Riviera 575 SUV

Riviera announced a  versatile addition to its popular crossover SUV collection of sporty and adventurous motor yachts at the 2015 Sydney International Boat Show.

The new Riviera 575 SUV will be available with either pod or shaft drives to suit specific geographic and owner requirements – one of the first yachts in the world to offer such flexibility, the Gold Coast builder says.

A clever alfresco cockpit and mezzanine seating area extend the uniqueness of the boat's design, with an entirely new indoor/outdoor living experience that is ideal for longer-range, live-aboard blue-water cruising.

BEST OF TWO BREEDS
Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst says the SUV collection is the perfect pairing of two boat designs, each with its own following and pedigree.

"The crossover SUV series combines the high-performance, blue-water cruising and luxury liveability attributes of the classic Riviera Flybridge collection, and the single-level, leisurely entertaining features of our luxurious Sport Yacht design," he says.

"The entire SUV range has proven immensely popular since we launched the collection with the world premiere of our 5000th yacht – a 445 SUV – a little more than 18 months ago.

"We have now sold almost 60 yachts with Riviera’s SUV badge and we are extremely proud of the way this collection is being embraced by boating aficionados worldwide."

FRESH APPROACH
An iteration of the new 57 Enclosed, and based on the former 565 SUV we tested here, the  575 SUV without the flybridge is a three-cabin/two bathroom boat with full-beam master stateroom. The user-friendly cruiser embraces the latest intuitive marine navigation systems and digital switching systems.

Riviera's 57 hull is said to exhibit powerful and noble lines, with muscular sheer forward and deep topside dimensions, giving freeboard akin to a much larger cruiser.

The hull lines run straight aft from the maximum mid-ship beam of 5.13m (16' 10") which, in turn, provides an extremely buoyant lift and an easy planing surface, while her keel delivers straight tracking and great stability, enhancing her penultimate blue-water performance, Riv' says.

"Owners can also opt for a traditional cockpit design if they desire or enjoy the Riviera 575 SUV’s clever new cockpit design which includes large transom and elevated mezzanine lounges with convertible table, wet bar, barbecue, fridge and icemaker, as well as great volumes of storage and a covered cockpit docking station for the joystick or thruster control panel," says Mr Longhurst.

A modern aft galley has high-end appliances and solid surface bench tops, as well as a beautifully crafted, marine-grade stainless steel rear bulkhead featuring sliding door and awning window – the window opening out and over the mezzanine to position the chef right in the centre of the social scene.

The spacious saloon  features premium brand entertainment system and furnishings, including a capital L-shaped deluxe dinette and drop-down table that can easily wine and dine six. Opposite, to starboard, is a generous L-shaped settee that provides comfort for up to five additional people.

From these seating positions there are clear ocean views and across to the wide-screen 48” LED TV that rises electronically from the forward dash, creating a floating sports arena or movie theatre experience.

Natural light and fresh air is introduced through opening tinted saloon side windows which, in tandem with the massive front windscreen and dual electric sunroofs, filter light below through the companionway and to the accommodation deck.

FIVE-STAR STATEROOMS
The master stateroom is located amidships in the most stable part of the yacht and features a king-sized bed and with contemporary headboard detailing.

The forward guest stateroom virtually mirrors the level of luxury in the master and includes a queen-size, walk-around bed and ensuite bathroom with twin entry, doubles as the dayhead.

The starboard cabin is also air-conditioned and has adult-sized upper and lower beds, also with innerspring mattresses and a deck hatch for ventilation, as well as reading and overhead lighting.

COMMAND COMFORT
The new Riviera 575 SUV’s elevated and ergonomic forward helm has been designed to offer  excellent visibility from up to four large low-back helm seats with arm and footrests, while putting essential navigational and systems controls within easy reach.

The Riviera 575 SUV’s all-new dash design has enough room for three 15” multi-function display screens, as well as dedicated switches for the horn and two pantographic wipers with intermittent settings as well as the overhead and navigation lights.

"You will also find convenient drink-holders, a side console and a moulded recess forward for mobile phones, ensuring everything is right where it should be when you need it," Mr Longhurst says.

POD OR SHAFT
Owners can select their personal preference of either pod or conventional shaft drive propulsion to suit specific geographic regions.

There are three choices for a drive package for new the 575 SUV – a IPS2-950, IPS2-1200 or the conventional D13 shaft drive.

The standard power installation is the very popular twin IPS2-950 (533kW/725hp) pod configuration with D11 engines, which are said to deliver Volvo’s impressive fuel efficiency, low noise levels, long cruising range and high top-end speed.

You can upgrade to the new-generation IPS2-1200 (662kW/900hp) system, with D13 engines, or you can choose the innovative new Volvo Penta D13-Series (662kW/900hp) shaft drive propulsion system.

With both pod and shaft drive models, the fully integrated CZone system enhances the ease of monitoring and operation of the Riviera 575 SUV’s onboard systems, extending centralised touch-screen control to lighting, pumps, batteries, entertainment systems and appliances.

"Of course, this thoughtful built-to-last consideration for our Riviera family of owners is a key part of our ethos, of doing all we can to help our valued owners achieve ‘the ultimate boating experience’," says Mr Longhurst.