One of the most exciting new launches to burst on to the world platform of spectacular big boats is Riviera’s new 565 SUV model. She debuted earlier this year at the popular Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and Riviera Festival and rightfully took her place in the spotlight.
The Australian make, Riviera, has 14 boats in it, ranging from the famous Flybridge Game Fisher and Cruisers as well as the Sport Yachts and the new Belize Range to the new SUV range.
Boaters, wowed by the 445 that put Riviera’s Sports Utility Vessel (SUV) line on the world map last year, clamoured to see what chief designer Stephen Ford and his team had come up with this time. Built on the trusted hull of the Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge with a whole new look from the gunnel up, the 565 is 60 feet of pure luxury combined with all the practical functionality one could wish for in this segment of the market. Not only is she eye-catching with her sleek exterior, but her spacious design is a clever hybrid of Classic Flybridge high performance, the fishability of the Offshore Express, and the al fresco-style entertaining features of the popular Sport Yacht series.
Although there’s no flybridge, visibility is as good as any, thanks to the panoramic windscreen and huge sliding side windows. As for those keen on a bit of sunlight in the cabin, the sleek, low profile hardtop has two large manually sliding sunroof hatches (with insect and shade screens if needed!) – through which natural light and fresh air pour into the saloon.
On the inside
The large helm station to port, inspired by the contemporary look of European cars, has an ergonomically designed dash for easy access to all components and can fit three 15-inch screens, controls, and the Volvo joystick which is great for coastal cruising or sports fishing.
The pilot, co-pilot and two friends can sit upfront together in four comfy high-backed helm chairs. What’s more, three of these swivel 180 degrees to face the saloon so they can join in the conversation of at least eight other guests relaxing on the plush L-shaped lounge. Another three-seater starboard side lounge lifts up to reveal storage below including space for rods. You’ll also find an electric lift glass cabinet in the bar area and a fold down headliner which conceals a TV on swivel brackets over the starboard bar area. The customised dining table – if you need an extra sleeping spot for two – swivels this time.
Built on the trusted hull of the Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge with a whole new look from the gunnel up, the 565 is 60 feet of pure luxury combined with all the practical functionality one could wish for in this segment of the market. Not only is she eye-catching with her sleek exterior, but her spacious design is a clever hybrid of Classic Flybridge high performance, the fishability of the Offshore Express, and the al fresco-style entertaining features of the popular Sport Yacht series.
Although there’s no flybridge, visibility is as good as any, thanks to the panoramic windscreen and huge sliding side windows. As for those keen on a bit of sunlight in the cabin, the sleek, low profile hardtop has two large manually sliding sunroof hatches (with insect and shade screens if needed!) – through which natural light and fresh air pour into the saloon. On the inside The large helm station to port, inspired by the contemporary look of European cars, has an ergonomically designed dash for easy access to all components and can fit three 15-inch screens, controls, and the Volvo joystick which is great for coastal cruising or sports fishing.
The pilot, co-pilot and two friends can sit upfront together in four comfy high-backed helm chairs. What’s more, three of these swivel 180 degrees to face the saloon so they can join in the conversation of at least eight other guests relaxing on the plush L-shaped lounge. Another three-seater starboard side lounge lifts up to reveal storage below including space for rods. You’ll also find an electric lift glass cabinet in the bar area and a fold down headliner which conceals a TV on swivel brackets over the starboard bar area. The customised dining table – if you need an extra sleeping spot for two – swivels 90 degrees and drops down level with the lounge to create a double bed with cushion insert.
Cooking is made easy in the U-shaped aft galley which boasts all the latest appliances including an LG convection microwave oven and a fourplate stovetop with potholders, while four fridge drawers and two freezer drawers keep everything fresh and cool. With Corian benchtops throughout, and seeing as the sink even has fill-ins allowing for extra bench space, the cooks certainly won’t be on one another’s toes. There’s also an optional drawer dishwasher, a top loading garbage bin and ample overhead cupboard space.
