Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition 2024 review

This first hull of the 6800 is now the largest model in the Sport Yacht range, following on from the 4600, 5400 and 6000. At about 22m, there’s a lot of boat to cope with as an owner-driver – something most Australians choose to be.

Selling to a global market requires widespread appeal. In the 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, the Euro chic comes from Italian designer Luca Vallebona, who'd proven himself to the company by working with the in-house design team on the flagship Riviera 78 Motor Yacht.

This yacht, which is set to premiere at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show starting in late October, has enough space to include a crew cabin, along with three or four guest cabins. It also comes with the premium luxury and finish of Riviera’s Platinum Edition.

Walking towards the Riviera 6800 at Runaway Bay Marina on the Gold Coast, its silver topsides were glistening in the morning sun. I was greeted by Riviera skipper Dean for the tour, with the tender garage first on the list.

Inside, there’s a tall 40hp Mercury attached to an inflatable tender, launched via a track and electric winch system. Adjacent is a lifting door leading directly to the engine room where the twin D13 Volvo Penta IPS 1350s are located.

The aft deck, a mostly enclosed space because of the extended hardtop that runs well aft on the 6800, has an L-shaped lounge to port with a large folding teak table with extensive wet bar and electric barbecue opposite. Combined with the full-beam lounge along the transom and side quarter-panel windows, this is an all-weather dining and lounging area. At the press of a button, the electric sunroof above creates al fresco airiness.

Sun worshippers may opt to walk forward via the wide side decks to the expansive fore deck with twin adjustable sun pads at the bow and two teak-trimmed pedestal tables surrounded by deep couches and an icebox. Shade is available via an awning that is quickly set-up using four carbon fibre poles that slot into sturdy stainless deck mounts.

Priced from $4.9 million, the 6800 is very much at the premium end of the market where quality rather than quantity matters. That also helps resale values for sought-after second-hand versions.

In terms of equipment, the 6800 is festooned with top-grade gear and, as you expect from Riviera, practicality is front and centre. For example, there is an oversized 60kg Ultra anchor, an equally large Australian Muir vertical windlass, 80m of galvanised chain, and 316 stainless steel handrails.

The 6800 clearly exudes style and, as I found out, it backs this up with performance to match.

Inside the saloon, Riviera's signature stylish brow at the front of the hardtop shades the main console. The Sport Yacht branding infers these are very much drivers' boats, and the extensive helm and console with premium comfort, leather captains and companion chairs clearly reflects this.

Electronics include three 19-inch Glass Bridge multi-function Garmin screens. Further screens provide engine and CZone digital switching system data.

Another screen controls the Humphree stabilisers, which are carbon fins protruding from the underside of the hull which have automatic or manual operation. There is also the option for a Seakeeper gyro stabiliser.

At the console, the main engine controls are outboard to starboard, with throttles and Volvo joystick plus the grid control for the Garmin screens, bow thruster and controls for the vertical Interceptor trim tabs.

The electrical system is managed by the CZone digital bus screen. Fault-finding is a major advantage with these digital bus systems – any problems show as alerts on the screen and pre-set modes configure the yacht. These include cruising, entertaining, dock unattended, service mode for maintenance works and sleep mode for overnight power conservation. The system is customisable.

Aft of the helm is a lounge with a generously sized wet bar opposite the galley. Opposite the helm to port is an L-shaped lounge with clear views through the windscreen and large side windows that, along with the sunroof, open electrically.

Behind the forward L-shaped lounge is a further C-shaped lounge with matching Ottomans. While dining will be al fresco on the aft deck, Riviera’s design team has created a masterful alternative featuring a hand-crafted solid timber table that lifts from the back of the lounge to seat eight with additional folding chairs.

Opposite in a hidden bulkhead, a 65-inch flat screen television lifts at the press of a button. The main lounge adjoins the galley, which has facilities on both sides. Cooking facilities include a three-element induction cooktop, combination oven and microwave.

The U-shaped galley has an electric opening back window for easy serving to the aft deck, and has double sinks, a full height fridge with two freezer compartments. Opposite is an elegant Walnut clad bar/serving station with a double drawer fridge, wine cooler, sink and drinks cabinet for bottles and glassware. Typical Riviera practicalities include lockable drawers and cupboards along with removable potholders for the hob.

There are four cabins, with three an option. Both versions give the owner pride of place in the full-beam midships layout, with two guest cabins between it and the forepeak VIP suite.

The owner has a king-sized bed, a feature headboard and bedside tables with ample storage underneath. There is a walk-through wardrobe and linen hampers with cedar-lined lockers, and a large television.  To starboard is a hand-crafted polished timber bureau with vanity and Ottoman seat.

Portside is a sumptuous two-seater lounge, breakfast bar and drawer fridge with outlet for a coffee machine. Airflow feels good, thanks to opening portholes (with alarmed sensors), there are large fixed-hull windows for natural light, and headroom is 2m.

The bathroom is to starboard and uses most of the beam to create a lavish area with big shower stall and natural light. To port is another door to the utility/laundry with separate washer and dryer This also doubles as crew quarters with single bunk and bathroom; and behind it another watertight door leads to the engine room.

The stylish forepeak VIP cabin is well appointed with a private ensuite bathroom. The walk-around queen-sized bed has storage beneath. Other storage includes twin wardrobes and overhead cupboards.

Decor is sumptuous with plush, cream wool carpets and padded bulkheads, which nicely contrast with the rich Walnut finish – but there are other timber and finishes choices.

Between the VIP and the owner's suite are the two guests’ cabins. The port one has twin single beds which can, at the touch of a button, form a double. It shares a bathroom that becomes the day-head but is again well appointed and naturally ventilated. The fourth guest cabin has two single crossover bunks; the lower my choice as it has the window. Alternatively, it can also be an atrium lounge that has naturally light from the large windscreen above.

A hefty swell awaited us as I nestled behind the 6800's wheel. As I throttled-up to push us out I braced my derriere against the leather bolster seat and let the fun begin.

Dodging the worst of the swells over the sandbanks required me to snake my way through, and the 6800's electronic wheel quickly did my bidding. The low centre of gravity combined with the Humphree fin stabilisers provide a comfortable ride and no groans or crashes came from within the 6800.

With the wipers working furiously, I bashed to windward towards the skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. With whale season in full swing, we kept a sharp lookout for the northerly migrating humpbacks. Sure enough, we spotted one through the white spume. This was my cue to put the helm down and run with the conditions, reaching the boat's optimum cruising speed of about 27kt (50km/h) with 20 per cent tabs to lower the bow.

Lining up the Seaway entrance I played the throttle to keep us on the back of the waves before we surged through into the calm of the Broadwater. Spinning the wheel round, I put the 6800 into a tight turn which prompted a 10-degree heel as we spun in a circle and came out for a figure of eight which showed smooth agility for such a large motor yacht.

The 6800 is intended to reward the keen driver, and the oomph is there. In a straight line I reached a speedy 34kt (63km/h), while inside the quiet saloon – reading only 65dba – I chatted to company representative Stephen Milne about the prospects for this new model: “We regard the 6800 as our best yacht yet,” he said. And I couldn't disagree.

Approaching the marina, it was time to experience Volvo Penta's Assisted Docking. It's a GPS-controlled system, so you simply twist and push in the desired direction. But here's the clever bit – once you let go of the joystick the vessel retains that exact position to avoid drift.

This gave me the confidence to click the outside joystick and guide the 6800 smoothly against the pontoon without any dramas.

Riviera has used resin infusion for the hull and internal structure, which is stronger and lighter. The deck and superstructure also follow the same pattern.

The structure includes a foam-filled forward hull compartments for noise dampening – something I benefitted from in the heavy conditions. In addition, there are more bulkheads throughout the hull for stiffness.

In the engine room the tender garage impinges from above but doesn't prevent access to the Volvos and their IPS gearboxes – complete with twin Nibral counter-rotating propellers.

It’s a well organised space, with a generator on each side and a bank of six 250amp lithium-ion phosphate batteries alongside on starboard. The Volvos also have dual alternators on each, so plenty of redundancy, along with the second genset to give peace of mind in those remote locations.

Main tankage is a single centralised fuel tank, low in the hull to aid longitudinal and lateral stability. Access is also available to the servo motors of each Humphree fin stabiliser and ancillary equipment.

The 6800 really is a driver's boat in every way, fully rewarding both her skipper and guests with a thrilling ride and the comforts of a premium market vessel. Smart technology and other equipment such as the impressive Humphree fins also enhance the overall experience.

Length overall: 22.18m/17.68m (inc. swim platform and bow sprit)
Beam: 5.54m
Draft: 1.67mClaimed dry weight: 37,100kg (approx.)
Engines: 2 x 1000hp Volvo IPS1350
Fuel: 4500L
Water: 800L
Holding tank: 500L
Accommodations: 8 plus crew
Price: from $A4.9 million