps around the teak table is big enough to stretch out on with a book in hand. Or pack eight for lunch or cocktails. When cruising, as we did along the coast from Sydney to Manly, you can easily converse with the skipper while enjoying the views and wind in your hair experience. For this reason, the Day Bridge is a more exciting boat than the Hard Top.

The wet bar opposite to starboard features a fridge, sink with hot and cold water, garbage chute and teak servery. A handrail traces the module and makes fetching refreshments or a buffet lunch safe during passing wake. A substantial integrated pullover bimini top let’s you escape the midday sun, while the aforesaid cover keeps everything fully weather protected when not in use. Importantly, there’s storage for life jackets close at hand and handy when coastal cruising and crossing bars.

COCKPIT AND DECKS

- Outdoor luxury stage

While not the deepest about town, the swim platform offers room to sit and peel the prawns. With 200kg lift rating, the submersible mid-section of the platform facilitates launch and retrieval of the substantial 3.0m Brig RIB without getting your feet wet.

The garage lid has an electric lift, and inside, the sole is raised to help stop water slopping inside and creating a haven for marine growth, plus there are internal and external (docking) lights. Pop-up cleats provide somewhere to tie the painter, while the swim ladder has teak treads.

The upper portion of the garage has a lift-up lid which houses an inbuilt amenities centre featuring Kenyon hot-rock barbecue, moulded sink and LED lights. The transom shower is concealed nearby with a trick one-piece twist-grip head. All very neat and tidy.

Take either flight of steps to the cockpit and you’ll find handy triple-fender lockers in the corners that also let you stow the tails of the aft mooring lines. Such things ensure the Belize looks tidy even while tied to the dock.

Such is its size, the transom lounge could double as a daybed. The teak table has an impressive high-low pedestal, creating a coffee table with the leaves folded. Add some stools and you can increase seating for eight at lunch.

The full awning and side clears (from Craft Coverings) add to the amenity, while the teak capping is a solid 22mm with 11mm-thick teak decks. A custom boat hook and flagstaff with chrome-brass-look cap are nice nautical touches, though the former is heavy to wield.

A casual aft-facing seat to starboard sits alongside a timber cabinet with servery, drawer fridge and aerial/TV mount. A nice place to sit and read a book while periodically gazing out at the views or mount the TV and watch the cricket.

Opposite are two swing-out bar stools fronting an awning window that, when open, lets you watch proceedings over the small return and into the aft galley. With the clever convex saloon door slid open you get a single-deck feel -- it’s 18ft from transom to galley end -- broken only by a small step to meet CE requirements.

Meanwhile, the safe walkaround decks feature 250mm high bulwarks topped by 500mm high rails with an intermediate rail/wire. Teak and then dot-pattern non-skid add to your foothold and, with recessed Muir windlass (there’s a plug-in winch remote rather than deck-mounted foot controllers), and self-stow stainless anchor, it’s all very clean, safe, secure and trip-free.

With six drink holders alongside the sun pad with flip-up backrest, and speakers under the cabin brow, the foredeck serves as another lifestyle station. The rope/chain locker is cavernous, while CCTV cameras monitor anchor descent and ascent, the engine room and cockpit. And snap-in hoses let you switch from saltwater to freshwater wash.

The beautiful circular deck hatches are from Taiwanese firm Man Ship, while the location of the navigation lights on the gunwale was chosen to reduce glint. Such things come from previous boat-building experience. Naturally, LED lights are provided on deck and back inside.

The black radar and communications domes (Raymarine 37STV Gen 2 Satellite TV) on a lovely mast underscore the melding of old and new. All the custom brightwork is from Taiwanese contractor Aritex. The elliptical bow rail is a sturdy 60mm diameter with invisible welds, there are custom fairleads, rub protectors and inspiring cleats with Belize insignia.

You might also notice all the fastenings (bar screws for extended canopy stanchions) are recessed hex heads not self-tappers. Head indoors and the boat is something else again. Tradition makes way for a new level of luxury made to woo pre-existing production boat owners to the fold.

INDOOR LIVING

- Terrific attention to detail

Marine interior designer Giorgia Drudi had a hand in the superyacht-like finish. Italian fittings and fabrics abound, along with leather, marble and austere American walnut rather than run-of-the-mill cherrywood or teak joinery. Intentionally, there’s nigh a plain white fibreglass surface to be seen.

The aft galley is longitudinal. Without an obtrusive island, you get a great sense of flow. The Corian counters have twin sinks with stowed cutting-board covers; there are three Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer/icemaker drawers; dishdrawer; Miele combo microwave/oven/grill and three-burner induction cooktop; extractor fan and plenty of 240V outlets or GPOs.

Opening side windows and a sunroof up front assist with ventilation, while genuine teak flooring flows underfoot. Perhaps some carpet runners are needed in high traffic areas to help protect the timber?

The two-pack taupe and white cupboard finish and American walnut veneers reduce the visual bulk of the galley. You can also choose from oak or teak, all with satin finish. The cupboards also have dedicated rabbets in their timber base to hold appliances. A place for everything and everything in its place.

An especially plush U-shaped leather lounge to starboard, opposite the galley, avails guests of the surrounding views through the picture windows in the saloon. Drawers in the base of the dinette harboured a full Villeroy and Bosch dining and tea setting for eight, along with cutlery and, forward, pots and pans.

Triple helm seats on a quasi raised ‘helm deck’ maximise your vision when underway. There’s even a fore-and-aft facing seat so it’s possible a family of four or two couples can cruise and converse. There’s a sunroof above, beautiful dash forward, while a decent flat-screen television pops up near a bookcase beside the aforesaid main lounge. And you’ll find a dedicated wetbar.

ACCOMMODATION

-Triple treat with full-beam master cabin

The three-cabin/three-en suite layout continues with the designer finish, adding to the sense of luxury and validity of the Belize, but the full-beam stateroom back aft is the clincher. The king bed is flanked by a step-up lounge before big picture windows with opening portlights that deliver fresh air and views.

Even with the air-con running it’s peaceful thanks to a good generator installation. Built in bedside tables and leather bed surrounds add to design integration and it’s just a great cabin for a 52, with full headroom at the entrance, although full-length hanging space could be enlarged.

VIP guests get the obligatory queen-sized island berth in the bow with Oceanair blind and insect screen over the escape hatch, but fixed portlights in the hull sides. The mattresses on the boat are all innerspring numbers, while the hanging lockers have cedar lining, internal lights and slide-out hangers. The dresser with pull-out pouf might be the final visiting place before heading back up top.

There’s scope to turn the third cabin with twin two-metre long bunks into a media room or lower lounge room. The atrium above the spiral companionway outside the door directs natural light inside this cabin. You might notice the air-con vents are timber and there are timber-lined drawers under the beds. The optional Miele washer-dryer was mounted in a cabinet down the companionway.

All three en suites have Kohler porcelain sinks, Grohe fittings, Tecma freshwater heads and, leading off the foot of the stairs, the VIP en suite doubles as a day head. Plumbing manifolds are underfloor in case you need to isolate a leak, while the 380 litre holding tank should last up to a week, and the marble vanity tops look chic.

HULL AND ENGINEERING

- Built to the highest standards

Lay-up is all hand-laid solid glass from keel through hull bottom to chines. The stringers are foam-cored, while vinylester resin is used in the first two layers to guard against osmosis. The main bulkheads and forward floor are resin-infused.

Hull warranty is factory-backed five years while the rest of the gear has two-years’ cover with the option of the usual extended engine manufacturer’s pleasure-boat maintenance package of plus-one year. After-sales service is backed by Riviera dealers and the Kha Shing yard has a good reputation for building boats.

Quite some effort and tank testing when into creating the Belize 52 hull, which is made in a two-piece mould to facilitate easy removal of the ‘Bentley hip’ and sponsons either side of the swim platform. The near-vertical stem adds to the retro look, while double chines with big downturns ensure water is pushed aside. We couldn’t discern any blowback or station-wagon effect while cruising Pittwater.

The engineering is above usual production standards. Owners won’t have to look far to find the Racor fuel filters on the centreline, the pared oil dipsticks, and the sea strainers with big inspection bowls that border on sea chests.

There’s a back-up bilge pump, separate generator-start battery among the low-maintenance banks, plus 24V Mastervolt charger and standard issue 2000W inverter that can be upgraded. A Cablemaster was fitted.

It should be noted that Moxey and Dillon have used local contractors -- and local gear like Davco worm drives for swim platform and sunroof -- with whom they’ve had relationships before. BEP’s C-Zone switching on the AC as well as the pre-existing DC panels is another nice touch.

Meantime, all the main seacocks are labelled, with colour-coded plumbing lines, and a separate Smartcraft screen for in-situ engine-room servicing. The 2400 litre alloy fuel tanks near the fulcrum have nice big sight gauges and are said to have a fast balance line. Only the 54,000btu Crusair units could be considered a little tight to access, but how often do you need to reach them?

There’s room to fit a watermaker to supplement the 700lt supply and you could a add gurney if you want one. Yet everything else including the obligatory joystick docking device comes standard. The stainless-steel rails around the engine blocks and the rubber hose-clip tag protectors are other nice touches, while 17.5kva Onan genset is over-specced.

Should you need to remove an engine, no worries, the rail-mounted Cummins can be slid to the centreline and craned out. Engine vents are inboard to minimise salt ingress as well.

ON THE WATER

- Views aplenty from the bridge

Moxey and Dillon are fans of the rear-facing Zeus pod drives from Cummins. There are advantages: the pods are recessed in tunnels that reduce draft and improve hole shot. Rear-facing props might also be considered less likely to get damaged compared with Volvo’s IPS with forward-facing props should you hit something underway.

Due to the size of the tender garage, the albeit compact engines are mounted forward and fitted with carbon-fibre jack shafts ranging back to the Zeus pods with separate access hatches above.

After an easy exit, the twin common-rail Cummins QSC 600hp diesel engines proved smooth and smoke-free as we idled down Sydney Harbour. With fixed Interceptor trim tabs and the Zeus autotrim function, the boat doesn’t need a lot of driver input in respect of trim.

The half keel helped with tracking as we barrelled our way offshore and cruised before the towering sandstone cliffs of North Head en route to Manly. The Zeus comes with integrated Precision Pilot autopilot and Skyhook station-holding function.

Although the Zeus setup isn’t especially efficient at low speeds, the Belize maintains a nice displacement running attitude. Unlike a lot of fast boats, there’s a good amount of freeboard to cross waves and shed water when idling. And with big walkaround side decks and 750mm of support from the bulwarks and elliptical rail, it’s a safe boat to circumnavigate on a champagne cruise.

Close the saloon door and adjoining saloon awning window and noise levels are subdued. Underwater exhausts and a gas/water splitter on the generator also keep things to a barely audible murmur at rest.

Ramp up your revs and the impression is that the Belize 52 Day Bridge has a very good engine installation. It feels smooth, refined, and it responds to the wheel. Sight lines remain clear.

The Bugatti-inspired leather dash flaunts twin Raymarine glass screens under brows that prevent reflected glare in the windscreen at night. The cool stainless steel buttons in place of switches look smart, too. Wipers are multispeed and auto numbers.

With the same engines and hull, but a tad more weight up top, we’d expect little more than a knot of difference compared with the Hardtop sister ship. According to the official figures of that boat, 2400rpm gives 19.4 knots cruise at 132 litres per hour. Your range is therefore 317nm from 90 per cent of the 2400 litre fuel supply.

At 2600rpm and 73.5 per cent engine load, smooth cruise returns 22.6 knots for 158 litres per hour and a safe range of 309nm. Fast cruise of 2800rpm and 83 per cent engine load results in 25.8 knots and 186 litres per hour fuel burn for a range of 300 nautical miles. Top speed is about 29 knots. These figures were for a boat carrying half fuel, full water and two people.

VERDICT

- Day Bridge wins the day

While the boat hasn’t a history to trade off, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s the latest incarnation from an established yard. That’s because the design is holistic, fluid and well-considered. In fact, we first saw the rendering of this 52 Day Bridge before a Belize was even built.

Offering the best of both worlds -- a fair-weather flying bridge and a foul-weather lower helm, modern pod drives and systems yet retro lines -- the Belize 52 Day Bridge is a very agreeable boat. It answers a lot of shortfalls in previous boats that Moxey has built and educated, experienced pleasure boaters will find it answers their wants.

But in Day Bridge form, this is a prettier Belize than its sister ship, a more practical boat, with a whole new lounging and cruising realm. The best Belize thus far and now even better with Riviera’s backing.

Specifications

Price as tested: $1,577,290 with Cummins QSC 600hp Zeus pod drives and options including full cockpit awning, dishwasher, washer/dryer, covers for most things, electric master cabin blinds, extra f/w pump, television upgrade, cutlery, docking camera and more.

Priced from: $1,559,000 with Cummins QSC 600hp Zeus pod drives.

LOA: 16.10m

Hull length: 15.35m

Beam: 5.03m

Draft: 1.05m (max)

Weight: Around 22,100kg dry with standard Cummins QSC 600hp Zeus pod drives.

Sleeping: 6

Fuel capacity: 2400 litres

Water capacity: 700 litres

Holding tank: 380 litres

Engines: Twin Cummins QSC 600hp Zeus pod drives

Generator: 17.5kva Onan EQD

Supplied by:

Riviera Australia Pty Ltd

50 Waterway Drive, Coomera, QLD, 4209

Telephone: +61 (0)7 5502 5555

Facsimile: +61 (0)7 5502 5599

See www.belizemotoryachts.com.au/

Tested through:

R Marine Sydney

d'Albora Marinas

New Beach Road

Rushcutters Bay, NSW, Australia

p: (02) 9327 0000

f: (02) 9327 0011

e: info@rmarinesydney.com.au

w: www.rmarinesydney.com.au

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Belize 52 Day Bridge

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