Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge: Review

The new Riviera’s new 57 Enclosed Flybridge showcases Australia’s boat-building skills and the latest state-of-the-art Volvo Penta, Garmin and C-Zone technology. The impressive luxury cruiser is at once towering and user-friendly, powerful and practical, with poise and purpose.

OVERVIEW
- A bigger boat with quality and tech for the world market
The 57 has great cruising potential for East and West coast boaters who like their offshore flybridge craft with a look of robustness. Once aboard, you will find a level of refinement and attention to detail not usually afforded by today’s production boatbuilders.

This ongoing drive for quality and the willing adoption of smart technology stems from Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst’s desire to position the brand as a true global luxury-boating marque. The showboat driven here was to fly the Riviera burgee at the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The same boat had already wowed crowds during its debut at the 2015 Sydney International Boat Show.

For those intimate with the Riv’ range, the 57 looks familiar. On face value, it is. The new boat is based on the Riviera 53 released in 2011. We tested that boat with triple D6 Volvo Penta IPS 600s (435hp each) and thought it a bit underdone. We revisited the 53 a year later with twin D11 Volvo Penta IPS 900s (700hp each) that provided greater command and control. That test is worth reading here.

The evolution has continued apace — the Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge shares the 53’s platform, but the original hull now has a keel and it’s been beefed-up to take greater horsepower in pod and shaft drive. There’s also been a further engine upgrade to the D11 IPS 950s (800hp per side) as standard.

Realising that there are traditional flybridge buyers in the market, Riviera is also offering this new 57 with 1000hp 12.9-litre CAT engines and shaft drives without any change to the layout. The boat utilises moulded prop-tunnel inserts designed in cahoots with acclaimed naval architect Frank Mulder and Veem to obtain shaft angles around 10 degrees. We look forward to a run in that boat, too.

Meantime, as Wes Moxey, Riviera CEO, tells us on the eve of the 2015 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show: "The deck was lifted, the hull strengthened for more horsepower, there’s higher headroom, more storage and more space inside for a feeling of a bigger boat, with improved access, a new fuel system, and the incredible Volvo integration."

"Sure, the basic layout is the same [as the 53] but there are forward hull windows, the doors swing differently, the hanging lockers are maximised, there is access to everything, headroom is 192cm-195cm (6ft 5in to 6ft 6in) throughout…

"These new Rivieras have a bigger-boat feeling inside and they work as much bigger boats," Moxey enthuses, adding that there are also different engine vents, a new fuel system with wing tanks to facilitate the shaft drive option… and so it goes.

By way of nomenclature alone, Riviera is repositioning this new 57 (nee 53) in its fleet between the 52 and the 67.

But with bigger engines, new engineering for pod or shaft drives, state-of-the-art digital technology — the new moulded deck, flybridge and hardtop — plus all that ongoing refinement and attention to detail, this is a bona fide new model.

Certainly, Riviera is keen to push that fact, as indeed were we to get a feeling for the new drive and ride. Along with our expert views, you can see the running in the Riviera corporate video below.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- A loaded and complete 57
From a base price around $2,062,000, the test boat topped out at $2,468,800. The upgraded IPS 1200s with the Volvo Glass Bridge Screen system add $209,834. If you want the shaft option using the CAT 12.9-litre with Quickshift gearboxes, bow thruster, and Garmin navigation suite, the premium is $205,719.

Standout standard items include: cockpit docking station with joystick; refrigerated cockpit coolbox; cockpit table that converts to a daybed; new in-built transom lounge; cockpit wet bar with twin barbecue hot plates; full anchoring gear including 100m of chain and freshwater anchor wash; even a Dyson cordless vac in your kit.

There are twin 50A shorepower connections and a Glendinning Cablemaster spooler. Battery power and charging has been increased on these bigger IPS-driven Rivieras. You also get a 4KW inverter for the AV systems and icemaker and GPOs, which automatically switches over to the 21.5kW Onan when and if needed.

Air-con is throughout the boat including the flybridge and bathrooms as separate outlets to the cabins. The standard spec also includes LED TVs from the flybridge to the saloon (with Apple TV) and all three cabins.

The helm has three 15in Volvo Glass Bridge MFD displays including Garmin sounder and radar, electric sunroof up top, and lots more. You get a dishwasher in the galley, back-up freshwater pump, and many key items listed as upgrades on other brands of boats.

Besides the bigger engines, notable options on the test boat included: integrated pressure washer; upgraded Garmin nav gear; underwater lights; camera package; C-Zone connectivity to iPad and WiFi; opening saloon side windows; davit; rod holders; teak cockpit; live-bait tank alongside transom lounge; separate washer/dryer; upgraded soft furnishing and galley-ware packages, and so on.

You will need a watermaker — the boat is plumbed for it — and the tender, but not a lot else on this impressive 57 Enclosed showboat.

LAYOUT AND ACCOMMODATION
- New deck, cockpit layout and flybridge
Unlike the 53, the flybridge is now a full four-sided enclosure without the rear clear curtain. There is also a completely new helm and dash design that flips across to the starboard side and maximises electronic-mounting space in a lower-profile and simplified layout. There is improved access and storage as well.

The bridge on this boat is more than just a helm station, however, with a trick integrated sink and wet-bar cabinet with drawer fridge. The L-shaped internal lounge and dinette add to your eating options and there is a TV.

Bluewater anglers will like the secure sub-lounge rod locker and the extensive rear rocket launcher, not to mention the aft driving station overlooking the cockpit. The aft-facing lounge alongside is a great spot from which to ‘shoot’ the fishing action.

With a set of poles, you could certainly fish this boat very effectively. With the station-holding DPS feature using GPS, you can invisibly anchor over a reef and jig from this boat without anchoring fuss.

The cockpit is new, with a standard inbuilt transom lounge and our boat had a live-bait bin alongside. This arrangement makes greater use of the boat from a social perspective. You can opt for a fishing transom layout with central live-bait tank if you prefer.

The new mezzanine seating certainly lifts the social aspect of the cockpit. You get a proper al fresco dining area in the shade, at the foot of the aft galley, and opposite the new relocated amenities centre with wet bar, fridge and icemaker, and terrific all-weather barbecue.

Under-seat storage includes a large fridge box, while the sub-cockpit areas have been utilised with fish boxes and a lazarette between the pod drives. The tiered steps to the side decks make this 57 an easy and safe walk-around boat and the expansive foredeck could easily double as an outdoor area for kids.

Meantime, the master battery switch panel in the cockpit gives instant access to things like the breakers for the windlass, davit and swim platform (all of which do trip out from time-to-time for various reasons), the battery charging trip, electronic and manual fuel shut-offs, bilge pump breakers, and more.

Sure, the layout indoors hasn’t changed a lot, with the enormous entertainer’s aft galley dominating the saloon. It’s the absolute centre-piece for those owners who want home-like amenities to cater for a crowd.

Appliances run from induction three-burner cooktop to combo oven and grill, four drawer fridges and two freezer drawers, to the dishwasher and wet bar opposite. Lots of counter space adds to the utility, servery and food-prep space.

We kicked back in the forward saloon on several occasions. Ahead of the galley is the U-shaped lounge with convertible dinette and coffee table, opposite a really decent L-shaped lounge. The ottomans pulled-up to the table create seating for six. There is also a second pop-up breakfast table option, too.

Accommodation ranges through three big cabins and two bathrooms. Dressed in smart bedding, the third cabin doesn’t compromise. Its stacked bunks are adult-length, there are hanging lockers and more drawers than you’d normally expect, ledges for personal effects, and a separate television and air-con controller.

VIP guests are treated to a queen-sized island bed in the bow, his and her hanging lockers (new access panels behind them all) and there are plenty of GPOs, while the bedhead feature panels, ducted air-con and new hull windows create a clean and airy ambience. Smart bedding and a separate AV system add to the luxe factor.

Riviera has smartened up the bathrooms, with bigger vanities featuring designer touches such as backlit splashbacks and designer mixers, teak accents and porcelain sinks. The big shower stalls have trick shower roses and the boat has the latest Vacuflush heads. There’s also natural ventilation, while the extractor fans are acceptably quiet.

The liveability of the 57 is a big feature, with this being the first boat in the range with an owner’s full-beam stateroom. Its location, down a few steps and aft, underscores the boat’s impressive volume. There’s headroom around the king-sized bed, panorama windows with opening portlights for natural cross-flow ventilation, a nest of drawers and a cedar-lined walk-in wardrobe with special shoe rack.

Owners also get a two-seater lounge to port, a big screen TV fitted flush into the joinery, and a bookcase. Generator noise is barely audible and, with a great big aft en suite with five-star shower, owners really can live aboard the 53 for extended periods of time.

The satin-finished oak and teak joinery, the feature panels with contrasting grain, the upgraded, tighter and edgier upholstery, all of it was well executed. The lifted finish, which you just can’t fault, helps explain why more than half of Riviera’s production is exported these days. It’s a tad less nautical but still practical.

"There are some 2500 timbers in the 57 but only 30 are common to the 53," says Stephen Milne, Director of Brand and Communications, as we pirouette after pickup with the articulating pod drives and exit Manly Wharf for Sydney Harbour.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- A big boat with sophisticated system and more power
Two 57s with shaftdrives will be delivered in early 2016, one to Hamilton Island and the other OS. But while the 1000hp CAT shaftdrive option has appeal, this IPS system enjoys greater integration.

Volvo Penta’s IPS recently celebrated 10 years in the field and there are some 500-600 Riviera boats with IPS on the water. Volvo Penta warrants everything from the steering to the propeller nut. The partnership with Garmin provides quite amazing electronics.

With the twin Volvo IPS 1200s on the test boat you also get: low speed mode; digital positioning system (DPS for short) which is a GPS invisible ‘anchoring’ and station-holding function; autopilot as part of that package; joystick controls at the forward helm, aft flybridge and cockpit docking station; the Volvo Penta auto trim system; the clear wake exhaust; an inbuilt Active Corrosion Protection system; plus three integrated 15in Glass Bridge displays relaying all the data to the dash.

The integrated Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit System, using Garmin electronics, has touchscreens that put all the boat’s systems at your fingertips. Trick features like Auto Guidance let you create safe navigation routes in seconds, and you can get a remote control with rotary knob that lets you control screens without needing to leave the comfort of your high-backed helm chair.

Along with C-Zone digital switching for the AC and DC systems, operating the Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge is a push-button affair. Navigation is easy, cruising is automated, berthing is done with a joystick, and digital monitoring takes care of most of your daily concerns just like that.

A very orderly engine room helps, too. There are big glass sea strainers, oil dipsticks on the centreline, sight gauges for the wing fuel tanks, dual Racor fuel filters per engine, 24V Delta T engine venting, enclosed batteries, and virtual standing height forward of the engines. 

After a check of fluid levels, ball valves and hose clamps, you’re pretty much right to go, with the electronic engines and C-Zone letting you know of any big issues that warrant expert attention.

The new fuel system holds 4040 litres (up 500 litres of the 53) split between two 1300 litre wing tanks and a 1440 litre forward tank under the master bed. These are balanced and there are twin fuel transfer pumps to each wing tank from the forward tank.

You also get a back-up water pump for the substantial 750 litre supply. With half fuel and full water, we were ready...

ON THE WATER
- From Space Ship to long-range Rocket Ship
The previous Riviera 53 was affectionately dubbed the space ship when it was launched with those triple 435hp D6 IPS 600s. That adventurous boat was transformed with the 700hp D11 IPS 900s. And now we have the 800hp D11 IPS 950s as standard. That’s 1600hp instead of the original 1305hp, with bigger IPS pod drive units with big props to really take command.

With the upgraded 900hp D13 IPS 1200s, this new 57 we drove is a long-range rocket ship. The boat carries the engines beautifully and performs with the collective 1800hp in a manner that will excite US markets. The dual-stage-turbo engines coupled with the impressive purchase of the IPS III drives officially give you 34.5 knots top speed with half load.

Our half-loaded test boat, without all the owner gear and RIB, revealed 35.8 knots on Sydney Harbour where the dealer Mike Joyce says he’s seen 36.5 knots. On top of that, the boat’s running trim, smoothness and exhilaration is such that you have to question if shafts can do better.

At seven knots lure-trolling speeds, you will use about 12 litres an hour, Riv figures indicate, which is light on for 13-litre engines. At this displacement speed, the high bow and freeboard are appreciated and the boat would make a great go-slow passage maker if you had the patience. Your range at nine knots is more than 1000nm. Underwater IPS exhausts add to the trolling comfort in the cockpit.

Low speed cruise at 1450rpm with half tabs returned 16.3 knots for 137 litres per hour. The D13s were purring at 1700rpm and 21.8 knots for 190 litres per hour and a range of about 420nm from 90 per cent of the fuel supply, according to dash figures. The official figures say this is the sweet spot for a 400nm range. It was certainly comfortable cruising.

But at about 400rpm off WOT, at 1900rpm, your fast continuous cruise of 26.2 knots for 233 litres per hour is hard to resist. This gives a range of 408nm according to my maths. Official data says you will get a range of 372nm at these revs. Either way, the 57 is pretty fast and far ranging.

The acceleration and lack of wind-up, the instant on-tap power, makes this D13 combination enticing. They’re strong engines and with some bow-in trim, the 57 Enclosed punched back home through 15-20 knots of south-westerly without drama.

It’s hard to imagine being seriously challenged in this big Riviera. The deep and powerful hull has a great turn of speed and you will be able to outrun bad weather and avail yourself of passage passage-making windows.

In the right conditions, a 10-hour day will have you covering 300nm at about 200rpm off WOT.

VERDICT
- A serious coastal cruiser and floating home
As Wes Moxey says, the D13s and 57 create a very nice package. There’s 26 litres of engine displacement there, whereas the Riviera 56 used to have 36 litres with twin C18 CATs. So you are looking at mid-30 knots with 10 litres less collective engine displacement. That’s progress.

Indeed, boat building is an evolutionary process. Despite all the 3D projections, walk-throughs and mock-ups, the poling of customers, and the years of experience, a boat takes on a life of its own. So it is with the Riviera 57 Enclosed with the latest technology and drives just not available to the old 53.

This is an impressively big flybridge cruiser that suits serious coastal cruising and spending extended time aboard, rather than just Sunday flings on Sydney Harbour. And for that, Riviera has the increasingly popular SUV and Sport Yacht models.

HIGHS
>> State-of-the-art technology and the user-friendly pod-driven performance
>> Increased power creates a real long-range luxury rocket ship
>> High-volume interior with full-beam owner’s stateroom
>> Expansive cockpit with inbuilt amenities and mezzanine seating
>> World-class fit and finish that ably showcases Riviera’s talents

NOT SO MUCH
>> If you’re not the entertaining type, you mightn’t like such a big galley
>> A lot of boat to berth and anchor in a tight harbour anchorage
>> The new standard transom lounge won’t curry favour with anglers

Specifications:
Price as tested: $2,468,800 with upgraded D13 IPS 1200s and a swag of options and upgrades.
Priced from: About $2,062,000 with D11 IPS 950s
LOA: 18.50m
Beam: 5.13m
Draft: 1.58m (max)
Weight: Around 29,360kg (dry w/standard twin IPS 950 engines)
Sleeping: 6+2+2
Fuel Capacity: 4040 litres
Water Capacity: 750 litres
Holding tanks: 273 litres
Grey water: 250 litres
Engines: Twin 900hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS-1200 two-stage turbo-charged, fully electronic, six-cylinder common rail diesel engines with IPS III drives
Cabins: Three plus two bathrooms
Total Cockpit area including Mezzanine Deck: 13.13sqm

Supplied by:
The Riviera Group,
50 Waterway Drive
Coomera, Qld, 4209
Phone (07) 5502 5555
See www.riviera.com.au.