The 465 SUV is the seventh member of the SUV family.
TWO FOR ONE
Text by Barry Thompson
Riviera likes to refer to their SUV series as adventure yachts, which is very apt considering what the boats have been designed for. This boat covers all bases and gives an owner a well-balanced blend of indoor luxury, outdoor practicality and, above all, performance to match.Â
The SUV Collection was born in 2012 with the release of the 445 SUV. This proved to be a very significant boat, as it was the 5000th motor yacht built by the company. This model is still in production, with sales exceeding 90 boats.
The SUV offers a flybridge scale open cockpit perfectly suited to fishing or entertaining and a sport yacht influence with a single-level lifestyle. It is a flawless blend of two entirely different boating lifestyles in one superbly designed package.
However, Riviera didn’t stop with just one model in the new range. Soon after the 445 SUV release, it was followed by the larger 565 SUV, which was essentially based on the same platform as its predecessor but longer, beamier and overall offering more space. Three years later, the 575 SUV replaced the 565 SUV, which was the same boat with a redesigned cockpit layout. Then the 525 SUV, released in 2015, was redesigned and transformed into the 545SUV a few years later. The 395 SUV was launched in 2018 as the entry point to the SUV line and to date over 50 of these boats have been sold.
The release of the 505 SUV in 2020 saw the first of the new generation of SUVs, which brought together several innovations, such as a semi-enclosed alfresco area, a larger cockpit, and a one-level saloon. Interestingly with the alfresco deck (5 sqm), you get around a third more internal living space. Adding breezeways or clears makes the area adaptable for both hot and cold climates, making the SUV a totally universal boat. Overall, there is also more volume in the new boats. Regarding the layout, there is a significant difference between the new generation of SUVs and previous models.
In 2021, Riviera launched the 645 SUV, which remains the largest model in the SUV Collection. While the earlier SUVs were flybridge motor yacht derivatives, the new generation models are more from the sport motor yacht genre.
SEVENTH MEMBER
The 465 SUV is the seventh member of the SUV family, which starts with the 395 SUV and goes through to the 645 SUV.
At 15.9m, it is the second smallest in the SUV family but boosts the liveability of a much larger vessel. The layout is traditional for a sports sedan but accentuated with the usual Riviera flair and touch of excellence.
With consideration for their fishing owners, Riviera designated an area aft of the transom to land, clean fish and keep all the mess out of the cockpit. Stainless steel staple rails surround the large boarding platform, accessed via a pair of transom doors. Not only does this provide a perfect and safe fishing platform, but it also extends the usable area of the lower cockpit. It also doubles as the tender stowage and is available with a rise/fall option.
There’s a deep fish bin and lazarette under the teak cockpit sole, plus storage under the coamings. The side decks are flush with recessed cleats, so nothing gets in the way. Moving forward, modules on either side of a central stairway to the alfresco area feature a sink unit and BBQ to port with a fridge/freezer opposite.
The alfresco area is a valid extension of the saloon, and it is easy to see why Riviera has made this a feature of the new generation of SUVs. There is plenty of lounging space to relax during the day, but you can also convert the starboard side settee into an extra double berth. A dining/coffee table and a moveable ottoman provide an extra seat when required. An awning window leads through to the galley, with sliding glass doors providing a wide opening between the inner and outer areas.
Gloss walnut is used throughout the 465 SUV, although other timber options are available. Personally, I love the walnut, which adds a rich texture that tones in superbly with the lighter fabrics and flooring. Classy yet still practical, the galley provides a centre point between the social part of the saloon and the external alfresco deck. All on the one level, there is no separation from the helm to the cockpit.
The galley is finished with a Corian bench surface, storage below and above, and all the necessary appliances for the chef. Opposite is a wet bar and another fridge, plus bottle and glass storage.
The U shape lounger to port is raised and sits below high side and forward windows, offering excellent sightlines for an almost uninterrupted 360deg view. A very relaxing and friendly ambience radiates throughout the 465 SUV. There’s another dining table with enough space for 4-5 people. A Webasto sliding sunroof and sliding side windows allow for some extra natural light and breeze.
Not only has the alfresco area got the word entertainment stamped on it, but so does the forward area of the boat. Like in all their new models, Riviera continues to utilise the foredeck area in the new 465SUV with a dedicated sun lounger, complete with handrails and drink holders.
There are loads of space to mount all the necessary controls for equipment such as the Fusion sound system, CZone, auto anchor, Seakeeper and VHF. Like all new Riviera’s, the 465 SUV is fitted with the Siren Marine remote security monitoring, control and alert system.
FORWARD MASTER
Accommodation is impressive, with three staterooms and two bathrooms. The master cabin is forward with a central island berth and private ensuite. Twin overhead hatches provide plenty of natural fresh air, but the cabin is also fully air-conditioned. The timber cabinetry features cedar-lined hanging lockers and a generous amount of storage. There is an excellent combination of Riviera’s traditional timber heritage with a beautiful mix and match of various materials that blend well together.
Some choice is available regarding the berth arrangement in the two guest cabins. Either can be configured with twin singles or a double. The most popular layout is a double to port with private access to a shared ensuite and twin singles in the second guest cabin to starboard. I liked the generous proportions of the ensuites, which allow you room to move, especially in the shower. Another cool feature is the massive side windows which help eliminate confinement issues from these well-conceived cabins. The cabins all have generous headroom.
30 PLUS AND LOVING IT
The 465 SUV is based on a brand new 15.9m (LOA) hull, with a 14.3m (LOH), 4.76m beam and a maximum draft with the IPS drives of 1.33m. Bridge clearance is 4.36m, with a dry weight is around 22,000 kgs, 2500 litres fuel capacity and 500 litres of water. Standard power is a pair of Volvo Penta D8 IPS @ 600hp each, which gives the 465 SUV a maximum speed of 32.5 knots. At 80% load, our cruise speed was 28 knots @ 2800 rpm, burning around 200 lph.
I had the opportunity to drive the 465 SUV in a reasonably calm sea off The Broadwater, Gold Coast, and to be fair, it was faultless. The hull is slippery onto the plane with a low attitude, and thanks to the auto trim, the boat runs at a very level angle throughout the range.
We had a Seakeeper gyro to keep us company, and it certainly made a difference, especially when we stopped in the middle of the Seaway in a sloppy swell.
The hull is responsive, agile, and somewhat like driving a big, big runabout. Riviera doesn’t offer any other engine options, but I don’t think they need to. The D8 IPS 800s are a great match.
Riviera now offers 24 models from 39ft-78ft with six individual designs designed to meet the many different expectations of the market. The SUV Collection has a robust and tough look that makes you feel they can handle real offshore conditions without hesitation. I love the styling and flowing lines of all the SUVs, none more so than the new 465. Riviera has continued the SUV family heritage for over ten years, and every new model gets better. The SUV will be a big part of the Riviera line-up for many years.
- Boat Design Name:Â Riviera 465 SUVÂ
- Year Launched: 2022
- Style: Sport Sedan    Â
- Builder: Riviera Yachts      Â
- Designer: Riviera Yachts       Â
- LOA:15.9m
- LOH: 14.3m                     Â
- Beam: 4.76m
- Draft:1.33m
- Displ (Dry): 21,925 kg         Â
- Max Speed: 32.5 knots         Â
- Construction: GRP Composite                      Â
- Fuel Cap: 2500 litres          Â
- Water Cap: 500 litres          Â
- Engines Make: 2 x Volvo D8 IPS @ 600hp        Â
- Drive Train: Pod Drive
- Thrusters: Side Power                Â
- Generator: Onan 11Kw
- Stabiliser: Seakeeper S6Â Â
- MFD: Garmin Â
- Winch:Â Muir VRC2500Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Underwater Lights: Aqualuma Gen 4Â Â
- Ent System: Fusion     Â
- Priced From: AUD$1.785 million               Â
- Contact:Â www.rivieraaustralia.com
| rpm | knots | L/h | L/NM | range (NM) |
| 600 | 4.5 | 5 | 1.1 | 2025 |
| 900 | 6.4 | 12 | 1.9 | 1200 |
| 1200 | 8.2 | 24 | 2.9 | 769 |
| 1500 | 9.5 | 47 | 4.9 | 455 |
| 1800 | 11 | 80 | 7.3 | 309 |
| 2100 | 16.2 | 111 | 6.9 | 328 |
| 2300 | 19.1 | 135 | 7.1 | 318 |
| 2500 | 22.5 | 156 | 6.9 | 325 |
| 2700 | 26.1 | 181 | 6.9 | 324 |
| 3000 | 31 | 224 | 7.2 | 311 |
| 3090 | 32.5 | 244 | 7.5 | 300 |
Note: Range is based on 90% of fuel capacity, in calm conditions.
