Riviera Yachts 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition (2026-)

• Hydraulic swim platform
• 2 x Volvo D11 IPS 950 725-hp)
• Volvo Dynamic Positioning System
• 3 stateroom, 2 head layout w/laundry room
• Aft deck docking station w/joystick
• Salon galley
• 2 x 19” glass bridge touchscreens
• Autopilot
• Cameras for anchor, engine room, aft deck, swim platformCameras for anchor, engine room, aft deck, swim platform

• Humphree Stabilization Fins
• Extended hard top
• Solar Power
• KVH Satellite TV
• 10’11” RIB Tender w/outboard or Williams Jet
• Electronics package
• Sea Recovery Aquamatic water maker
• Starlink Satellite internet system
• Garmin closed array radar
• Garmin AIS
• FLIR thermal camera
• VHF loudhailer

Bow

Entertaining, lounging, taking in the sights whether underway or on the hook, the bow space presents the first of several areas aboard lending themselves to enjoyment.

Helm

Providing both driver and guests with an exciting space from which to navigate, the helm will sure to be yet another favorite place to gather.

Salon

Sure to be the focal point of gathering, the salon on the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht has been designed to do just that with seating surrounded by wide windows and luxurious décor.

Aft

Another gathering space aboard the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht that is sure to be hit with owners and guests is the aft end. Easily accessed via the large swim platform, and a pair of stairs, good times aboard await.

Machinery Space

Given its size and configuration, the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht has a fully stand-up machinery space.

Living Accommodations

An under 60-foot yacht with a trio of staterooms and a pair of heads, makes the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht a complete blue water traveler.

Designed and engineered to be run by a seasoned couple, our test Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht has a dry weight of 56,571 pounds. For our performance test, we had three people on board and 37% of a total of 872-gallon fuel capacity along with minimum gear. Our test weight was approximately 59,806 pounds. Test day saw relatively calm conditions with 5-10 knots of wind, air temperature of 64°, and relative humidity of 69%. She was powered by a pair of 725-hp Volvo Penta IPS 950’s.

Bringing the engines up to 2560 rpm, we noted a top speed of 31.5 knots/36.2 mph. We found our best cruise at 1750 rpm to be 17.3 knots with a 437.0 nautical mile range with a 10% fuel reserve.

When we took her offshore, for a bit more seaway to deal with, we found she handled well, responded to trimming out, and noted a sound level at a quiet 71/73bda. We found her to be responsive to the helm during several maneuvers and especially with her optional aft station and Assisted Docking Software during docking maneuvers, single handed operations are straightforward and user-friendly.

The Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht occupies that special size place enabling a seasoned couple to own and operate a large, mid-sized yacht designed and engineered to spend quality travel time in comfort, style, and safety. With Rivera’s blue water DNA built in, this is the kind of boat intended to take its owners and their guests on extended voyages. To that end, she provides a trio of staterooms, luxurious décor, and plenty of storage space.

Powered by a pair of 750-hop Volvo Penta IPS 950 inboards, with 872 gallons of fuel, she has plenty of power and range to satisfy the needs of blue water travel. And with a deep list of standard and optional equipment, the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht will be a personal statement of ownership. Or, as they say Down Under, “She’s a real ripper!”

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. Frank Messina

Capt. Frank Messina is the newest member of the Boat TEST Team. He brings a rare blend of marine technical and hands-on experience to every test he conducts -- because he is a certified marine surveyor and has owned 9 boats from 24' to 34' of several types and brands. Some of those boats he has re-built from the keel up, and there for knows intimately every system on boats in the mid-range. He is particularly expert on electrical systems. He holds a USCG Master 100-Ton license, and is a member of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), staying up to date on the standards that keep vessels safe and compliant. He's also a Marine Rescue first responder.

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.

Overview

The Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition is the Australian builder's latest entry in the 56-foot motor yacht category. She is intended for families seeking a luxurious yacht for entertaining at home and weekend cruises, while retaining enough range and ruggedness for offshore use (excepting transoceanic passages). Captain Frank Messina, testing the boat for this review, holds a hundred-ton license and works as a marine surveyor, inspecting approximately 200 boats per year, many in this class.

Specifications

• Length overall: 61 feet, 2 inches
• Beam: 16 feet, 9 inches
• Draft: 5 feet, 1 inch
• Dry weight: 56,571 pounds
• Test weight (as tested): 59,806 pounds, with three people aboard, 37% fuel in the 872-gallon tanks, and minimum gear
• Fuel capacity: 872 gallons

Performance

• Top speed: 31.5 knots (36.2 mph) at wide-open throttle, engines at 2,560 RPM
• Most economical cruise speed: 17.3 knots at 1,750 RPM, achieving 0.55 nautical miles per gallon
• Range at economical cruise: 437 nautical miles, holding a 10% fuel reserve
• Endurance at economical cruise: over 25 hours, allowing three consecutive eight-hour days on a single load of fuel
• Captain Messina noted this range permits a Jacksonville, Florida to New York City delivery with only one fuel stop

Captain Messina attributed the range to three factors, stated directly: "One, her efficient IPS pod drives. Two, her moderate displacement that falls right in the middle of motor yachts in her class. And three, her 872-gallon fuel capacity, which is one of the greatest in class."

Sea Trial / Handling

Testing was conducted offshore in rough morning conditions, at approximately 25 knots. Captain Messina's assessment: "This boat handled very well... She's coming out of the water flat. She's responded to trim and steering very well. The ergonomics here at the helm are good. The visibility's good. I'm 6'1"."

Noise Levels

• 73 decibels at wide-open throttle
• 71 decibels at best cruise speed

Captain Messina characterized this as: "quiet enough for a normal conversation." He also noted the engine room insulation subjectively affects the driving experience: "This boat's so quiet. The engine room's so insulated. It's like a cloud almost, driving it. You really have to pay attention to your engine gauges. You could be all the way to the pins on this boat at 2,600 RPM and look down and be like, 'Oh, my gosh, I'm at 100% engine load, and I didn't even hear it.'"

Four reasons were cited for the quiet operation:

1. Composite insulation in the engine room (not skimped on)
2. IPS pod drives, which run quieter than straight shafts
3. Tight-fitting or cushioned bulkheads, cabinets, and doors to prevent vibration noise
4. The 872-gallon fiberglass fuel tank positioned between the engine room and accommodation section, which absorbs sound

Helm

• Two fully motorized helm seats — one rotates, one does not; one adjusts vertically, one does not. Upholstered in Bentley suede stitching.
• Dash described by Captain Messina as: "uncluttered and simple."
• Standard equipment: two large Garmin touchscreens, CZone screen, Volvo Penta screen, bow thruster, chain counter, VHF radio, autopilot
• Available option: induction smartphone chargers
• Illuminated on-off buttons for frequently used accessories are mounted on the dash facing rather than behind the wheel, where such controls are harder to see and reach
• Standard Sentinel telemetric system transmits boat data to the owner's smartphone and to the dealer for diagnostic purposes, and allows remote monitoring/activation of onboard systems

Docking and Maneuvering

Two joysticks are standard: one at the starboard helm, one on the aft deck to port. The test boat was equipped with an optional starboard-side joystick. Captain Messina's assessment: "Handling the 5600 offshore is easy. It's docking which creates anxiety in some boaters. That's why Riviera makes two joysticks standard... This makes docking easy, particularly when backing into a slip."

Ground Tackle / Bow

• Vertically mounted Muir 3500 windlass with chain
• Port-side compartment holding freshwater washdown, saltwater washdown, manual windlass release, and remote controls
• Captain Messina, at 6'1", confirmed he could physically reach in to clear a tangled anchor rode/chain by hand: "It's imperative that you're able to get into access like this and untangle it yourself, and at 6'1", I can do that."
• Port and starboard storage compartments for lines, fenders, and cleaning supplies

Fueling and Shore Power

• A gauge displays real-time diesel tank fill level while fueling
• Shore power connection includes a 50-amp Glendinning power cable retractor (toggle-switch operated) and an additional 30-amp connection for battery chargers
• Two ELCIs serve as breakers for the 30-amp and 50-amp connections
• Saltwater and freshwater washdown, plus an air chuck for inflatables, located at this station

Tender Garage / Swim Platform

• Tender garage accommodates a 10-foot, 11-inch outboard tender or a Williams jet tender
• Dinghy launches on rollers and rails over the standard hydraulic swim platform
• Tender retrieval via electric pulley

Engine Room

• Access via starboard side, under the stairs to the aft deck
• Engines: twin Volvo D11 IPS, 725 horsepower each, inline six-cylinder
• Captain Messina noted headroom under the tender garage as a distinguishing feature: "In no other vessel is there headroom under a tender garage, except for the Riviera 5600."
• Bilge pump, float switch, high-water alarm, and Humphree trim tab controller access confirmed as reachable from this space
• Pod access is described as easy; Captain Messina recommends frequent oil sampling for vessels with pod drives
• Turbo and exhaust pipe attach to the engine (not the hull), independently supported via the engine mount, to prevent flange cracking or cooling system damage from hull flex
• Exhaust hose has independent support for its long run
• Exhaust connects at the base of the IPS drive and exits through the pod abaft the props, which Captain Messina states "virtually eliminates the station wagon effect and exhaust smell"

Water, Power, and House Systems

• Watermaker: Legend brand
• Water heater: ATI, noted by Captain Messina as unusually accessible: "which is very rare"
• House batteries: five Fusion Premium lithium iron phosphate deep-cycle batteries, powering the inverter system and house loads
  
  • Rated to discharge to 100% without damage (unlike conventional batteries)
  • Rated for 2,000–4,000 full cycles
  • Expected lifespan: 10 years, with the first 5 years under full warranty
  • Double as cold-cranking batteries for the engines
  • Mastervolt inverter powers appliances, allowing air conditioning to run overnight without the generator
• A second alternator is fitted to each engine (two dedicated alternators total) to charge house batteries while underway; light loads run off alternators/batteries, reserving generator use for heavy draws
• Inverter charger system includes a house bank battery charger, auxiliary battery charger, and engine battery bank charger
• DC distribution panel is labeled and described as very accessible
• CZone switching system allows control of most systems from the helm's multifunction display (Garmin); manual override switches and fuses are accessible at a secondary panel
• Manual battery distribution panel allows manual battery activation and paralleling

Fuel Tank

• Material: fiberglass (rather than aluminum)
• Fitted with a sight gauge for visual fuel level checchecking — a feature Captain Messina called "a throwback to old school yachting"
• Captain Messina's stated rationale for fiberglass construction: "It's more expensive to make than aluminum and better because it can't rust, lowers the yacht's center of gravity, and is better at blocking engine noise."

Seacocks, Cameras, and Monitoring

• Groco sea strainers, described as large, high quality, and easy to access
• Camera system: five standard cameras — two covering the engine room, one on the anchor, one on the aft deck, and one on the stern platform

Air Conditioning

• Individual condensers are used rather than a single large chiller, so that a failure in one unit does not eliminate AC throughout the boat
• Delta T combination air intake and demisters are fitted above the chillers — described by Captain Messina as "the best and most costly system on the market," intended to keep salt spray out of the engine room and reduce corrosion and electrical faults

Through-Hull Fittings (Surveyor's Note)

Captain Messina, speaking in his capacity as a marine surveyor, highlighted the through-hull fitting installation method: "Note that all of Riviera's through-hull fittings below the waterline are affixed to a raised composite pad, rather than being screwed or bolted directly to the hull's bottom, as I often see. Even though it is not required by ABYC or CE standards, it is the best practice for strength at one of the yacht's most vulnerable places."

Generator

• Model: Cummins Onan, 21.5 kW diesel
• Captain Messina's assessment: "That's a lot of juice for a boat of this size."

Additional Systems Access

• Deck wash pump and Glendinning cable recoiler system located behind the secondary entryway stairs
• Hydraulic pump for the hydraulic swim platform is located in this same area

Captain Messina, drawing on his surveying background, emphasized the importance of this pump's accessibility: "When I'm surveying a boat, all the time I see wasted swages, wasted pump, rust everywhere, because these pumps are usually hidden. This pump on this Riviera is very accessible... If you can't get to it easy, that means you're not going to get to it at all, which means it's going to fail you in the future. So accessibility is key, and I'm going to give a thumbs up for that."

Overview

This inspection covers the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht, part of the Riviera Sport Yacht series. The reviewer stated the boat's design purpose directly: "Our job today [is] to explain what this boat is designed to do, so you can figure out if this is the one for you."

Rationale for the 56-Foot Size Class

The reviewer identified four specific reasons the 56-foot size is advantageous:

1. Cabin capacity: "Fifty-six feet is about as small as you want to go to have a boat that comfortably fits three cabins." Configuration: a master for owner/partner, a VIP cabin (for grown or young children), and a guest cabin (for children or grandchildren).
2. Slip availability: "With more and more boats on the water, it's getting harder and harder to find slips. Bigger boats have to call way in advance. Many marinas can't even handle a 65 or 70-footer, but most every place can handle a 56-footer."
3. Operating costs: Stated as "about as low as you're going to get in the motor yacht category." The reviewer also noted insurability as a related consideration: "Insurance companies will insure most anyone who has a decent amount of experience to own a boat such as this, and that's a key thing you want to check before you buy any boat."
4. Ease of handling: "It can be easily handled by a couple or even single-handed. And this particular boat, this Riviera 5600, is made for single-handing."

Six Living Areas

The reviewer identified six distinct living areas on this boat:

1. Aft deck
2. Galley
3. Salon
4. Helm deck with guest observatory
5. Below-deck accommodations
6. Bow entertaining/lounging area

Freeboard and Swim Platform

The 5600 Sport Yacht is noted as having high freeboard relative to others in its class. The swim platform is standard equipment finished in teak — the reviewer noted this as a differentiator: "Every boat in this class offers a swim platform, but they all don't come standard, much less standard in teak."

Entry from the swim platform requires four steps up to the aft deck. Alternative access from a higher pier is available via two entry doors (port and starboard) directly to the aft deck.

Aft Deck

Characterized by the reviewer as the boat's most popular space, functioning as both indoor and outdoor living area: "It's designed for entertaining, lounging, cocktail parties, you name it, this is the place for it. It's the most popular place on this boat because it's both outdoor and indoor."

Weather protection: Isinglass side curtains, overhead fiberglass hardtop, and a canvas extension running to the transom; the space can be fully enclosed with isinglass.

Dining/lounge table: Seats six; mounted on a high-low pedestal allowing conversion to a sun lounge position. An overhead hatch opens for sun exposure or shade as desired.

Finish (Platinum Edition): Painted cabinetry throughout the aft deck, matching the exterior Platinum Edition paint scheme.

Multipurpose console: Doubles as a sideboard during parties; can be fitted with a refrigerator and ice maker. Two grills are standard — the reviewer noted this as unusual: "Many yachts have just one, and they've thought of everything because they have extraction fans, which are absolutely necessary to keep smoke and grease from the barbecue here. This is a great touch."

Galley

Located aft rather than in the traditional forward-port position. The reviewer credited Riviera with popularizing this layout: "Riviera started this trend quite a number of years ago by having this aft window open. So now, the person doing the cooking here is in touch with everyone else. It also opens up the whole boat, brings more fresh air and light in."

Layout: Wide U-shape, allowing more than one person to work simultaneously — contrasted with narrow galley alleyways common on other boats where "only one person can work there at a time."

Cooktop: Induction, noted as a safety feature, with four fiddle-rail positions.

Dishwasher: Positioned, per the reviewer, in "exactly the right place" relative to the point where dishes are used.

Reviewer's noted improvement suggestions: "I'd like this sink to be a little bigger and a little deeper. Also, I'm old-fashioned, and I like to see fiddles in a galley on any boat."

Included equipment: A full set of china and stemware is provided standard with the purchase of any Riviera yacht, with dedicated storage.

Refrigeration: Two drawer units, configurable as dual freezers or freezer/refrigerator combination, plus a wine chiller.

Electrical control: CZone system, mounted above the galley counter, allowing control of the boat's electrical systems from a single location.

Woodwork and Decking (General Note)

Walnut wood with a high-gloss finish is used throughout the boat, both on the main deck and below. The reviewer noted construction quality: "Just look at the grain. It's all matched up. The corners are well done... Solid pieces of timber are used here on the edges."

Decking material: Vinyl, simulated wood (possibly white oak pattern). The reviewer noted this is now standard across boats "of almost any price," citing ease of repair and resistance to deterioration over time as the rationale.

Salon

Features an L-shaped banquette, an ottoman doubling as a cocktail table, and two stools that allow the galley counter to function as a bar.

TV: Concealed behind a bulkhead; raises and lowers via push-button control.

Overhead: A manually retracting shade beneath an electrically opening glass sunroof — noted by the reviewer as standard equipment on this boat, where many competing builders offer it only as an option.

Lighting: Indirect blue lighting in the soffit over the galley and salon, carried as a design theme both inside and outside the boat. The reviewer's assessment: "It's really pretty exotic and it makes the boat distinctive."

Helm Deck / Observatory

An L-shaped raised seating arrangement functions as an observatory deck. Reviewer's assessment: "This is probably the most comfortable place inside on the boat to see what's happening, and by sitting here, you can get a great view of what's going on."

Below-Deck Access (Stairs)

Seven stairs lead below deck, each with an identical riser height — noted by the reviewer as an important safety/comfort detail. Handholds are present throughout this transit, which the reviewer noted Riviera executes well.

Master Stateroom (Amidships)

Accessed via two steps down from the passageway.

Headboard bulkhead: Walnut with alternating grain pattern for visual interest.

Bed size: 72 inches wide. The reviewer contextualized this measurement: "75 inches is the width of a regulation king bed, something you almost never see on a boat of any size. And to have a bed here in a master that's just three inches shy of a king is really a feat."

Storage: Cabinets port and starboard.

Air conditioning placement: Vents located port and starboard (rather than directly overhead). Reviewer's rationale, drawn from prior experience: "I have been on expensive motor yachts that put ugly air conditioning grates right above where people's heads are. I couldn't think of a worse place for cold air to fall. Riviera's thought of that."

Hanging lockers: Two, cedar-lined — one sized for a double hanging locker, which the reviewer called out specifically: "This double hanging locker is something to behold, particularly on a 56-footer. I don't think I've ever seen one this big."

Mirrors: Port and starboard, to increase brightness in the space.

Additional lounge: Present in the master stateroom (convertible to cabinets if desired); the reviewer noted this arrangement "works out great" for a couple with a young child.

Master Head

Electrical outlets are located inside a cabinet behind a door, allowing devices such as a Waterpik or electric toothbrush to be stored out of sight.

Passageway (Master to Main Foyer)

Washer and dryer are located here, with a counter surface suited to folding towels and sheets. The reviewer noted a boat-wide storage pattern: "In every cabin in this boat, down below, there's outboard storage above, and that's brilliant because otherwise, this space here would be lost and wasted."

Forward (VIP) Cabin

Bed: 61 inches wide (one inch wider than a queen). Rectangular rather than tapered at the foot — the reviewer noted the tapered foot is common on other boats, and that Riviera's rectangular shape here "is so you can get around the bed."

Storage: Four drawers under the bed; the bed also lifts for additional storage beneath. Cedar-lined hanging lockers, identical to starboard. Three storage drawers in the forward bulkhead.

Forward hatch: Required by CE and ABYC standards as an escape hatch. The reviewer noted this hatch is positioned low enough for practical use, unlike "all too many boats" where it is "too high for people to actually get out of."

VIP Head (also functions as day head and guest cabin head)

Includes a fairly large shower with a seat. Serves triple duty: VIP cabin head, day head, and head for the guest cabin across the passageway.

Guest Cabin (Port Side, Smallest Cabin)

Features an opening port, outboard storage, and — per the reviewer — "absolutely the largest hanging locker you'll see in a guest stateroom."

Beds: Two, of differing width (constrained by the boat's beam at this location); the two can be joined to form a double. A Pullman berth can be folded down for a third sleeping position, suited to young children.

Sixth Living Area — Bow

Features a U-shaped banquette suited to cocktail gatherings, plus two loungers forward that adjust to multiple positions for reading or sunning. A table is positioned in the walkway between these areas, with dedicated stemware storage (specifically noted for champagne glasses).

Reviewer's Closing Assessment

The reviewer, noting personal past ownership of a three-stateroom 55-foot motor yacht, offered this summary: "The Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht comes standard with about everything you need to step aboard and take off with your extended family, children, and grandchildren if you have them. Virtually everything about this yacht has been done right, and in all cases, the best marine equipment available has been selected."

A companion performance and operating video, conducted by Captain Frank (a certified marine surveyor), is referenced for further detail.