Riviera Yachts 4300 Sports Express (2025-)

• 2 x 440-hp Volvo Penta D6 IPS 600 w/joystick
• 2 x 12” Garmin touchscreens
• Volvo Penta IPS powered yachts delivered with five-year limited warranty on engines, drives and electronics, and are further supported by Riviera’s two-year and seven-year structural limited warranties
• Living accommodations salon
• Line cutters between props
• 27,000 BTU helm and main deck air conditioning
• 24V-3000W battery charger and inverter
• Transom electric BBQ
• Hydraulic transom platform w/integrated seat
• 2 x 12” Garmin touchscreens
• Two drawer refrigerator/freezer, microwave, food prep area in lower galley
• Anchor chain counter at helm

• 2 x 480-hp Volvo Penta D6 IPS 650 w/joystick, autopilot, line cutters between props, bow thruster
• 18,000 BTU air conditioning in lower accommodations
• Transom docking station
• Volvo Interceptor System for Auto Trim, List, and Coordinated turn
• Volvo Dynamic Positioning System
• Starlink Satellite Internet System
• Dishwasher in lower galley
• Walnut privacy doors in aft cabin
• 2 x 16” Garmin touchscreens
• Sea Keeper 4.5 Gyro
• Pressurized washdown at bow and stern
• Electrically operated aft sun shade
• Kohler generator
• Aft deck refrigeration
• Dishwasher for lower galley
• Extended swim platform
• Solar panels
• Sleipner E100 Bow Thruster
• Garmin 48nm closed array radar
• Rainman 37 gal/hr Modular Watermaker

The 4300 Sports Express is a new model from Riviera Yachts aimed at families who want water sports, room to entertain, and weekend cruising in a high-quality build — with the running costs and reliability of inboard power rather than a wall of outboards.

It is driven by twin Volvo Penta D6 IPS 650 diesels. Notably, nearly every express competitor in the mid-40s class runs the same Volvo Penta D6 package, which is a fair indication that the industry has settled on this as the most efficient way to power a boat of this size. Only one rival in the segment uses outboards.

Bow

The bow sun pad lounges three to four adults, and its backrest support structure is among the most substantial seen on a boat this size. Cup holders and grab handles keep passengers secure under way.

Forward of that is where the 4300 separates itself: recessed bow seating that most boats in class don't offer. Pull the cushions and a table flips up, turning the bow into dining for six with opposing seating right in the eyes of the boat.

This is a dining arrangement you'd normally expect on a 60- or 70-footer — not a 43.

JL Audio speakers, more storage, cup holders, USB ports, and a separate audio zone round it out, so guests up front can set their own volume.

Ground Tackle 

The bow and anchor-locker setup is unusual. Release the latch on the hatch, and gas struts lift the hatch and hold it open. Inside is the electric windlass with an all-chain rode, a remote to control it, and helm control as well. There's fresh- and saltwater washdown, and the boat can be optioned with a pressure washer — rarely seen on a boat of this size — with hookups at both bow and stern for rinsing off saltwater or a muddy chain and anchor. 

To starboard, a deep locker under a hatch suits a large fender and provides primary access to the all-chain anchor locker; a shallower locker to port handles a few dock lines.

The boat comes standard with a chain counter.  

Helm

The first question to ask of any express cruiser is whether you can stand at the helm and see out without stooping under the windshield header. European designers, in particular, think that a low-angled windshield with rooftop sloping down to it, makes for a "sleek-looking" boat.  

Trouble is, the captain can't stand at the helm and see out unless he/she bends over. This is a common shortfall on some European designs that aren't built to ABYC standards. The Riviera is, and standing visibility is excellent.

Seated, the ergonomics are built for long days. The footrest is padded — noticeable the moment you settle in — with a non-skid teak footrest alongside for quick moves off the seat. The driver's seat adjusts electrically for height and fore-and-aft position, the bolster flips down, and the wheel sits on a tilt base.

The helm carries twin 12-inch chartplotter screens, with an option to step up to 16-inch displays, and four AC ducts on the dash to keep the cabin conditioned on hot days. To the right of the tilt-base wheel are the spotlight control, Seakeeper gyro controls, joystick, and throttles, plus Garmin controls within easy reach so the operator can zoom the chart, drop waypoints, and work the autopilot without leaning forward to touch the screen. 

Practical Details

A small recessed cubby with USB ports handles device charging, and just to starboard below is easy access to the VHF radio. The helm seat is electrically actuated for height and fore-and-aft position, so you can dial in the sweet spot under way. A compartment under the dash opens to electrical fuses and control boxes, and the AC system sits under the helm seat, which unlocks and tilts forward for easy service access.

Controls fall to hand without leaning into the dash. To the right of the wheel are the spotlight switch, Seakeeper gyro controls, joystick, and throttles, plus Garmin controls that let you zoom the chart, drop waypoints, and work the autopilot without reaching for the touchscreen. A recessed cubby with USB ports handles device charging.

There is one element of the dash design, we'd like to see changed: the illuminated buttons for some accessories are mounted behind the wheel.  This design makes them hard to see, and harder still to reach around and touch. Wethink Riviera could move them to the right of the wheel on the dash facing.

Living Accommodations 

Her high freeboard allows for excellent headroom throughout and her accommodations cabin reads more like a loft than a boat. The view runs uninterrupted from the forward cabin to the guest cabin-area aft, and hull-side windows plus layered lighting keep it bright, open, and airy. Upholstered surfaces — in place of the vinyl settees common on overnighting express cruisers — give it a homier, more comfortable feel.

Handholds and non-skid treads make the companionway safe under way. A CZone digital switching system handles the transition from cruising mode to entertaining mode in one step: it shuts down the loads you don't need at anchor — the Garmin displays, the VHF — and powers up the ones you do, without hunting through breakers.

The L-shaped seating with hi/lo table converts to a berth or lounge, paired with a high-end TV and sound system, and storage runs to two pull-out drawers, a cabinet, an overhead cabinet, and a companionway compartment reachable from cabin or deck.

Galley

To starboard, the galley handles the stove, microwave, and the boat's primary refrigeration. Buyers can swap the lower refrigerator/freezer for a dishwasher. A hull-side window brings in daylight, while recessed LED strip lighting and a mirror stretch the sense of space; a dedicated trash bin tucks under the counter.

Head

Forward to starboard, the head has a generously sized shower with a bench seat and a cubby shelf to keep soaps and shampoos secure — a real shower, not a token one. A vanity with a vessel sink offers storage above and below, and a hull-side window has an opening port.

Worth noting: every opening port on the boat is alarmed, so if one is open as you get under way, an alarm sounds before you take water aboard. The shower door is engineered well beyond the norm — solid and smooth-operating where many boats cut corners.

Forward Owner's Cabin

A sliding bulkhead locks into place and the door closes off, making a private cabin -- if desired. The craftsmanship shows here: high-gloss walnut (a matte finish is optional). A cedar-lined hanging locker sits to starboard, with a larger one to port.

We should point out that increasingly motoryacht builders are dropping the traditional cedar-lined hanging lockers – even boats over 100 feet. So, it is notable, that Riviera continues the tradition of the more costly cedar.

The island berth has four drawers at the foot and a larger storage space beneath — the bow thruster, if optioned, lives there. Upholstery is padded throughout, with hull-side windows, recessed strip and puck lighting, reading lights, and an overhead hatch for ventilation.

Aft Guest Cabin

One step down leads to the aft cabin. The overhead drops considerably, but seated headroom is adequate, and the beam keeps it feeling large and airy. Thee ae two berths in this area; the port berth is noticeably wider than the starboard one. Two storage drawers sit underneath, and a shallow side table spans both berths with a hidden drawer and USB ports — a natural spot for phones and chargers.

Mirror, padded upholstery, and hull-side windows finish it off, with a hanging locker forward. For more privacy, the standard curtain can be upgraded to the same walnut doors used forward.

Main Deck

The enclosed main-deck coupe is the primary social zone. The port side-entry door connects the foredeck to this space, and just inside is a well-equipped wet bar: ice maker, glassware and stemware storage, and a refrigerator finished to match the joinery rather than left as bare stainless, plus rear storage for wine or small items, a dedicated trash bin, and a sink.

A sunroof above the helm brings in light and ventilation. The L-shaped seating includes storage and USB charging, and the seatbacks rise as the seat lifts. One clever option is a chiller plate built into the seat base — effectively a refrigerated locker, holding the canvas covers at a chilled 42°F. 

Opposite, a second run of L-shaped seating pairs with an optional hi/lo table that drops to form a daybed; the freestanding cooler shown earlier pulls out to add seating at the table when the guest list grows. Clear enclosures close the space off for heat or cold, and an overhead grab handle is the kind of blue-water touch Riviera is known for.

Climate Control Done Right

A second BoatTEST captain aboard a sistership flagged the air conditioning specifically. Riviera has, if anything, overbuilt it: three AC receptacles at the windshield, four at the helm, three more behind the helm, and two on the starboard side.

Most express cruisers promise that closing in the cockpit will keep it cool. This is one of the few where that's actually true.

A TV mounted above turns the space into an outdoor movie room — drop the table, drop in the filler cushion, and settle in at anchor.

Aft End

The transom is the boat's social anchor on the water. The 12-foot-wide stern platform is open and safe to swim around — no outboards, no exposed propellers — and functions as swim step, beach, and gathering spot in one.

Two steps down is one of the standout zones aboard. Under the steps is a large storage area, available with a tender cradle and charging port. The cooking station has a sink beneath the countertop, an electric grill, and storage that includes a dedicated trash bin and an inflator for water toys.

Then there's the storage cavity: a through-hull locker that runs roughly 10 to 12 feet back under the cockpit, deep enough to stow inflated stand-up paddleboards fully rigged. A hot-and-cold pressurized freshwater shower is close by, and the hydraulic swim platform carries and launches a tender, with a seat and cup holders that turn the lowered platform into yet another place to relax by the water.

Side Decks and Foredeck

The side decks are asymmetrical. To go forward under way, the port side is the easier route — the deck is lower and the side-boarding door lets you move through the cabin to midship and back out. A high bow rail and high gunwale add security up top.
The carbon-fiber sunshade poles stow in dedicated storage tucked under the gunwale, with the shade fabric housed a few steps forward for fast setup.

Machinery Space

Accessed via a large hatch in the aft salon deck, and while not a stand up engine room, there is an easy access ladder down and a suitable sitting space from which to survey and get to critical maintenance checks and perform any necessary work. The first thing that stands out is the fuel tank. The valves on top are easily accessible. This is a fiberglass fuel tank built specifically to fit the space — far superior to the aluminum tanks often seen on boats this size, because it won't corrode and there are no welds to develop pinhole cracks.

Unusual for a yacht this size, a sight gauge lets you visually confirm how much fuel is aboard rather than relying solely on electrical sensors.

Daily checks and even some routine maintenance can be done without much trouble. The big reason is that 14-foot-7-inch beam: most other 43-footers in class run the same engines with 10 inches to 2 feet less beam and, typically, 2 feet less hull length

All-important items are easily reachable: ea cocks, sea and raw-water strainers, oil checks, water filters, the electrical system, and the generator — including its dipstick and an easily accessible fuel filter.

Sitting in the helm seat and taking the wheel of the Riviera 4300 Sports Express is like being in control of a powerful sports car. Balancing performance with economy, courtesy of a pair of optional 480-hp Volvo Penta D6 IPS 650’s, makes this model a superior choice for a hands-on cruising couple.

With trim assist engaged, our test boat easily came up on plane and while we did experience some bow rise, we never lost sight of the horizon. We also found that during all our maneuvers and speed runs, we experienced a quiet interior cabin due to the addition of superior sound dampening materials throughout the construction process.

Our test day saw calm wind from 5-10 knots with an air temperature at 64° and relative humidity at 69%. Test weight was approximately 37,317 pounds with 70% of the 316 gallon capacity of fuel on board. There were four people aboard.

The boat topped out at 33 knots with everything smooth and quiet in the cabin. Riviera packs a good amount of sound-dampening material into the engine room, and with the helm enclosure mostly buttoned up — the aft section was open a little — it stays quiet inside. The boat handles easily too; there's no fighting the wheel to hold a straight line, and it leans predictably into a hard turn to starboard, comfortable and holding its line.

The Performance Numbers

We saw our top speed come in at 33.2 knots at 3800 rpm. 

Best cruise came at 3250 rpm with a 25.9 knot turn of speed and a 214 nautical mile range with a 10% fuel reserve. 

During hole shot runs, we went from 0-10 mph in 4.5 seconds, 20 mph in 10.5 seconds, and 0-30 mph in 22.0 seconds. She tracked straight and true during our speed runs and was under complete control during turns and hard over maneuvers. During docking operations, and utilizing the joy stick with dock assist mode, we experienced a precise ability with no need to make any last minute moves or adjustments. In total, the Riviera 4300 Sports Express is a pleasure to drive and operate.

Docking

The 4300 is equipped with dock-assist mode, but the traditional joystick approach brings her alongside nicely — slow and parallel to the dock, backing off just enough to barely kiss the fenders before tying up. There's also an optional remote control station on the port quarter: this second joystick location lets you dock the boat and then step off to make fast, which is a real help when the helm sightlines aren't ideal for coming alongside solo.

The Bottom Line

Under way, the 4300 Sports Express delivers on the promise of its name — a genuinely sporty, quiet, easily handled express cruiser with the efficiency and reliability of diesel IPS power. But the details underneath the performance are what separate it: an honest hull length, class-leading beam that pays off in stability and a workable engine room, a fiberglass fuel tank with a sight gauge, and helm ergonomics built for long days. It's a boat that holds up to scrutiny well after the sea trial ends.

An Honest 43

When buying any boat, know exactly how big she really is. Most builders exaggerate length by quoting length overall (LOA) rather than the actual hull length, because they know buyers compare length against price. Traditional builders like Riviera don't do that.

The 4300 measures 45 feet 6 inches LOA, but Riviera calls her the 4300 because her hull length is 43 feet 6 inches — where the name comes from. Many other so-called 43s in the class are actually 10 inches to a foot or two shorter on the hull.

The Beam Advantage

One of the most consequential details on the 4300 is her beam: 14 feet 7 inches, which is 9 inches to a foot and a half more than most other boats in class. That extra width makes her more stable in a seaway and roomier both on deck and below — a theme that pays off repeatedly as you move through the boat.

The Riviera 4300 Sports Express, with its blue water heritage deeply rooted in the often challenging waters of Australia, offers it owners and their guests a sporty, performance-based yacht with luxurious surroundings. Perfectly balanced with Volvo Penta IPS inboard diesel engines, in either 440- or 480-hp, not only provides dependable service but economy as well when planning extended time away. 

Couple that with a pair of well-appointed staterooms, large head with separate shower compartment, plenty of storage space, below deck salon, and exciting décor to satisfy any taste, a long list of standard and optional equipment, and the Riviera 4300 Sports Express is a personal yacht designed and engineered for all the right reasons. Her entertaining spaces on the main deck and bow, along with dining areas, add yet another dimension to her ability to provide a personal statement of ownership.

REMEMBER, LIFE IS BETTER ON A BOAT!

Experts and Boat Owners

What has set BoatTEST apart from the many video-makers currently on the Internet and Social Media is the fact that for 26 years, only USCG-Licensed captains and experienced boat owners have tested and written our reports and made our videos. We believe that to provide boat owners the information they deserve, only other boat owners – who know the challenges of ownership -- can accurately report on it.  It is that level of expertise and ownership experience that goes into every video and Captain’s Report that we publish.  Because we know what it is like owning and operating a boat, we can pass-on the information that prospective boat buyers need to know.

Capt. Trip Smith

Capt. Trip Smith holds a USCG 100-Ton license and has 22 years of experience navigating various types of boats, such as center consoles, runabouts, wake boats, and cruisers. He now owns a 22’ C-Dory. At 36 years old, he is living the dream of escaping the typical 9 to 5 job and has become a popular boat adventure video creator with over 75,000 YouTube subscribers. Capt. Trip Smith's expertise is evident in his 434 videos, where he shares his experiences spearfishing, collecting scallops, cooking fresh grouper on his boat’s grill, and planning his next adventure. Capt. Trip has an impressive background as a firefighter, outboard engine mechanic, boat rigger, fiberglass repair and restoration expert, and kayak safety teacher. 

Capt. Ken Kreisler

Capt. Ken Kreisler is a well-known figure in the marine industry, with extensive experience testing boats for major boating magazines. He has held USCG 100-Ton License for 40 years and has served as a delivery and charter fishboat captain, project manager for two small passenger ferry catamarans, making sure every details met USCG build standards. Capt. Ken is an accomplished writer, having received several BWI awards and the John Burroughs Association certificate of commendation for his children's book, "NATURE SPY," published by Macmillan. He resides with his family on the Shrewsbury River in Monmouth Beach, NJ, where he enjoys boating on his 24-foot Grady White Explorer.