We tested the previous version of the Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Series II two years ago, but now there is a successor, the Platinum Edition. The shipyard has radically changed the Sport Yacht Series. As for Riviera, the following applies: a change should always be an improvement. The test took place in the sales marina of Best Boats in Roermond, the Netherlands.
The video is in Dutch audio. For English subtitles, turn on the captions and then select auto-translate to English.
Location & Export
The Riviera shipyard is located in Coomera, a suburb of the Australian city, Gold Coast - a promising name - about 60 kilometres below Brisbane. 850 people work at the yard, to ensure the top quality of this premium brand, which has launched almost 6,000 yachts in over 40 years. 60% of all Riviera's are exported, many to the United States and the Mediterranean. As Best Boats in Roermond is a dealer for Northern and Western Europe, you will often see the striking Rivieras in these regions.
Additions
The addition of the word "Platinum" in this new edition refers to the silver hardtop, the grey Sunbrella and Alcantara upholstery. But it's not just the colours and fabrics that have changed - the hull has also been lengthened and modified to accommodate a stabiliser system. In the Netherlands, there may not be much demand for this, but in the homeland of this boat, Australia, it is often a requirement because of the oceans around this continent. The version tested was the Europe edition, with a lockable rear tent and three separate climate control systems, each with its own thermostat to heat or cool the rooms separately. Also something fun: with remote control, you can switch on the underwater lighting and prepare the boat for departure. Of course, apart from this you can remotely monitor and control the heater and other important systems.
The Platinum edition of Riviera. Photo: Laurens Koster.
The boat provides a lot of value for your money.
As for the length, don't be fooled by numbers like 4800. This Riviera is not 48 feet but almost 52 feet (15.7 metres) long. This is because, in Australia, they take the length of the hull as a starting point and do not include things like the hydraulic swimming platform and the pulpit. So on a 48-footer like this, you get a lot of value for your money. The Sport Yacht series by Riviera consists of two other models, a 54 feet (16.4 metres) and a 60 feet (18.3 metres) Sport Yacht. The principles and the versions are the same, only the size is different. On such a 54 or 60 feet you have a larger tender garage, and a crew room. In this way, Riviera tries to design their yachts so that you don't have to wish for anything else. When you step onboard, you notice that this is true. Everything is carried out to the highest standards.
The rear of the boat with its swimming platform and tender garage. Photo: Riviera
Features of a Superyacht
The swimming platform can be lowered hydraulically, which is handy in many ways. The tender garage fits a rib of 2.70 m. In terms of construction, this is the strongest boat in its size. Everything breathes solidity. It has to be because around Australia the ocean can be merciless. That is why you know for sure that the yard only uses the best and strongest materials in steering, driving and construction. This is also evident in the well-thought-out aft deck, with a large transom bank, a corner seat with a table on the starboard side and enough space in between for easy entry and exit. Another fun fact is that you can steer the boat with a joystick, which you usually only see on superyachts.
The dashboard and the boat's controls. Photo: Riviera
A trustworthy engine room
Other fine details are the barbecue section on the rear deck and the stainless steel façade. If you slide the door open and open the window using the strong gas spring, you can create one large open rear deck. The roof above the rear deck contains hatches that can be opened electrically. Once again, the construction breathes class as well as solidity. The boat's beating heart is located in the meticulously cared for engine room: two Volvo-Penta 600hp diesel engines with IPS 800 drives. There is also an 11kW 1500 rpm generator and space for a gyro stabilisation system. Everything is perfectly installed.
The engine room of the boat. Photo: Riviera Style and luxury
Inside, the luxury is endless. On the port side, you will find a galley, covered with Corian, with, of course, an electric cooker. On the starboard, you will find a large lounge. By the dashboard, you will see two magnificent Recaro helm seats, the driver's seat is electrically adjustable, the other by the hand. The woodwork has been perfectly executed with burr walnut veneer, all standard on this Platinum edition. Luxury Sunbrella and Alcantara fabrics have also been used for the furniture. The woodwork is not finished in high-gloss as standard in Australia but has a matt finish. In high-gloss, you can see every unevenness, but imperfections are not to be found in this mat's lacquered wood either. The whole radiates benevolent luxury that makes this cruiser a perfect boat for families with style and taste.
The interior of the boat. Photo: Riviera
Room to relax
Downstairs you will find a cosy lounge area, where you can relax privately out of sight. Here you have two options: a smaller lounge and a larger owner's cabin or the version described next. In the front, you will find the owner's cabin with five-star luxury, with its own spacious bathroom. The sunken television is connected to the Dolby surround system, so you can enjoy high-quality music everywhere. The guest cabin is located under the salon floor and has three beds, two of which can be electrically connected. Here too, everything has been cleverly and thoughtfully arranged.
The owner's cabin with ensuite bathroom. Photo: Best Boats
Power and speed
As for the boat test itself, the great thing about the IPS system is that you can moor to the millimetre with the joystick. Another advantage is that these drives produce less noise, consume less fuel and improve performance. It is the most advanced propulsion system at the moment. The top is reached smoothly at 34.5 knots, which is well over 39 miles/h. That is extraordinary for such a solidly built yacht of over 18.5 tonnes and says everything about the quality of the watercraft. Because this boat is built for rough water, you can be sure that it is strong enough for the conditions of the mild European waterways.
The back of the Platinum edition of Riviera. Photo: Laurens Koster.Outstanding performance
Each Riviera is tested for four days before delivery, at full speed for hours at 34 knots over the sea, over 39 miles per hour. If a boat passes this test you can be sure that everything works properly. Moreover, the warranty conditions are generous: 2 years on parts, 5 years on the engine and 7 years on the construction. Also during our test trip, the Riviera behaves like the best student in the class. For all aspects like turning circle, manoeuvrability, behaviour in the waves and acceleration the Riviera achieves the highest marks.
Conclusion
This Riviera is a yacht for people who only want the best. A yacht on which you have nothing more to wish for because all the details have been perfectly completed. With the Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Series II Platinum edition the importer Best Boats certainly lives up to her name.
Technical data: Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Series II Platinum edition.
Take a look at the Riviera Sport Yacht 4800 Series II Platinum edition on Bestboats.nl.
