Author: Barry Thompson
A FUTURE CLASSIC
Riviera continues to redefine their standards with every new model they release, and the 64 SMY is no exception. Following the success of the 72 & 68 SMYs, the new Riviera 64 SMY continues the family heritage on a slightly more compact scale. Once again, Riviera has got it right, and in my opinion, have produced a future classic.
Much has been written about Riviera’s 72/68 Sport Motor Yacht range, and now, with the addition of the 64 SMY, and the yet to be release 50 SMY this stunning series is developing into a real winner for Riviera. For me, they are boats that I simply want to spend more time aboard, be it cruising up the coast or hunkered up in a bay.
Dean Horgan, dealer principal of R Marine Flagship, New Zealand distributors for Riviera and Belize, says the 64 SMY has been targeted to a section of the market that is hungry for new product.
“There have been many Riviera owners over the years that have had boats in the 18-22m size bracket who are looking for something new, that has the features of a motor yacht, but that would still fit into a 22m marina.
“Our clients that have seen the boat are blown away by the internal volume and the big boat feel that they get when they step aboard. It’s a boat that masks its true dimensions and delivers so much more for its size”, says Dean.
While you might think that the 64 SMY would be simply a scaled-down version of the 68/72 SMYs, there is, in fact, a lot more to it. The hull windows, for example, are entirely different and from what I was told are soon to be the new standard in the larger Sport Motor Yachts.
There are a lot of new design cues throughout the boat, such as twin access to the utility space, either from the engine room or the master cabin. Having the extra length to take a washing machine and dryer, toolbox, workbench and a place to store your fishing rods and equipment is excellent. Having the laundry set up and not tucked away in a cupboard is so much better. Riviera can also set it up as a crew cabin, complete with a small bathroom.
When Riviera set about designing their SMY series, the main criteria was they had to offer the exhilaration of a sports performance boat with the luxurious comforts of a motor yacht. The legendary performance of existing Riviera sports yachts coupled with the elegant heart of their flybridge motor yachts has unquestionably been harmoniously integrated. Elegant, superbly comfortable and with a performance that exceeds expectations.
FUNCTION LUXURY
Behind the elegant and contemporary lines, the Riviera 64 SMY is a luxury motor yacht that optimises onboard space and offers functionality from bow to stern with multiple entertainment, living and storage areas.
The boat is made up of large defined spaces, that means you don’t have to break your groups up, be it the outside mezzanine, around the saloon dining table, or the flybridge. There is enough area for everyone to be in the same place.
I was amazed at just how big all the areas are, and I doubt there is a wasted space anywhere in the boat. The cockpit, for example, is designed to suit the casual line-fisherman, but there is still space for a game chair. There are tackle drawers built into the bbq module, plus a freezer for your bait. Twin transom doors open to the boarding platform which can be fixed or with a high/low option. The centre of the transom can be configured with either a live bait tank or storage space, plus there is a large in-floor wet-locker.
It’s a few steps up to the mezzanine deck, which flows into the aft galley and beyond to the saloon. Enclosed with clears for all-weather boating, it is a fabulous socialising and dining space. Riviera refers to it as the entertainment centre of the boat, and I would have to agree. Seating is split between twin L-shape loungers, with the port side folding out to a large sun pad.
Step inside, and you are met by an ultra-modern galley, with an array of high-quality stainless appliances and Corian surfaces. It is the central hub between the mezzanine and the saloon. A large hopper window opens to the mezzanine and like everywhere else in the 64 SMY it is another very social area.
While the 64 SMY is a full production boat, you do have some options on how you want your boat to look. Fabric choices are many, and when it comes to timber, the choices are Walnut, Oak or Cherry in either satin or gloss.
Over the years, Riviera has refined and perfected every aspect of their designs and none more so than the saloon. No matter what boat I am on, it’s always the saloon layout that for me sets the mood of the boat. The 64 SMY saloon is impressive and makes you feel comfortable, relaxed and at home. Reading, dining or entertaining friends, it projects a warm ambience that is infectious to anyone fortunate enough to be aboard.
Opposite the galley, under the internal staircase to the flybridge is a wet bar, complete with a twin-level wine fridge. Two L-shape loungers forward, are all bathed in natural light from large side windows and the forward screen. Forward of the galley, the 8-seater leather lounge dining area is complete with a specially designed adjustable polished timber tabletop. Sliding side windows bring in some natural air, plus the 64 SMY is fully air-conditioned. You have a 55” TV that pops up from forward of the galley, plus a sound system that is as good, or maybe even better than you would have at home. The 64 SMY also comes with a portside pantograph door to give easy access to the side and foredeck.
THREE OR FOUR STATEROOMS
There is some flexibility when it comes to the accommodation plan, with either a three or four stateroom layout. Both offer a full-beam master, with an en-suite complete with large shower cubicle, handcrafted vanity cabinet and solid surface benchtop. In the 68 SMY it’s where you can also access the utility room. Storage is abundant throughout the master stateroom, with cedar-lined hanging lockers complete with shoe racks and a built-in safe for your valuables.
The queen size bed is flanked by bedside tables with grain matched leather inlays and a polished timber drawer unit to starboard and chaise lounge to port. An array of LED lighting overhead and massive side windows support the welcoming atmosphere.
The forward VIP cabin is also retained in both layouts, and like the master stateroom has its own en-suite. Features include a walk-around queen size bed, twin overhead hatches, cedar lined hanging lockers and stylish glass hull panels.
The guest stateroom to port has twin berths that can, with the push of a button, slide together to form one double. This cabin shares a combination en-suite/day head, which is used by the starboard guest cabin if you go for the classic four cabin layout. The starboard guest cabin has two adult sized Pullman style berths and a private entrance door. If you only want three cabins, then the space is configured as a small day lounge.
FABULOUS FLYBRIDGE
An internal staircase leads to the flybridge, which feels just like a second saloon, complete with its own rear deck and elevated views. There are two distinct areas, the fully enclosed flybridge and the outside aft deck area.
Inside there is a wet bar with fridge, L shape lounger, with matching ottoman and a forward settee. The helm is super impressive with a trio of 24” Raymarine glass screens, comprehensive coverage of instruments, switches and controls, plus a pair of ultra comfortable helm seats. Above, a Webasto sliding sunroof allows you that open air feel, plus there are sliding side windows for extra natural airflow.
Outside on the upper deck, there is another wet bar, large lounger and even a module to stow the liferaft. There is also a ladder should you need to access the top of the hardtop.
DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL
As the saying goes, the devil is in the detail, and when it comes to Riviera that starts at the keel. The company pride themselves on producing real blue water boats that are designed to handle some of the worst seas around our coastline. Using an experienced team of in-house designers, Riviera has perfected how a boat should perform in rough water. That DNA started back in the 1980s when Riviera produced their first of more than 5000 boats and has been tweaked and improved ever since.
The Riviera 64 SMY has been designed and engineered to deliver the ultimate in blue-water cruising, combining the agility and performance of a sprint boat, with the cruising mastery of a small motor yacht. The 21.23m x 5.80m hull benefits from the proven engineering advances of the Riviera V-drive system, tunnel hull design and a lower shaft angle, that aids stability and enhances efficiency and performance. Dry displacement is 42,000kg.
Standard power is twin MAN turbo V8 1300hp, with optional V12 1550hp, diesels. Both deliver quiet, effortless and smooth acceleration giving the 64 SMY a top speed of 30 knots with the V8 1300s and 34 knots with the upgraded V12 1550s.
Our 64 SMY was fitted with the V12 1550s (Aud$200,000 upcharge), and I got to run it on Auckland Harbour on a calm winter’s day. Best cruise (80%) was around 26 knots @ 1950 rpm, which returned 207lph per engine and a range of around 365nm. Most noticeable was how quiet it was on the flybridge with a decibel reading around 71 dB. Even in the saloon, the lack of engine noise was quite noticeable.
Driving the 64 SMY on the calm waters of the Hauraki Gulf, was effortless. It’s quick to plane and has a shallow bow attitude as it pulls through the rev range. Coupled with a Seakeeper Gyro and Humphree Interceptors, the angle of heel in tight turns is negligible. The Twin Disc EJS propulsion system with the joystick and the thrusters is so user-friendly you can manoeuvre the 64 SMY as easily as a trailer boat.
Overall another superb new model from Riviera that compliments the growing Sport Motor Yacht series. Designed for modern entertaining and living, without sacrificing any on water performance and handling, the 64 Sport Motor Yacht certainly lives up to its name.
Specifications
- Design Name: Riviera 64 Sport Motor Yacht
- Year Launched: 2020
- Builder: Riviera
- LOA: 21.23m
- LOH: 19.02m
- Beam: 5.80m
- Displ (Dry): 42000kg
- Max Speed: 30-34 knots
- Construction: GRP
- Fuel Cap: 6500 litres
- Water Cap: 800 litres
- Engine Make: 2 x MAN V12 1550hp D13-800
- Drive Train: Shaft
- Controls: Twin Disc EJS / Quickshift
- Interceptors: Humphre
- Anchor Winch: Muir
- Gyro: Seakeeper
- Sunroof: Webasto
- Sound System: Fusion
- Dinghy Crane: ADC
- MFD: 3 x Raymarine 24’
- Priced From: $NZ4,300,000
| FUEL & PERFORMANCE DATA | ||||
| RIVIERA 64 SMY | ||||
| Fuel capacity: | 6500 | litres | ||
| RPM | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
| 900 | 8.9 | 52 | 5.9 | 990 |
| 1200 | 10.7 | 133 | 13 | 450 |
| 1600 | 18.3 | 260 | 15 | 390 |
| 1800 | 23.3 | 342 | 15 | 390 |
| 1950 | 25.9 | 414 | 16 | 360 |
| 2150 | 30 | 502 | 17 | 340 |
| 2300 | 33.1 | 580 | 18 | 320 |
| 2355 | 34.1 | 605 | 18 | 320 |
