Riviera's big new baby

Riviera has recorded its biggest hull release in November and called in two high-capacity cranes to lift the new 75 Enclosed Flybridge hull from the mold to allow the 75 to move into the next stage of production, Fit Out One.

Riviera’s 75 Flybridge project manager Paul Wrench said the boat hulls were usually lifted from the mold using Riviera’s onsite overhead gantry cranes but because of the height restrictions within the building, the 75 was lifted out of the mold using a 30-tonne and 50-tonne crane.

"We had to use these cranes to get into the shed, not because it’s an 80-tonne boat, but because it was a very tight situation and we had to get the cranes under the roof and through the roller doors making it a challenging lift but it was successful," Paul said.

"We then pushed it into the adjacent building where we have begun installing engines, all the electrical components, the looms in the forward bilge, plumbing and hydraulics.

Paul said it was great to see the finished hull after months of planning and mold modifications which began in August.

"It looks fantastic. It has a longer cockpit and the aft deck of the flybridge is quite large now allowing up to 12 people on the flybridge.

"The interior on this boat is teak as opposed to the popular cherry and the owner has had custom lounges made for the saloon.

"This particular boat has Twin Disc Express Joystick System (EJS) which controls the variable-speed stern and bow thrusters as well as engine gearboxes from a joystick."

Paul said the New Zealand owners had made several trips to Riviera’s Coomera facility and were very impressed with the build progress.

"The 75 will be on display at the 2012 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May and will be the biggest boat Riviera has built in the company’s 30 year history. After the show it will be shipped to Auckland in New Zealand."

Paul began his career in the marine industry 34 years ago as a Shipwright for McConaghy Boats in Sydney where he spent 17 years building America’s Cup yachts. Paul is now Riviera’s large boat project manager having worked on the six 70 Flybridges previously built and now the company’s new flagship model, the 75 Flybridge.

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au