New Riviera 39 Open Flybridge and 395 SUV with IPS 500s

Riviera also staged its world premier of the exciting new Riviera 68 Sports Motor Yacht that we tested and had the privilege of driving in our review in that link. But the broader market seems no less excited by these smaller boats.

Based on the Riviera 38 Open Flybridge platform, which released in 2008 and built on the popular 37, the new models in the popular SUV layout and Flying Bridge configuration are both Volvo Penta IPS driven using the 370hp D6 IPS500s with IPS 10 drive units.

Due to be launched in 2018, the 395 SUV (without flying bridge) will have a mid-$800k base price, while the 39 Open Flybridge will come in around early $900k. These will be sub-$1m boats drive away and therefore Riviera’s new entry-level offerings in the SUV and Flybridge classes.

Riviera made the point in the press conference that the first 15-strong tranche of the 39-footers will be for the Australian and NZ markets. The boats will splash in early next year and be on show at the 2018 Sydney International Boat Show.

UNIQUE FEATURES
Riviera owner and Chairman Rodney Longhurst said the new models provide a compelling new entry point to the Riviera family, with easy handling, offshore seaworthiness, and single-level entertaining in the SUV guise.

"In these models, we have introduced a number of innovations that take the flybridge and SUV models to the next stage in Riviera's process of continuous improvement.

"Among them are raised bulwarks on the side decks and we have introduced a foredeck sunlounge option on the flybridge model. The SUV collection has always offered this option."

The raised bulwarks on the side decks are elevated 100mm to add to your security when transiting to the foredeck, where the moulded inset can take a large recessed sunlounge pod with integrated drink holders.

The generous cockpit features side storage lockers, under-floor storage or fish bins, an awning window back into the saloon, and a moulded sink with mixer tap and optional icemaker. A freezer is located in the starboard forward quarter, under the ladder in the flybridge model, as is the norm.

A new feature is the option of an inbuilt L-shape lounge in the port aft quarter of the cockpit. The lounge includes an icebox under the lift-up seat. An optional cockpit docking station with IPS joysticks is available, too.

In the flybridge model, you can go either open or covered with an optional bimini top. With the Pompanette helm and companion seats well aft, you derive an L-space lounge with dinette table forward. Riviera says there is renewed interest in the open sunbridge-style flying bridge.

FAMILY ACCOMMODATION
The internal layout of both boats includes a forward stateroom with island berth and a second aft cabin with three single beds, two of which can create a second double using an infill. The boats will have a single bathroom with big-boat sizing.

Along with sleeping for five in two cabins, storage is said to be a highlight below decks, while light and fresh air are introduced by a clever design of windows, portholes and deck hatches.

The master stateroom includes a aft-opening deck hatch with insect screen and blind. Hull windows on both sides add more light. In the midships’ cabin, light is provided by generous windows, equipped on both sides with opening portholes. The bathroom has a deck hatch, hull window and an opening porthole.

The SUV has its lower helm and companion seat on the port side, with the L-shaped dinette behind. The U-shape galley opposite includes a two-burner electric cooktop, under-bench convection microwave and under-bench fridge-freezer.

A 32-inch TV, viewable from every part of the saloon, is part of the specification, along with an entertainment system with iPod interface.

IPS MATCH
Power for the 39 flybridge and 395 SUV models comes from twin Volvo D6 IPS 500 turbo diesel engines providing 272kw (370hp) with IPS 10 drive units.

Riviera is a big customer of the now-proven Volvo Penta IPS, touting the pod-drive system’s excellent power-to-weight ratio, spirited performance, enhanced torque, improved fuel efficiency, simple slow-speed joystick manoeuvrability and quiet operation thanks to under-water exhausts.

The system includes electronic variable rate steering and electronic controls including a joystick for slow speed manoeuvrability. The drive units are protected by the Volvo Penta Active Corrosion Protection System to complement sacrificial anodes and line cutters.

All Volvo Penta components and electronics are covered by a five-year/1000 hour warranty for further peace of mind.

At-a-Glance: Riviera 39 Open Flybridge
LOA: 13.07m
Hull Length (ISO8666): 12.04m
Beam: 4.23m
Draft: 1.07m
Displacement: About 11,000kg
Fuel: 1500lt
Water: 390lt
Holding Tank: 80lt
Sleeping: 5
Cockpit Area: 7.27sq m
Engines: Volvo Penta 370hp D6 IPS500

At-a-Glance: Riviera 395 SUV
LOA: 13.07m
Hull Length (ISO8666): 12.04m
Beam: 4.23m
Draft: 1.07m
Fuel: 1500lt
Water: 390lt
Holding Tank: 80lt
Sleeping: 5
Cockpit Area: 7.27sq m
Engines: Volvo Penta 370hp D6 IPS500

More at Riviera.