Which Riviera motor yacht should I buy?
Riviera is one of Australia’s favourite boat brands. Here are the five popular models Aussies have right at the top of their wishlistsRiviera needs little introduction to Australian boat buyers. With a strong history of building boats designed and engineered to satisfy a tough Aussie audience, the Coomera, Queensland-based manufacturer was established in the early 1980s on Sydney’s northern beaches. Fast forward to 2021 and the brand is internationally renowned and currently builds craft from 40-72ft with prices starting from around $850,000.
Key models in Riviera’s past portfolio include the late 1990s-era 48, a gamefishing favourite, and classics like the mid-1980s Riviera 34.
But which Riviera should you buy?
The answer very much depends on your particular boating needs. Are you a bluewater angler or a family cruiser? Do you boat close to home or are you planning to head farther afield? Riviera has built boats that will do all this and more
We asked one of the boating industry’s best-known names and Riviera stalwart for his opinion on the five most-searched Riviera on boatsales. R Marine Dillon’s Lee Dillon has been selling, servicing and living Rivieras in NSW for decades. Here’s what Lee had to say...
Riviera 40 Flybridge
Build dates: 2000-2007 (288 built)
Says Lee: “The first of the new look Riviera flybridge models, the 40 Flybridge offered a large comfortable flybridge, generous forward cabin and modern generous saloon and galley. Engine room access is clever and non-intrusive.
"A larger foredeck than previous models also allowed for davit and a moderate-sized dinghy on the foredeck. The clean, modern lines without aluminium windows set the tone for a long line of modern flybridges that helped create the Riviera reputation.”
Riviera 4000 Offshore
Build dates: 1997-2006 (244 built)
"Early in the model range (hull number 20) the glass-enclosed hardtop was added as an option and became the most popular. The model tends to be a little wet at sea, so the Glass enclosed hardtop is very practical. Engines range from Cummins 370hp right up to Volvo 480hp.”
Riviera 4000 Offshores for sale on boatsales
Riviera 43 Open Flybridge
Build dates: 1996-2003 (206 built)
Not to be confused with the new generation 43 built from 2010 and still in production, Lee commented: “This model followed the launch of the Riviera 48 and very quickly proved popular due to the internal capacity of the boat. Available in two and three-cabin models, the beam, engine options, etc, make the Riviera 43 a popular choice to this day.
"A huge flybridge, cockpit and plenty of storage in the lazarette plus a big foredeck all add to the appeal. In 1998 the model was given an internal redesign, splitting the dinette away and positioning a large lounge port side aft in the saloon. This is my pick.”
Riviera 39 Flybridge
Build dates: 1996-2000 (95 built)
Lee says: “Originally launched as a Mariner 39, the model very quickly reverted to the Riviera brand and sold well. This model gave a decent island bed, a good-size saloon for the boat size plus some shape and exterior appeal. Initially, only Cummins 300hp were offered but as the Riviera 39 grew in popularity various other engine options were added.
"The pick is the 6BTA Cummins at 370hp. Great value, plenty of engine room space. To this day this is a sought-after, great value boat.”
Riviera 39 Flybridges for sale on boatsales.com.au
Riviera M430 Sports
Build dates: 2001-2008 (145 built)
Says Lee: “Originally a Diavolo 44, the M430 was launched as a very family-orientated entertainer. The best sport hull Bill Barry-Cotter had designed to date, the performance with either V8 petrol engines or Volvo turbo-diesel DuoProp sterndrives was strong.
"In fact, the M430 performs extremely well in all water. Excellent accommodation, but more importantly an amazing cockpit which caters for the entertainer. However, this is a boat that needs a bow thruster for those who need some assurance around the marina pen!”
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