Feature: Riviera Sails into 2008

Full steam ahead

While 2008 appears an unsettling time for the marine industry, innovative companies planning well ahead look set to weather the tide.

According to Wes Moxley, CEO of Riviera, new, quality product and continued customer support held Riviera in good shape coming out of the tough times in the late 1980s and early '90s.

One of the models that helped maintain market share is the 45 - the best seller of the entire fleet. Its radical moulded staircase was well accepted after doubts about its potential in the marketplace proved unfounded. Moxley's take on this is, "step out and be a little risky!"

Another winner is the 44 Sport Boat with IPS drives that is so popular, another mould is being built to cope with order demands.

At its debut at the Miami International Boat Show, three 47 Flybridge models were sold bringing total sales of that model to 57 for a 12-month period. This, along with other current models, helped push Riviera to a 13 per cent increase in growth over the past year. According to the CEO: "Riviera’s biggest competition is itself."

With so many quality models in the marketplace, that is an observation with a ring of truth to it. How big can the market grow, especially in the economic climate that is ahead of us?

RIVIERA FORETHOUGHT
Well, the directors at Riviera are attacking the market with what they believe to be a sensible plan. They have constructed an external laminating factory with elevated floors to give workers easier and safer access to hulls in moulds. With smaller components made using infusion processing, the 44 Sport Yacht will be the first to be constructed using infusion technology throughout.

As many potential clients look for a degree of custom-build on a production-line boat, these alterations interrupt the smooth flow of the manufacturing line. Riviera have combated this by erecting a massive shed with a concrete apron leading to the Coomera River from which a 75-tonne ship-lift will carry a new boat to be custom fitted as per the customer order. This installation will also provide a service and warranty arena, and offer full aftermarket factory support.

Coming off the back of the 2007 Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows where orders were taken for 31 boats and 42 boats respectively, Riviera has appointed new dealers in New Caledonia, Fiji and Korea. This is in addition to dealers appointed in Turkey, Sweden, Malta, and Holland.

While the buzzword in any industry is 'China', Riviera sees no need for infrastructure in that part of the world, instead viewing the Middle East, and Hong Kong in particular, as a favourable market, with possibilities in India. Wes went to great lengths to clarify that, at this point, there is no plan to move offshore, rather, the existing plant will see the expansion required to maintain the pace brought about by positive and successful marketing.

RIVIERA FLORIDA
Riviera's investment in its own marina in Florida has paid dividends and they managed to hold their own at the recent Miami International Boat Show where they were pipped at the sales post by an opposition manufacturer, but only by one boat, realising 17 sales themselves. This was down from 31 in 2007, indicating the current economic climate in the USA.

Foreseeing fuel at $US160 per barrel in the next year or so, Riviera will be pushing their Sport Yachts to a new dimension, concentrating on pod drives. Figures from tests done with this type of propulsion indicate higher efficiency with smaller engines.

Talking marketing with the directors, a big part of their strategy for maintaining and growing marketshare is customer relations and part of this is the Riviera Gala Ball. Held recently in Brisbane, 700 Riviera owners participated and the event was runner-up for Queensland 'Event of The Year' awards.

So what’s in store for 2008? A quick rundown on what you can expect to see floating at a boat show near you.

38 OPEN FLYBRIDGE
This is a two-cabin, one bathroom model that builds on the success of the 37 Open Flybridge, launched in 2001 and which has sold more than 260 units. The 38 impresses with features like underwater exhausts and new QL trim tabs offering low-drag from a low-maintenance electrical system.

Externally, the 38 continues the evolutionary styling, with a tinted glass windscreen to give a modern all-glass look. Forward, is a through-bowsprit anchor system offering a sophisticated look when the anchor is housed. There is also the option to have a bowthruster fitted.

Aft, the swim platform includes an integrated rail and an extendable ladder.

The flybridge features new-style helm chairs while the aft flybridge rail has been 'kicked back' to provide more room for moving around the helm chairs.

The helm station looks cleaner and more robust with its new-style and built-in dash console. A new engine-display has replaced the old analogue gauges to provide a more user-friendly control centre.

Twin Volvo turbo diesel engines rated at 370hp each are standard on the 38 Open Flybridge. Options include twin Cummins QSB 380 diesels rated at 380hp or twin Cummins QSB 425 diesels rated at 425hp.

Fuel capacity is 1450lt and water capacity 460lt. The holding tank has also increased to 132lt, effectively doubling the capacity for longer voyages.

43 OFFSHORE EXPRESS
Is the second in a new line of models from Riviera, a sports utility vessel that is equally at home gamefishing or as family entertainer.

It is the first in this line to utilise Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. Purpose-built for this system, the boat includes a full-beam aft cabin, as well as a double master stateroom forward and a single bathroom.

This is also the second Riviera to take advantage of infusion moulding technology, resulting in a strong lightweight hull.

The boat has a rugged sophistication while maintaining a luxurious and functional interior. The hydrodynamics are exceptional, with the running surface and chines optimised for a soft, dry ride.

The helm deck has skipper and companion chairs, an L-shaped lounge with high-low table and an aft-facing mezzanine seat.

This boat is the first Riviera equipped with a cutting-edge digital switching system. This system offers DC switching and over-current protection to 100 milliamps accuracy. Full-system monitoring and alarms includes AC voltage, current, frequency and kilowatts, DC voltage, current and battery capacity remaining, along with tank levels and systems in operation indications.

The 43 Offshore Express is offered in three configurations, as: an open boat without a targa or coverings to the helm and deck area, suited to an after-market fishing tower; a version with forward-raked targa and removable bimini creating an open-boat feel for entertaining under the sun, with the addition of protection from the weather; a three-sided hardtop with rear curtain enclosing the helm deck forward of the mezzanine.

Power is from twin Volvo Penta IPS 500 turbo diesel engines rated at 370hp each, while the option is twin IPS 600s rated at 435hp. Fuel capacity is 2000lt standard and water capacity is 460lt.

48 OFFSHORE EXPRESS
Is the first in a completely new line that continue the tradition of the 4000 Offshore, a breed of purpose-built sportsfishing boats that are equally at home as family entertainers.

Based upon Riviera's proven blue-water hull design, it has further developed prop tunnels and underwater exhaust outlets which deliver more thrust, and a quieter and cleaner performance.

The 48 Offshore Express comes in three configurations similar to the 43 Offshore.

It is powered by twin Cummins QSM 11 turbo diesel engines rated at 660hp each. Optional powerplants include twin Caterpillar C12 diesels rated at 715hp, twin MTU Series 60 diesel engines rated at 825hp, or Caterpillar C18 diesels of 1015hp.

Fuel capacity is 3500lt standard plus an option for an additional 1000lt. Water capacity is 620lt contained in dual tanks.

Volvo QL Interceptor trim tabs are fitted and a bowthruster is standard.

61 ENCLOSED FLYBRIDGE
This new boat will be unveiled at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. While it draws its heritage from the Riviera 60, from the propellers up it utilises the latest technology, equipment and design thinking.

It features a crafted internal staircase leading from the saloon door to the flybridge.

The 61 is a four-cabin, three-bathroom boat with the master stateroom amidships, a second stateroom forward and two cabins to starboard. An alternative design of three cabins includes a lounge area below decks.

The running surface and chines have been designed in consultation with internationally renowned naval architect and superyacht designer, Frank Mulder.

Tunnels incorporated into the aft running surface provide reduced draft and prop shaft angle for better performance and efficiency, while an underwater exhaust system helps reduce fumes and engine noise.

The huge engineroom houses all of the systems on board, while the enclosed flybridge has seating for up to six adults, and standard engines are two Caterpillar C18s.

70 ENCLOSED FLYBRIDGE
This is new model that will be launched at this year's Sydney International Boat Show and become the new flagship of the Riviera fleet. It is a four-cabin, four-bathroom boat with sleeping capacity for up to 14 people, including 10 in the standard cabins.

The hull and deck is a semi-monocoque structure with the load-carrying shell supported by girders and frames.

The fully enclosed flybridge is air-conditioned while an external aft deck has seating for up to three people.

Inside the saloon, a U-shaped lounge can seat eight in comfort. A staircase on the starboard side leads to the enclosed flybridge. The dining area, with seating for eight, and the galley are one step up from the lounge area.

This is a massive line-up of new models for one year's release; indicative of a company with a lot of confidence in an otherwise slightly nervous economy. You will see the start of the models at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show next month.