Riviera 585 SUV (2023-)

Brief Summary

The 585 SUV is the latest model in the growing SUV range from Australian luxury boat builder Riviera. The Riviera SUV Collection combines the offshore performance and open cockpit of a flybridge with the one level living of a sport yacht.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	65' 19.82 m
Beam	18' 7" 5.67 m
Dry Weight	67,946 lbs 30,820 kg
Draft	5' 5" 1.65 m
Fuel Capacity	1189 gal 4,500 L
Water Capacity	211 gal 800 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	13 seconds
Load	3 persons; 560 gal. fuel; 100 gal. water
Climate	73 deg., 60% humid

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS1350
Std. Power	2 x 900-hp Volvo Penta IPS1200
Opt. Power	2 x 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS1350

Captain's Report

Riviera 585 SUV

Captain's Report by Capt. Barry Thompson 

Mission Statement

What is an SUV, you might ask. Well according to Riviera, it is an acronym for a crossover between a sport yacht and a flybridge-style motor yacht. It is essentially two luxury yachts in one package.

Riviera describes their SUV Collection as combining the spirited, offshore performance and open cockpit of their flybridge models with the entertaining ease of their free-flowing sport yachts.

It is also all about offering comfort while enhancing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. These are the features that make the SUV models so popular.

Main Features

• Twin Volvo Penta IPS1350 with cockpit helm station
• Semi-enclosed 73.19 ft² al fresco deck
• Hydraulic rise and fall swim platform
• Lithium-ion house batteries
• CZone monitoring system
• Three electric sunroofs
• Sidepower Bow thruster
• Dedicated utility room
• Choice of interior colors, timbers & fabrics
• 3 x 17” Garmin Glass bridge
• Siren Marine remote

Boat Inspection

Note the size of the Riviera 585 SUV’s mezzanine deck placed between the galley inside and the exposed cockpit. It effectively becomes an outdoor, protected-on-3-sides salon. The area can be fitted with isinglass in the shoulder seasons.   

The Cockpit

The 91.49 ft² cockpit is an expansive water sports space that opens out to a boarding platform aft and a semi-enclosed 73.19 ft² al fresco deck.

The 81.80 ft² hydraulic lift swim platform leads to the cockpit through one of two doors that open outwards to sit flush against the transom, creating one massive water sports space with room to fish, dive, launch any number of water toys, or simply relax. The combined cockpit and fixed swim platform is 151.76s ft2 and this is increased to 173.29 ft2 with the optional hydraulic rise and fall platform. 

A molded storage or fish bin unit is built into the transom. There is an option to add an aft lounge in this space that lifts to reveal a large watersports storage compartment. The cockpit deck includes hatches on either side to access the Volvo Penta IPS drive units. The starboard hatch also covers a small storage bin. A central hatch lifts to reveal a large lazarette that can be utilized for storage.

Forward on the port side is the barbecue center, with a molded lid that covers a premium-quality, electric twin-plate barbecue. A sink, integrated rubbish bin, and storage is below. A similar unit on the starboard side includes a refrigerated cool box and ice maker. A small, molded opening hatch in the starboard corner protects a conveniently positioned IPS joystick, which can be optioned to be located on the port side. These joystick locations are well-positioned for the skipper to undertake slow speed manoeuvring and docking.

Stepping up from the cockpit, the 585 SUV’s entertainment and living epicenter, is a semi-enclosed al fresco deck featuring a plush lounge to port that can convert to a double daybed. There’s an L-shaped lounge to starboard around a handcrafted folding teak table fitted with drink holders. A cool box is stowed under the lounge. Two ottomans offer occasional seating around the table.

One-way vision glass quarter panels on both sides of the alfresco deck provide protection from the elements, light, and privacy. There are also twin electric sunroofs built into the al fresco deck hardtop, introducing additional light and fresh air. Plus, a large deck hatch provides service access to the engine room.

Foredeck

Moving forward, the 12” (31cm) wide side decks include a new drain design that diverts water from reaching the cockpit whilst running offshore or during wash-down. The solid stainless steels rails take the height from the base of the bulwark to 29” (76cm).

The foredeck zone offers another entertaining or relaxation space; it is well-suited for sunset drinks, providing plush lounge seating for up to eight guests, a removable GRP table with glass holders, an insulated cool box, and stereo speakers linked to the saloon entertainment system.

Gas strut hatch lids access lockers for fenders and ropes. In the forepeak, there’s a Muir windlass with 22.66’ (70 m) of steel chain rode and an Ultra 99.21-lb. (45 kg) stainless-steel anchor. A hatch in the deck to port opens to access the remote control, hand crank and washdowns with rode access to starboard.

Salon and Galley

The luxurious and substantial saloon connects seamlessly with the al fresco deck through a strong stainless steel sliding glass door, and large awning window, that opens the galley and saloon to the exterior.

The well-appointed U-shaped 65” x 75” (1.65m x 1.90m) galley is aft along the port side. A three-hotplate induction cooktop includes removable potholders and a full-height fridge/freezer stands in the aft corner. There’s a combination oven/microwave, with an integrated grill, and a dishwasher, are under the countertop. Forward of the galley is a watertight side door giving easy access to the port side deck and the foredeck lounge, or for line handling or anchoring.

The starboard side features a wet bar in the aft corner, an electric-lift TV built into the cabinetry beside the bar, and a long lounge with the ingeniously concealed foldout timber dining table for when you wish to dine inside, or you have additional guests aboard.

Helm

A pair of Italian soft leather helm chairs offer comfort and have the ability to be adjusted into a position that suits any skipper. There is a 6’8” (2.0m) standing headroom at the helm and they are spaced well apart for ease of access. The companion seat provides company for the captain on those extended voyages.

A cockpit docking station is available if you feel a little more comfortable docking outside from the cockpit where you can see what’s happening over the transom and alongside.

Further smart boating technology includes electronic engine controls and steering, dynamic positioning system, autopilot, low speed joystick steering mode, interceptor, bow thruster and search light controls.

In addition, an anchor control with chain counter, VHF radio, compass, and USB port, complete the array of technology that makes boating with Riviera just so easy and enjoyable.

All new Riviera motoryachts are equipped with Siren Marine to allow owners to remotely monitor key onboard systems, the yacht’s location and to activate selected onboard equipment.

The forward starboard corner of the salon offers an L-shape lounge opposite the helm, allowing family or guests to be socially connected whilst underway. A large electric GRP sunroof is built into the hardtop to offer additional light and fresh air.

Accommodations

With a beam of 18’7” (5.66 m), the new Riviera 585 can provide robust accommodations almost unheard of on an express cruiser this size.

 

A forward central companionway with seven 8” (20cm) risers leads from the saloon to the light-filled and substantial accommodation deck that includes three staterooms with 6’5” headroom and three heads.

The full-beam master suite amidships is bathed in light and fresh air from large hull windows with integrated and alarmed opening portholes. The cabin features a 72” x 75” (1.82m x 1.90m) walk-around bed, casual dining or study to the port side, a cedar-lined walk-in hanging locker aft on the starboard side, and an ensuite bathroom forward, also to starboard.

Forward is an optional bar/fridge with a counter space for a coffee machine, providing a minibar within the master stateroom.

The space aft of the full-beam midships master suite can be configured as a utility room, laundry, gym, crew quarters, or even additional accommodation with its own head. The aft bulkhead has a wide watertight door that provides excellent access to the engine room.

The VIP guest stateroom forward, includes an ensuite bathroom, and a 77” x 60” (1.95m x 1.52m) walk-around bed, with an abundance of storage under. There is further storage in two overhead lockers, a double hanging robe or an additional robe with shelving. Fresh air and light are introduced to the stateroom from twin overhead deck hatches and large hull windows.

The second guest stateroom to port features two 74” x 29” (1.88m x 1.52m) single berths with bedside tables. At the touch of a button, the two berths can slide together to form a double. There is also a large hull window with alarmed opening port, and a hanging locker. The third head is opposite on the starboard side and acts as the day head.

The Engine Room

Access to the engine room is via a wide watertight door from the utility space aft of the master stateroom, or through a large service hatch from the al fresco deck. The headroom is 5’11” (1.8 m), which is unusual these days in a 58’ (17.6 m) yacht.

The engine room is par excellence with everything meticulously engineered. From the double clamps on the hoses to the supported and color coded wiring, and the ease of access to everything, such as the 41” (1.0m) between the engines, it is easy to see that Riviera’s engineers spent a lot of time making sure the layout of the engine room was as good as they could get.

Centre stage in our 585SUV was a pair of Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350s. Standard power is a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 1200s. Also included amongst the usual mechanical and controls systems was a Dometic air con system, Bluewater Legend 950-1 watermaker, Onan EQD 22.5kW generator, 240V inverter and Humphree 0.8ms carbon fins which included Active Ride control. All of this equipment is generally considered to be the best in class.

Owners can opt for gyroscopic or fin stabilization aboard the 585 SUV yacht. The gyro option is set under the cockpit. The fin option provides even more space in the lazarette, as the head units are mounted in the engine room.

Performance

The Numbers

The Riviera 585 SUV measures 65’ (19.82m) overall with a hull length of 58’11” (17.95m) a beam of 18’7” (5.67m), draft of 5’5” (1.65m) and dry weight of 67.946lb (30,820kg). Our test weight was estimated to be around 82,280 lbs. (37,400kg).

Testing the 585 SUV #1 on the, Gold Coast Seaway, Australia, in calm water, in every aspect the boat was a pleasure to drive. Like all IPS-drive yachts, its turning radius is greater than it would be with a straight shaft and rudder system. It is reasonably quick to plane with a low bow-up attitude and is super responsive to the helm. It did nothing unexpected and thanks to the Volvo Penta Joystick Docking it was also an easy and very intuitive return to the dock.

Speeds. The twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350 returned a maximum speed of 40 mph (34.9 knots) @ 2470 rpm. Dropping back to 2200 rpm, the speed settled at around 33.4 mph (29 knots), using 79.5 gph (301 lph) and a range of around 400nm.

However, in the calm waters during our test, I found 1900 rpm was a sweat spot. Here we saw 23 knots for 58.6 gph (222 lph) and a range of around 420nm. This is a noteworthy speed/range ratio for yacht in this class.

Slow cruise at around 9 knots will produce more than 1000 nm range. The Riviera 585 SUV is a boat that needs to be driven and loves it.

The handling is predictable and offers no surprises on the water. In high-speed full lock to lock turns it remains relatively flat with no excessive angle. Into a head sea the hull dissipates the water cleanly and in a following sea there is enough bow to hold it up and run constant with any burying motion. Overall, a clean riding hull.

Observations

Riviera offers an industry-leading, international level of owner care and comfort, with all Volvo Penta IPS powered yachts delivered with five-year engines, drives and electronics limited warranty, which is further supported by Riviera’s seven-year structural and two-year express limited warranties.

Personally, I love sport yachts and the easy, convenient one level living style. While Riviera have been in the business of making sport yachts for almost 20 years, for me, the SUV range epitomize the character of the genre and to be honest is hard to fault. The 585 SUV certainly lives up to the company’s expression of being a crossover between a sport yacht and a flying bridge style motor yacht. It is certainly two luxury yachts brought together in one, beautifully conceived package.