What is an SUV you might ask? Well according to Riviera it is an acronym for a crossover between the spirited, offshore performance and open cockpit of their Sports Motor Yachts with the entertaining ease of their free-flowing Sport Yacht design. It is essentially two luxury yachts in one package. It is also all about offering great comfort, whilst enhancing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. It’s these features that make the SUV models so popular.
THE COCKPIT
The 8.5 m2 cockpit is an expansive water sports space, that opens out to a boarding platform aft, and just two-steps up to the semi-enclosed 6.8m2 alfresco deck. The 7.6 m2 hydraulic lift swim platform leads to the cockpit through one of two doors that open outwards to sit flush against the transom, creating one massive water sports space with room to fish, dive, launch any number of water toys, or simply relax. The combined cockpit and fixed swim platform is 14 m2 and this is increased to 16 m2 with the optional hydraulic rise and fall platform. A moulded storage or fish bin unit is built into the transom. There is an option to add an aft lounge in this space that lifts to reveal a large water sports storage compartment. The cockpit deck includes hatches on either side to access the Volvo Penta IPS drive units. The starboard hatch also covers a small storage bin. A central hatch lifts to reveal a large lazarette that can be utilised for storage. Forward on the port side is the barbecue centre, with a moulded lid that covers a premium-quality, electric twin-plate barbecue. A sink, integrated rubbish bin, and storage is below. A similar unit on the starboard side includes a refrigerated cool box and ice maker. A small, moulded opening hatch in the starboard corner protects a conveniently positioned IPS joystick, which can be optioned to be located on the port side. These joystick locations are well-positioned for the skipper to undertake slow speed manoeuvring and docking. Stepping up from the cockpit, the 585 SUV’s entertainment and living epicentre, is a semi-enclosed alfresco deck featuring a plush lounge to port that can convert to a double daybed. There’s an L-shaped lounge to starboard around a handcrafted folding teak table fitted with drink holders. A cool box is stowed under the lounge. There are also twin electric sunroofs built into the al fresco deck hardtop, introducing additional light and fresh air. Plus, a large deck hatch provides service access to the engine room.
FOREDECK
Moving forward, the 31cm wide side decks include a new drain design that diverts water from reaching the cockpit whilst running offshore or during wash-down. The solid stainless steel rails take the height from the base of the bulwark to 76cm. The foredeck zone offers another entertaining or relaxation space; it is well-suited for sunset drinks, providing plush lounge seating for up to eight guests, a removable GRP table with glass holders, an insulated cool box, and stereo speakers linked to the saloon entertainment system. Gas strut hatch lids access lockers for fenders and ropes. In the forepeak, there’s a Muir windlass with 22.66’ (70m) of steel chain rode and an Ultra 45 kg stainless-steel anchor. A hatch in the deck to port opens to access the remote control, hand crank and washdowns with rode access to starboard.
SALOON
The luxurious and substantial saloon connects seamlessly with the alfresco deck through a strong stainless steel sliding glass door, and large awning window, that opens the galley and saloon to the exterior. There is 1.98m height throughout most of the salon with the 3.88m beam maximised in all areas.
GALLEY
The well-appointed U-shaped 1.65m x 1.90m galley is aft along the port side. A three-hotplate induction cooktop includes removable potholders and a full-height fridge/freezer stands in the aft corner. There’s a combination oven/microwave, with an integrated grill, and a dishwasher, are under the countertop. Forward of the galley is a watertight side door giving easy access to the port side deck and the foredeck lounge, or for line handling or anchoring. The starboard side features a wet bar in the aft corner, an electric-lift TV built into the cabinetry beside the bar, and a long lounge with the ingeniously concealed foldout timber dining table for when you wish to dine inside, or you have additional guests aboard.
HELM
A pair of Italian soft leather helm chairs offer comfort and have the ability to be adjusted in to a position that suits any skipper. There is a 2.0m standing headroom at the helm and they are spaced well apart for ease of access. The companion seat provides company for the captain on those extended voyages. A cockpit docking station is available if you feel a little more comfortable docking outside from the cockpit where you can see what’s happening over the transom and alongside. Further smart boating technology includes electronic engine controls and steering, dynamic positioning system, autopilot, low speed joystick steering mode, interceptor, bow thruster and search light controls. In addition, an anchor control with chain counter, VHF radio, compass, and USB port, complete the array of technology that makes boating with Riviera just so easy and enjoyable. A trio of Garmin 17″ Glass Bridge screens dominate the dash. All new Riviera motor yachts are equipped with Siren Marine to allow owners to remotely monitor key onboard systems, the yacht’s location and to activate selected onboard equipment. The forward starboard corner of the salon offers an L-shape lounge opposite the helm, allowing family or guests to be socially connected whilst underway. A large electric GRP sunroof is built into the hardtop to offer additional light and fresh air.
ACCOMMODATIONS
A forward central companionway with seven 20cm risers leads from the saloon to the light-filled and substantial accommodation deck that includes three staterooms with 6’5” headroom and three heads. The full-beam master suite amidships is bathed in light and fresh air from large hull windows with integrated and alarmed opening portholes. The cabin features a 1.82m x 1.90m walk-around bed, casual dining or study to the port side, a cedar-lined walk-in hanging locker aft on the starboard side, and an ensuite bathroom forward, also to starboard. Forward is an optional bar/fridge with a counter space for a coffee machine, providing a minibar within the master stateroom. The space aft of the full-beam midships master suite can be configured as a utility room, laundry, gym, crew quarters, or even additional accommodation with its own head. The aft bulkhead has a wide watertight door that provides excellent access to the engine room. The VIP guest stateroom forward, includes an ensuite bathroom, and a 1.95m x 1.52m walk-around bed, with an abundance of storage under. There is further storage in two overhead lockers, a double hanging robe or an additional robe with shelving. Fresh air and light are introduced to the stateroom from twin overhead deck hatches and large hull windows. The second guest stateroom to port features two 1.88m x 1.52m single berths with bedside tables. At the touch of a button, the two berths can slide together to form a double. There is also a large hull window with alarmed opening port, and a hanging locker. The third head is opposite on the starboard side and acts as the day head.
THE ENGINE ROOM
Access to the engine room is via a wide watertight door from the utility space aft of the master stateroom, or through a large service hatch from the alfresco deck. The headroom is 1.8 m, which is unusual these days in a 17.9m (58’) yacht. The engine room is par excellence with everything meticulously engineered. From the double clamps on the hoses to the supported and colour coded wiring, and the ease of access to everything, such as the 1.0m between the engines, it is easy to see that Riviera’s engineers spent a lot of time making sure the layout of the engine room was as good as they could get. Centre stage in our 585 SUV was a pair of Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s. Standard power is a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 1200s. Also included amongst the usual mechanical and controls systems was a Dometic air con system, Bluewater Legend 950-1 watermaker, Onan EQD 22.5kW generator, 240V inverter and Humphree 0.8ms carbon fins which included Active Ride control. All of this equipment is generally considered to be the best in class. Owners can opt for gyroscopic or fin stabilisation aboard the 585 SUV yacht. The gyro option is set under the cockpit. The fin option provides even more space in the lazarette, as the head units are mounted in the engine room.
RIVIERA 585 SUV PERFORMANCE
The Riviera 585 SUV measures 19.82m overall with a hull length of 17.95m a beam of 5.67m, draft of 1.65m and dry weight of 30,820kg. Our test weight was estimated to be around 37,400kg. Testing the 585 SUV #1 on the Gold Coast Seaway, Australia, in calm water, in every aspect the boat was a pleasure to drive. Like all IPS-drive yachts, its turning radius is greater than it would be with a straight shaft and rudder system. It is reasonably quick to plane with a low bow-up attitude and is super responsive to the helm. It did nothing unexpected and thanks to the Volvo Penta Joystick Docking it was also an easy and very intuitive return to the dock.
The twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350 returned a maximum speed of 40 mph (34.9 knots) @ 2470 rpm. Dropping back to 2200 rpm, the speed settled at around 33.4 mph (29 knots), using 301 lph and a range of around 400nm. However, in the calm waters during our test, I found 1900 rpm was a sweet spot. Here we saw 23 knots for 222 lph and a range of around 420nm. This is a noteworthy speed/range ratio for yacht in this class. Slow cruise at around 9 knots will produce more than 1000 nm range. The Riviera 585 SUV is a boat that needs to be driven and loves it. The handling is predictable and offers no surprises on the water. In high-speed full lock to lock turns it remains relatively flat with no excessive angle. Into a head sea the hull dissipates the water cleanly and in a following sea there is enough bow to hold it up and run constant with any burying motion. Overall, a clean riding hull.
SUMMARY
Riviera offers an industry-leading, international level of owner care and comfort, with all Volvo Penta IPS powered yachts delivered with five-year engines, drives and electronics limited warranty, which is further supported by Riviera’s seven-year structural and two-year express limited warranties. Personally, I love sport yachts and the easy, convenient one level living style. While Riviera have been in the business of making sport yachts for almost 20 years, for me, the SUV range epitomise the character of the genre and to be honest is hard to fault. The 585 SUV certainly lives up to the company’s expression of being a crossover between a sport yacht and a flying bridge style motor yacht. It is certainly two luxury yachts brought together in one, beautifully conceived package.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Boat Design Name Riviera 585 SUV
- Year Launched 2023
- Price Available on request
- Style Sport Sedan
- Builder Riviera Australia
- LOA 19.82m
- LOH 17.95m
- Beam 5.67m
- Draft 1.65m
- Displacement (Dry) 30820 kgs
- Max Speed 34.9 knots
- Construction GRP
- Fuel Cap 4500 litres
- Water Cap 800 litres
- Engine Options 2 x Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1200 @ 900hp
- 2 x Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350 @ 1000hp
- Stabilisers Humphree carbon fins
- Generator Onan EQD 22.5kW
- Watermaker Bluewater Legend 950-1
- Air Conditioning Dometic
- MFD 3 x Garmin 17”
- Ent System Fusion
