Riviera Update -- Sydney boat show 2012

The all-new 445 SUV launched

New Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst, CEO Wes Moxey and Director of Brand and Sales, Stephen Milne, held an exciting on-water press conference at the first day of the 45th Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour.

The intent was to share at least some of the vision of those at helm of Australia’s biggest boat builder, especially now it has well and truly broken free of the shackles of receivership.

The Riviera crew explained the company’s plans going forward, the philosophy behind the exciting new SUV range of cruisers, and that behind the first Belize 52 Daybridge.

We were told Riviera is going forward and investing in the future, which is something owner Longhurst has great faith in, with a whole new model-launch program for the next two to three years.

Ah, to be a fly on the wall. Alas, most of this will be kept under wraps to protect the boat builder’s marketing advantage, we’re told, at least until the new models are close to launching and Riviera is ready to go to market.

That said, Riviera went back to the market to garner owner opinion about its boats and seek input for its new models.

WHAT ARE SUVS?

- Sport Utility Vessels

Enter the new SUV range -- that’s short for Sports Utility Vessel -- perhaps in keeping with Australian’s love of the namesake cars that are now supplanting traditional sedans and station wagons.

So it is on the water, with boaters asking for craft that can do a bit of everything from coastal cruising to bottom fishing, but more often entertaining family and friends. More of everything from one vessel or vehicle.

Great effort was exerted to make the SUV range different from any other Riviera that has gone before it.

The SUV range, which was launched with the new 445, is a crossover design midway between a Flybridge and Offshore Express, with a single-level living area.

The hull has more in common with the offshore flybridge boats, so bluewater cruising is on the cards, and there’s a terrific Australian-sized cockpit. But the interior is far removed and geared very much to entertaining.

“We’re targeting a younger market, new Riviera owners, but also those who like one-level living,” Mr Milne told the assembled marine media.

NEW 454 SUV

- New utility entertainer

The 445 SUV follows in the footsteps of the Riviera 4000 Offshore, one of the most popular Rivieras and a forerunner for the Sport Yacht styling, which is different again.

Quite unlike the 4000, the 445 SUV answers its shortfalls -- there is a rear lock-up bulkhead and second cabin. These are what owners asked for, we’re told.

Meantime, the interior is perhaps best described as urban chic or big-city brash thanks to the nous of Giorgia Drudi, a young interior designer who worked with Moxey at Belize boats, which is now owned by Riviera.

Italian indoor/outdoor fabrics are used throughout, with light straw-coloured cockpit upholstery, burnished orange indoor accents, and a metallic tungsten helm covering. These mate with light-oak joinery and two-pack kitchen cupboards that contrast with dark oak flooring, and other textures including leather and suede.

The idea was to showcase Riviera’s capabilities. Of course, buyers can pare things back to suit their tastes. Either way, take heart in the fact all the boat’s cushion covers are easily machine washable.

454 SUV INTERIOR

- Great layout with space the winner

Yet the layout remains constant, with a generous cockpit that can be shaded by euro-style covers, a saloon with awning window, aft galley, and dinette with decent lounge.

Unconventionally for Australian boats, the helm is to port and set down a step. Most boats have starboard-side helms, but as Mr Moxey says: "You pass port to port on the waterways so this makes sense."

Accommodation spans a forepeak cabin with signature owner’s island berth and private en suite. The styling notes mirror those back up top and it’s all rather apartment-like.

The second amidships cabin features a longitudinal single berth and two transverse singles that convert to a double. There are panorama hull windows and opening portlights for ventilation. And a guest/communal bathroom with full shower.

The 445SUV has a base price of $795,000 with twin Volvo Penta IPS 600s. The boat show model was selling for $915,000 with plenty of fruit aka options.

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Riviera Update -- Sydney boat show 2012

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