Riviera 43 Flybridge with IPS

The new model, boasting extra beam-width space amidships courtesy of Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS), will be launched to the public at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (May 20 to 23).

“The external lines and look of this new model are unmistakably Riviera,” Concept Design Manager Neil McCabe told Trade-a-Boat. “But inside there is a totally new design and feel to the 43 Flybridge.”

Designed using Riviera’s Unigraphics three-dimensional CAD software system, the new 43 is described as “a superbly considered boat with abundant light and space… bringing the outdoors in, and creating an alfresco environment with a seamless transition between the expansive cockpit and the contemporary leather and varnished cherry interior.”

INTERIOR INGREDIENTS
The main saloon on the new model has seating for seven in a U-shape lounge to starboard around a folding timber table, while to port is a two-seater leather lounge that can be brought forward to the saloon table as two separate dining chairs. When not required, the chairs are stowed between the bar and open-plan galley on the port side.

Below decks is sleeping accommodation for up to six in two cabins, with the forward master stateroom featuring a queen-sized, two-metre long double bed, a cedar-lined hanging robe, storage and an en suite bathroom.

Riviera said the aft, full-beam cabin has large portlights with optional opening portholes either side for natural light and cross ventilation, while a large skylight under the forward saloon windscreen provides additional light to this cabin.

FLYBRIDGE ENTERTAINER
“This new model recognises that the way people use their boat is changing,” notes McCabe. “A flybridge boat is just not used for fishing -- they’re extensively used for entertaining and longer-term cruising. Our owners are changing the way they boat and our new designs reflect this transition.”

The flybridge, accessible from the cockpit via a new-design stair-ladder, is said to offer 360-degree vision with minimal interruption, thanks to a new structural hardtop canopy. The skipper and navigator get swivel helm chairs, there is finger-tip console control, and seating for four in an L-shaped lounge in front of the helm around a weatherproof table. A wet bar with settee opposite to port completes the flybridge comforts.

ADDING IPS
Riviera said by utilising Volvo Penta’s IPS it has allowed its designers to create a fresh accommodation layout on the new 43 Flybridge, as all the major engineering are positioned well aft creating “enormous gains” with beam-width space amidships.

IPS incorporates twin counter-rotating, three-bladed, forward-facing propellers that drive ahead of the pods in what is turbulent-free water to deliver a powerful and smooth ride. The installation of these pods has allowed its New Product Design Manager, Alan Dowd, to create a high-performance running surface that is said to be extremely fuel efficient.

Riviera said that cruising at 28kts (with a top speed of around 31kts) the 43 Flybridge has a range of 340nm from its 1800lt tanks. Of course, handling the new 43 Flybridge in close-quarters is made carefree via the use of the integrated joystick control.

The hull and deck construction of the new model is solid handlaid fibreglass below the waterline and core materials in the hull topsides and superstructure. This composite laminate design, says the builder, makes good use of weight where it is needed most, to deliver a solid feel and soft ride offshore.

ZONING OUT
Controlling all onboard electrics is the new digital CZone system, which it explained is a revolutionary solid state Controller Area Network CAN-bus design, allowing for the ultimate in customisation and finger-touch control of all aspects of electrical operation, from entertainment lighting to navigation equipment. There are multiple custom settings and the CZone system allows for the ability to ‘drill down’ within each setting in order to control or change specific operations.

“In fact, CZone also talks the same data language as the Volvo Penta IPS system, so all engine parameters are metered through the same monitoring system,” Riviera said.

For more information, go to Riviera.com.au.

Specifications

Riviera 43 Flybridge

Length overall: 14.46m
Hull length: 13.61m
Beam: 4.57m
Weight: 14,550kg
Max. draft: 1.2m (inc. props)
Fuel: 1800lt
Water: 460lt
Holding tank: 151lt
People (night): 6 to 7
Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS (standard)
Base price: $812,809