Riviera unveiled a new lineup of Sport Yachts at the Sanctuary Cove boat show, dubbed the Platinum Series. The models have been developed not only to build on the design and runaway success of their Sport Yacht range, but to take them to yet another level in terms of styling, finesse and function. “It is a wonderful celebration of the inspired and time-proven design of our Sport Yacht range. Over the past 14 years, Riviera has launched over 507 Sport Yachts,” said Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst.
Updates to the three Platinum Edition Sport Yachts—4800, 5400 and 6000—include hardtops and targa arches in the builder’s striking Platinum Silver along with a gunmetal upholstered sunbed on the foredeck. Electronic arrays, air vents and boot tops are rendered in a stealth-like black finish.
Complementing the lounges are new Recaro sports helm seats with Alcantara inserts and contrasting diamond hand-stitching. Elsewhere are Sunbrella fabric headliners and wall linings, while head soles have a new luxe Corian finish.
I ran all three boats in the same morning on the Gold Coast Broadwater. I was impressed with their quietness, especially at cruise speeds, and how dry the boats are. Extremely easy to drive and very responsive, they are hard to fault when it comes to handling and performance—and if you go a step further and add a Seakeeper and interceptors, they are just about perfect.
2020 Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Series II
Of all three new Platinum Series boats, the changes to the 4800 have the most significant impact in my opinion. Power is upgraded to the larger, 600-hp Volvo Penta IPS800s which yielded a top end just shy of 35 knots and a 28.2-knot cruise at 2700 rpm; the latter is good for a range of 299 nautical miles. The waterline has been extended underneath the boarding platform for more buoyancy and to accommodate the gyro. The cockpit has been smartly reconfigured with a wet bar area with grill and sink. In the salon, a pair of electric overhead sunroofs bring in light and fresh air. The gloss walnut glows throughout—oak or cherry are also available. Belowdecks, the two-stateroom layout has also been updated with more luxurious hard and soft goods. When Riviera launched their first 3600 Sport Yacht 14 years ago, they set the standard for over 500 Riviera Sport Yachts that would follow. With the launch of the Platinum Series, the sporty vessels have developed into a more sophisticated, better appointed line with high standards of presentation, appointments and finish. It will be a hard act to follow. —Barry Thompson
LOA: 51’6”
Beam: 15’1”
Draft: 4’ 1”
Displ.: 40,929 lb
Fuel: 555 gal.
Water: 106 gal.
Power: 2/600-hp Volvo Penta IPS800
Cruise Speed: 28 knots
Top Speed: 34 knots