Riviera Yachts 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition (2025-)

Test Conditions

Test day brought moderate-to-heavy conditions with winds from the southeast between 15-20 knots with gusts to 22 knots and seas of 3 – 4 feet and occasionally larger on the ocean. The test area was just offshore of Stuart, FL.

Performance Test Results

Once offshore, our first tests were a series of runs focused on getting the speed, fuel burn and noise level (measured in decibels, or dBA) at specific RPM. 

Acceleration Times & Conditions*

The next tests were the acceleration runs. Here, 3 tests were conducted and then averaged to get the time from 0 knots to select speeds. With the Volvo Penta D8 IPS1350 engines creating 1,000 horsepower each, the 6800 SYPE had an acceleration time of 11.5 seconds from 0 knots to 10 knots, 23.0 seconds from 0 knots to 20 knots, 34.5 seconds from 0 to 30 knots and 36.1 seconds from 0 to her top speed of 31.8 knots.

Range and Optimal Cruise

The Riviera 6800 SYPE has an effective range between 335 nm and 1,752 nm with a 10% fuel reserve. At a cruise speed of 26 knots, she has a range of 390 nm and at 1,000 RPM or 10.5 knot displacement speed she has a range of 1,067 nm.

Handling

The 6800 SYPE handled well helped by the IPS drive system. She handled well at both low and high speeds. She ate up the moderate to heavy conditions experienced on test day with little to no pounding and complete responsiveness while being hand steered. The crew felt very little lean or healing when putting the 6800 through sharp turn maneuvers; rather, she glided smoothly from lock to lock.

Docking

The Volvo Penta Joystick system makes for easy docking and undocking. Our test boat was very responsive to joystick inputs…almost too responsive so adjusting to the amount of thrust input required took a little bit of time. With the docking assist employed I was able to easily slip her in and out of her berth. There are control stations aft on both the port and starboard sides. One addition I would like to see, which Riviera already is considering, is the edition of bow thruster controls on both the remote docking stations.

Highlights

• Rugged construction designed for blue water cruising
• Two levels of space
• Well thought-out and functional design features
• Best-of-the-best features based on Riviera owner feedback

Exterior

The Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition is a sleek looking yacht with lines and visual characteristics showing her intended dual use as an offshore cruising and entertaining vessel. She combines contrasting white fiberglass work with dark windows, support structures, and platinum (Riviera Diamond) accents. Her exterior proportions look natural, of appropriate scale, and exude the classic Riviera profile.

The walkway is 20” wide at hip level with a sturdy stainless-steel rail that is between 34” and 38” high along the entirety of the hull.

There is a Portuguese style bridge walkway forward of the windshield that is 16” wide by 20” high.

Layout

The 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition has two levels of space. 

The main level features five distinct areas. First is the galley aft which encompasses both the port and starboard side. Second is a large wrap around seating area to port that has a retractable table that folds completely away under the seats. Third is a couch to starboard that can accommodate two or three people. Fourth is the L-shaped seating area on the port side across from the helm. Fifth is the helm station to starboard with captain and passenger chairs.

The accommodations feature four staterooms with a crew cabin / utility room. There is an option for a 3-cabin configuration with a seating lounge below to starboard.

Bow

Beginning with the deck forward, there is a 132-pound (60 kg) Ultra stainless-steel anchor. There is 262 feet (80 m) of 1/2” (13 mm) galvanized chain rode. The windlass is by Muir. There are salt and fresh water washdown connections in the port anchor locker along with the remote for the windlass. Access to the anchor rode and storage is to starboard.

The forward seating area is a new touch for Riviera in the 6800 SYPE. There are two L-shaped seating areas to both port and starboard. Each can easily accommodate four guests. There is a rectangular table in gelcoat with teak trim centered on each. Forward of two sun pads. Back rests can be raised allowing guests to be either facing forward or aft.

There are two storage areas both port and starboard. The forward storage area measures 3’1” (93 cm) wide by 5’11” (181 cm) long and can accommodate water toys or storage for the forward sun shade. The aft lockers are ideal for line storage.

Cockpit

The aft covered space of the 6800 SYPE measures 148 SqFt (45.1 SqM) and encompasses two seating areas; a 9’ 4” (2.84 m) bench seat aft and L-shaped seating around a teak and holly table that measures 3’ 7” (1.1 M) wide by 5’ (1.5 M) long. To starboard forward is an L-shaped countertop with a grill, cooktop, wet bar, under-counter refrigerators, and icemaker. 

There are port and starboard remote docking stations.

There are boarding doors to both port and starboard.

Swim Platform

The swim platform measures 17’ 5” (5.1 M) wide at its widest point and extends 72” (1.8 M) abaft the door to the garage. The swim platform lowers creating three steps into the water. This is perfect for allowing guest access to the water or for deploying the tender. The swim platform also raises to allow for dock access off the stern. The platform will assume this position while underway. There are stainless-steel side rails that are removable and store in the engine room.

Access to the cockpit is via five steps on either the port or starboard side.

Garage

There is a lifting door that provides access to a garage that measures 7’ (2.1 M) wide by 14’ 8” (4.5 M) deep. This is designed to hold a tender up to about 12’ in length or can be used as a large compartment for water toy storage. The tender garage has an inflation pump, charging station for toys, speakers and a freshwater rain shower head center on the raised door.

Interior

Salon Deck

The interior salon deck has five distinct spaces. These include: 1) the galley, 2) a U-shaped seating area to port that wraps around a retractable table, 3) a bench seat to starboard with under-seat storage, 4) an L-Shaped seating area starboard across from the helm and 5) the helm station. There is a minimum of 6’ 6” (2.0 M) of headroom throughout. The salon deck sole is the same level as the aft external area making walking from one to the other easy.

1) Galley

The aft section of the salon deck contains a two-part galley with 6’ 6” (2.0 M) of headroom throughout. Our test yacht had walnut cabinetry with a high-gloss finish. There is also the option for light oak or cherry cabinetry. Any option is available in either high-gloss or satin finishes.

To port is a U-shaped galley area. The countertops are Corian with a water-fall effect dropping the Corian all the way to sole. There is a 3-burner convection cooktop, oven with integrated grill, microwave, and a dishwasher drawer. There is also significant storage aft to port, above outboard and in multiple drawers. There is a double stainless-steel sink. There is a mixer tap that dispenses both hot and cold filtered water along with sparkling water.

To starboard is an L-shaped galley area with the same Corian countertops and another stainless-steel sink. There is a full height refrigerator / freezer with two freezer drawers. There are two more refrigerator drawers under the countertop. This a wine cooler and ample room for liquor storage.

Separating the gally from the aft deck is a large retractable window that makes for one contiguous space when dining alfresco.

2) U-Shaped Port Seating Area

Forward of the galley to port is a U-shaped seating are for 5, 7 if the ottomans are incorporated. An innovate feature is the high-gloss dining table that retracts complete below the long, center cushion. Raising / lowering the table is manual and requires removal of a few of the cushions.

3) Starboard Bench Seat

To starboard on the salon deck is a bench seat that accommodates 2 or 3 people. Below is a large storage space. There is a retractable 65” flat screen outboard of the bench seat.

4) L-Shaped Helm Accompanying Area

A popular location while running is the L-shaped seating area, which accompanies the helm on the starboard side. 2 or 3 people can comfortably sit here, and what I believe may be the most popular spot while running is lounging with feet facing forward.

5) Helm

The helm of the 6800 SYPE is located on the starboard side of the salon deck. There is great visibility given the large windshield and side windows. Both the port and starboard side windows electrically retract and have an incredibly solid locking feel when closed. The helm is outfitted with three Garmin 19” multi-function displays.

Garmin systems are, by far, my favorite electronics system available on the market today. But I have always greatly disliked their integrated VHF system. No longer. The 6800 SYPE comes equipped with Garmin’s new Vesper integrated VHF system. It solves all the complaints I had with the older Garmin VHF models. As the user interface is completely different, and a little more high-tech. It will take some getting used to, but like all Garmin marine electronics, it is intuitive and easy to understand even without a manual.

Given the yacht is IPS-powered, it comes with the integrated throttle control and joystick system for easy maneuvering. The throttles and joystick are located outboard in easy reach of the right hand. There is also a Sidepower electric bow thruster. There are two seats in faux leather and suede. The suede has an attractive diamond pattern. The helm seat is three-way power-adjustable, while the companion seat is two-way. I found the footrest to be at the perfect height and angle while running seated yet unobtrusive while running in a standing position. All controls are within easy reach. There are ample air conditioning vents and a separate AC zone for the helm station.

There is a skylight above the forward part of the salon area that allows for natural light and breezes while at anchor or underway. There was minimal wind noise with the skylight open while underway.

Aft of the helm to starboard is a sturdy, water-tight door worthy of being on a battleship. I can’t imagine any circumstance where water could get in around this door. It provides easy access to the starboard walkway and allows guests to access the bow area without having to go all the way aft.

Accommodations

Riviera’s 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition comes in three- or four-stateroom configurations. Our test yacht had the more common four-staterooms. Accessible off the accommodations atrium are: 1) a full beam master amidship 2) a double guest stateroom to port (which can convert into a queen berth), 3) a high-low, L-shaped guest stateroom to starboard, 4) a head which serves as both an ensuite to the port guest cabin as well as a day head, 5) VIP stateroom in the bow with ensuite and 6) a utility room/crew quarters accessible through either the master stateroom or the engine room. 

Down five steps from the salon deck is the accommodations atrium that serves as the point of entrance to staterooms and the day head. 

1) Master Suite

The master suite is 140 SqFt (42.8 SqM) with 6’ 7” of headroom throughout. The berth measures 72” W x 80” L with 3’ 7” of headroom above the berth. There is a full-length vanity to starboard, a chaise lounge to port and full-length windows that are just above the waterline, providing expansive views. There are outlets and charger ports on nightstands to both port and starboard of the berth as well as stainless-steel reading lights on both sides. The wood in the master is configured in a mosaic pattern that lends a modern, yet refined, look. There is a 50” flat screen TV with soundbar on the forward bulkhead.

The ensuite head is a whopping 74 SqFt (22.5 SqM) with 6’ 7” of headroom throughout. The shower in the ensuite has 6’ 6” of headroom.

2) Port Guest Stateroom

The 60 SqFt (18.3 SqM) port guest stateroom has 6’ 6” of headroom throughout. The twin berths slide together to make one larger berth if being used by a couple. 

3) Starboard Guest Stateroom

The 40 SqFt (12.2 SqM) port guest stateroom has over/under berths in an L-configuration.

4) Day head / Port Stateroom Ensuite

The 31 SqFt (9.4 SqM) head that serves as both an ensuite for the port guest stateroom and a day head. It has a shower with 6’ 6” of headroom.

5) Forward VIP Stateroom

The 83 SqFt (25.2 SqM) forward stateroom features an island berth that measures 72” W by 80” L. There is a 32” flatscreen with soundbar on the forward bulkhead and hanging lockers to both port and starboard.

6) Utility Room / Crew Cabin

The 64 SqFt (19.5 SqM) crew cabin/utility room can be accessed via the master stateroom or via the engine room. Access to the engine room can be gained from the swim platform. There are full-sized washer and dryer units and a wet head. There is also a sink and a microwave.

Engine Room

The engine room measures 251 SqFt (76.4 SqM) with 6’ 6” of headroom throughout, except for the space under the tender garage where there is 46” (117 cm) of headroom.

There are two entrances to the engine room, one from the swim platform aft and the other from the crew cabin forward. The aft engine room access ladder has wide, plastic treads; a nice feature that is easier on the feet than the narrow, steel treads found on many boats.

Access around the engines and to the outboard systems is excellent although a little more crowded on the starboard than port side. Access to many systems such as the chillers and the Glendinning power cord mechanicals are well thought out.

There are dedicated storage locations for the swim platform railings as well as a rod holder system.

There are two Cummins Onan generators. The main generator is 29 kW and the second generator is 13.5 kW. There is the option to install a Seakeeper, although I personally feel this is not required given the standard Humphree zero speed stabilizers.

There is an ElectroStrainer system for the AC raw water system. This system eliminates biogrowth in the raw water system, something of particular concern for AC raw water systems.

The 6800 SYPE comes with a Fusion Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) 24 volt house battery bank with an integrated MasterVolt Battery Management System (BMS). LiFePO4 batteries and the newest variant of Lithium batteries on the market and are the most stable, reliable and safe of any Lithium battery to-date. The batteries are configured into two 250 aH banks, each with 525 aH usable capacity. The maximum distribution is 4000 amps. This allows the entire boat to be operated off just the house batteries for a period.

Riviera Yachts builds solid yachts designed to handle the tough ocean conditions that can prevail in Australia and beyond. But they are far from utilitarian with interior design and fit and finish worthy of superyacht standards. Many small details are well thought out and executed, and the craftsmanship is top-notch.

The 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum is just that – a cross between an offshore capable cruiser and an excellent cruising and entertainment platform…with fishing capability as well. It is a blend of purposes rarely executed with the depth and quality of this yacht. This new yacht in the Riviera line brings the best of the best of the most sought-after customer features as standard.

The multitude of living and entertaining spaces across her two decks make her an excellent family or family plus friends cruiser. Features like the Volvo Penta IPS drives with integrated joystick control combined with excellent external access from bow to stern make her easy to run by a couple.

Any owner / operator who is looking for a yacht that performs well as an offshore capable cruiser equally capable to for long extended cruising periods and a day cruiser designed for entertainment should have a look at the Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition. She is well built, spacious, refined and ready to handle just about anything the ocean can throw at her.

Remember, life is better on a boat!

Captain Gregg
[email protected]

Overview

Captain Greg's introduction: the 6800 Sport Yacht is relatively new to the Riviera lineup and represents "an eight-foot jump from the 6000." The captains noted it's designed for easy operation for a couple or even single-handed by an experienced operator, thanks to a dynamic positioning system that holds the boat in place regardless of cross currents. The vessel's Easy Connect system allows dealer monitoring of the engines — Captain Greg: "It's like having a riding mechanic."

Pre-Departure / Generator Start

Prior to departure, shore power was disconnected and the generator started. Generators aboard: the main unit at 29 kilowatts and a secondary unit at 13.5 kilowatts. Starting procedure: hold the start button through a 4–5 second warming cycle, then release once running.

Departure — Dynamic Positioning / Joystick

The boat was taken off the dock using joystick docking mode, with an optional bow thruster integrated into the joystick (also usable independently). Captain Greg explained the Volvo dynamic positioning system: using GPS, it "keeps the boat exactly where you put her," even in a strong cross current — "just bump the joystick and she moves a meter and stays there until you touch the joystick again." Standard wing controls aft allow the operator to guide the boat in and out of narrow slips.

Sea Trial Conditions

Testing occurred off Stuart, Florida, with approximately 15 knots of wind and a bigger-than-expected seaway — 2–3 foot rollers with occasional 4-footers, short period, described by Captain Greg as "a little sloppy out here, which is great to be able to test a Riviera because she is built for these kinds of conditions."

Handling Impressions

Captain Shelly's assessment: "I was really impressed. I was a little honestly disappointed that I didn't get as much sportiness out of the turns as I was kind of hoping for, but realistically that's not what this [boat's] audience [is] built for. The turns were just so smooth, and I was not hesitating at all to crank it all the way over. Didn't feel insecure in the turns at all — it was just a solid feel as we made those maneuvers."

Sightlines in chop: "Usually in sloppier conditions like this I just feel the need to stand, just to have better sight lines. But the sight lines on this boat are well thought out. I can see everything. There's obviously a little bit of a blind spot right here, but I don't feel the need to stand, which is kind of a big thing for me, 'cause I stand a lot."

Helm seat: Three-way adjustable captain's seat — up/down, forward/back, and angle adjustment.

Bow spray: A wave came over the bow at one point; the captains noted this occurred specifically in the "high displacement speed mode" range, around 12–15 knots.

Plane transition: Captain Greg noted the crew normally tries to identify exactly when the boat comes onto plane for viewers, but couldn't this time: "This thing is so level throughout its complete running range... there was no drop in the bow, which is normally how we determine when a boat gets on plane — it comes up in a good trim and it stays in that good trim throughout its entire speed range."

Stabilization underway: Standard Humphree interceptor system, described as "the highest quality unit for large vessels," providing automatic stability.

Specifications (Test Boat)

• Length overall: 72 feet, 9 inches
• Beam: 18 feet, 3 inches
• Test weight: 91,651 pounds, with 84% fuel aboard, fully equipped, five people aboard
• Engines: twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1350, 1,000 horsepower each, driving through IPS pod drives

Performance Numbers

• Cruise speed: 25.8 knots at 2,100 RPM, burning 76.7 gallons per hour, range 366.5 nautical miles (noted as slightly below Riviera's factory-quoted figure, attributed to sea conditions)
• Top speed (average): 31.8 knots at 2,440 RPM, burning 101.5 gallons per hour, range 334 nautical miles (factory quote: 32.4 knots) — the captains noted actual speed varied above/below the factory figure depending on running with, against, or across the sea, and the reported figure is an average across all headings

Bow Ground Tackle

80 meters of 13mm chain with a 60-kilogram Ultra anchor. Captain Greg noted a specific benefit of the dynamic positioning system here: it holds the boat in place so the skipper can leave the helm, go to the bow, and anchor the boat solo — "easy peasy."

Port side: Fresh and saltwater washdowns with windlass controls.

Starboard side: A large locker sized for fenders and lines. Both port and starboard have two storage compartments each — suited to fenders or deflated water toys. Moving aft, an additional compartment provides line storage.

Windshield / Side Windows

A large windshield provides good visibility down the length of the bow with a high sightline. Moving aft, a new Riviera feature was noted: auto side-opening windows on both port and starboard, sitting flush with the glass when closed — Captain Greg: "the way the hydraulics work on this make it feel like a super yacht standard window."

Watertight Door (Helm Access)

Located starboard, near the helm station — described by Captain Greg as "very sturdy," comparing it to something "that should be on a destroyer."

Helm

Single-handing note: Engaging the dynamic positioning system allows the operator to leave the helm and tie up the boat solo.

Finish: Gray leather material paired with carbon fiber dash structure.

Displays: Three 19-inch Garmin MFDs; centerline compass.

Controls (dash): Dometic AC zone controller; a CZone controller for the salon; searchlight control; AC vents throughout; Volvo Penta engine information display; Fusion audio head unit; a row of well-marked buttons across the bottom of the dash for expected systems.

Anchor controls (outboard of helm): Auto anchor controller with an integrated chain counter and a safety lock feature.

Additional helm-adjacent controls: Ignition and start/stop buttons for the Volvo Penta engines; control head for the Humphree stabilizers.

Stabilizer configuration note: The zero-speed stabilizers on this boat are configured not to engage below 7 knots; once anchored, they can be engaged to provide stability at rest.

Further forward controls: Side power thrust control, joystick, throttles with trim controls, windshield wiper buttons, and the Garmin MFD remote control unit.

Cockpit

Pop-up fender cleats in strategic locations; boarding gates on both sides. A folding door provides access for fixed-dock or floating-dock situations, with a fairlead system and heavy-duty cleats. Excess line, once cleated off, stows in a cutout in the teak rather than lying on deck.

Captain's Quarters (Off the Master)

Accessible via a door off the master cabin, leading to either a utility room or the optional captain's quarters (fitted on this yacht). Captain Greg noted this design gives the owner-operator quick access to the engine room at any time.

Features: A single berth (not large, but workable), a full-size washer and dryer beneath, and its own wet head with 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom — matching the headroom elsewhere on the boat. Also includes a small microwave, sink, and refrigerator unit.

Engine Room Access

Two access points: through the captain's quarters via a sturdy watertight door, or from the swim platform aft.

Engine Room

Headroom: 6 feet, 6 inches throughout — described by Captain Greg as "a proper engine room."

Step design: Wide plastic steps, noted as comfortable underfoot (in contrast to narrow treads found on many boats, especially for bare feet).

Swim platform rail: Stainless steel rails outboard on the swim platform (standard); an option exists to encompass the entire aft swim platform in stainless rail. A rod holder mounts into these rails.

AC chillers: Six-zone chiller system (first of six located here). Captain Greg explained the redundancy benefit of multiple smaller chillers over one large unit: if one fails, the rest of the boat's zones retain AC.

Power cable accessibility: Captain Greg specifically praised this as a well-thought-out feature, noting this is often an area of difficulty on other boats.

Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D13, IPS 1350, 1,000 horsepower each. Good access noted both outboard and inboard (between engines) to the top of the IPS drive.

IPS rationale: Riviera selected IPS over straight shafts to increase internal volume and take advantage of IPS efficiency, stated as up to 20% more efficient than conventional propulsion, translating to longer range and lower operating cost.

Engine service points: Dipstick, filters, and oil fill all well laid out, with a stainless steel handrail nearby for stability while underway.

Generators: The larger (29 kW) unit is positioned outboard, forward.

Water distribution: Fully labeled, with individual valves allowing any water zone (hot or cold) to be shut off independently.

Strainers: Three noted — raw water strainer for the D13 engine, a "sea-strong" system for the forward unit (runnable dry, though not recommended for AC), and the port generator strainer. Captain Greg noted Riviera's build quality here: glass-topped sight strainers with sturdy wing nuts.

Fuel system: Racor filters with individual shutoffs and sight glasses for visibility.

Starboard Engine Room (Captain Shelly's Section)

Water tank aft; raw water through-hull pickups with easily accessible shutoff levers below; the remaining three AC chillers; the second (13.5 kW) generator forward.

Dual-generator rationale (per Captain Shelly): Redundancy, plus the ability to use the smaller generator for light power draws, extending the service life of both units.

Toy garage inset: A tighter space in this area corresponds to the toy garage above.

DC distribution / electrical: Main DC distribution panel and CZone components forward; house battery switches (port and starboard), and the Mastervolt inverter/charger system, all easily accessible.

Battery technology: Riviera uses Fusion Pulse lithium-ion batteries, available only to OEM boat builders and accredited installers — stated to be 40% lighter than legacy battery technology, with a life expectancy of more than eight years. (Captain Shelly noted further detail is available in BoatTEST's written captain's report.)

Additional access: Steps added for easy access to engine batteries, engine intakes, and through-hulls; a freshwater washdown hose is also present in this space.

Between-Engine Space (Captain Greg)

Headroom: 46 inches of clearance. Minimum width between engines: approximately 16 inches.

Dipstick and oil fill have been relocated outboard on the starboard engine, allowing both engines' oil checks to be performed from outboard — minimizing the need to enter this tighter center space except for troubleshooting or oil filter access.

Riviera-wide details noted:

• Dual-marked torque bolts on engine mounts, allowing a quick visual check for loosening
• Thoughtful engine placement for both boat design and engine-room accessibility

Tender garage soft patch: Headroom in this area is limited by the tender garage above; a soft patch allows full removal of the tender garage floor for access to major engine components or to install the optional Seakeeper. Captain Greg noted this boat's zero-speed Humphree stabilizer fins likely make a Seakeeper unnecessary, though some buyers may still prefer it as an option.

Forward Panel (Port Engine Area)

Houses the EVC2 powertrain controllers for the Volvo Penta IPS engines and drives, plus an electrolysis/anti-fouling strainer system. Captain Greg praised this feature specifically for the AC raw water intake system: "It eliminates the chance for any type of biogrowth to occur... that air conditioning system is the place that I find you're most likely to get any kind of biogrowth."

Closing Assessment

Captain Greg's summary, on testing in rougher conditions: "I like test days where the conditions are a little bit sporty, 'cause it really gives you a chance to see what the boat can do. Any boat feels great when it's flat calm and very, very light winds. But now, with three-to-four footers, with some five footers occasionally, and 15 knots plus of wind — we really got to see what this Riviera could do today." He also noted the relevance given the boat's origin: "This boat being built in Australia, and the Australian conditions — they're so much harsher than we see here a lot of times, especially in South Florida. So it was really cool to see the boat in conditions that it was designed for."

Overview

This is the newest and largest model in Riviera's Sport Yacht line. Captain Shelly's opening highlight: the Portuguese deck, which separates the bow from the large windshield behind it.

Bow Seating

Described as a completely new configuration for Riviera, developed based on owner feedback. Two distinct areas: a dual wraparound seating section holding three to four people, and tables coated in gel coat with teak trim, each with four cup holders.

Cup holder design: Specifically shaped to allow a wine glass to slide in and sit securely — the boat comes standard with a full set of Riviera wine glasses.

Convertible seating: This configuration continues forward; a section can rise to keep occupants part of the conversation, with an alternative forward-facing option also available.

Bow Storage

Both port and starboard sides have two storage compartments. One is described as "absolutely enormous," suited to fenders or deflated water toys. The port side includes storage for sunshade support poles and the sunshade cover. Moving aft, an additional compartment provides line storage.

Cockpit

Coverage: Captain Shelly noted the large amount of covered space as significant given sun-protection concerns in both the US and Australia, supplemented by a large overhead sunroof for extra light/air when desired.

Aft couch: Wide enough for four to five people, with wood carried through the cockpit for both privacy and sun protection; a screen deploys fully down at the forward end for additional shade.

Seating: L-shaped configuration with a flip-up-and-over table to open the space further.

Wet Bar (Starboard, Aft)

Corian countertop with a marble-like appearance, featuring a sink, an ice maker below, a grill and flat top, storage and refrigeration, dedicated trash bin space, and additional refrigeration outboard.

Boarding gates: Located on both port and starboard for easier access at a fixed pier.

Enclosure Option

The aft deck can be fully enclosed with isinglass and glass, converting it into a second salon usable as a three- or four-season sunroom.

Swim Platform

Full beam, measuring 72 inches, four and a half [feet, likely — figure as stated]. Push-button controlled from the starboard walkway, also controlling the tender garage door.

Multi-level function: Raises to assist boarding from fixed piers, and lowers below the water to serve as a scuba launch platform or submerged teak beach.

Tender Garage

Configurable for water toys or, as fitted on this test yacht, a tender up to just over 12 feet.

Features: Internal speakers audible with the garage open; an auto-inflate device for tenders or water toys; two storage compartments (configured on this boat for dive tanks to starboard and a Sea Bob to port, though customizable); and a waterfall rain shower activated when the garage is open.

Door safety design: Captain Shelly noted the door is heavy, with a pinch-point concern — Riviera addressed this with a built-in stopping point requiring the operator to press a lever to continue opening the door fully: "smart design."

Additional feature: A window in this space drops fully down to open up the area further.

Galley

Extensive use of available storage space, with numerous drawers.

Appliances: Miele brand throughout — induction cooktop, convection microwave/oven combo below, and dedicated glassware storage above.

Faucet: A "Zip Tap" providing filtered hot and cold water, plus a sparkling water option via a separate handle.

Additional features: More storage and a dishwasher.

Refrigeration: Extensive throughout the galley — Captain Shelly noted every refrigeration unit is fitted with locking latches to prevent contents from flying loose in rough conditions. Includes two freezers, additional fridges, and a small wet bar area with a sink and wine fridge below.

Design detail: An underlit glass backsplash.

Wood finish: The test vessel featured walnut wood with a high-gloss finish; standard finish is satin, with cherry or light oak also available.

Salon

Described as huge — over 16 feet of beam.

Between galley and helm: A fabric-upholstered couch with underneath storage, seating three to four, positioned opposite a 65-inch flat-screen TV.

Port side (two additional seating areas): A U-shaped seating area forward of the galley in natural leather, seating five around the U-shape. Its table is fully recessed beneath a long center cushion — described by Captain Shelly as "a really innovative design."

Companion seat to helm: Fits three people comfortably. Captain Shelly predicted this would be one of the most popular spots on the boat, reclining and facing forward.

Sunroof: Positioned above this area, fitted with two shade types (standard shade material and blackout blinds), measuring over 6 feet wide by over 4.5 feet.

Side access: A starboard side salon door allows guests to move easily to the aft deck. The entire main deck — inside and outside — is a single level, making this a flush-deck yacht, which Captain Shelly noted is uncommon in current designs.

Descent to Lower Atrium

Six stairs down from the salon. Stainless steel railing wrapped in leather for grip and aesthetics. The atrium provides access to the day head and all four cabins (three guest cabins plus the master).

Port Guest Cabin (Captain Shelly)

Double-bunk configuration, with storage above and below each bunk. One bed slides on a track, allowing the space to accommodate a couple. Includes a full-size hanging locker and en suite access.

En suite/day head: Good size for a guest cabin, with a hull-side window and opening porthole, Corian countertop with inset sink, storage below and behind the mirror, and a large walk-in shower with a seat, rain shower head, handheld wand, and vacuum-flush toilet. This head serves double duty as both en suite and day head.

Starboard Guest Cabin

Configured as a hi-lo bunk setup, with storage below and a drawer/bedside table. This space is customizable by the owner for other purposes such as an office, laundry room, walk-in closet, or shelved storage room.

Forward VIP Cabin

Berth: Island configuration, 72 by 80 inches.

Features: Electrical outlets and USB-B/USB-C charging on both port and starboard. The bed lifts on gas-assisted struts to reveal a large storage space for suitcases. Hanging lockers on both sides. A 32-inch flat-screen TV with soundbar on the forward bulkhead.

VIP head: Spacious, with a Dometic flush system, rain-style and handheld shower heads, and 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom.

Master Cabin

Full-beam space. Captain Shelly began her tour in the en suite, describing it as the standout: "I don't think I've ever been in an en suite this large in this size of a vessel."

Master en suite: Double sinks with a mirror and storage below, ambient lighting, a large walk-in shower with wand and rain shower head, two large hanging lockers with storage below outboard, and a heated towel rack.

In-cabin refrigeration: Captain Shelly highlighted a specific "wow" detail — dedicated refrigeration in the master cabin itself, suited to late-night beverages or morning juice/fruit, with counter space above for a coffee maker.

Countertop finish: Ultra-leather material to prevent item shifting, with a fiddle rail; storage above, and an ottoman paired with the vanity — Captain Shelly noted personally using a similar vanity on her own boat more than expected.

Chaise lounge (port side, Captain Greg's favorite spot): Positioned near a large window close to the waterline, offering — per Captain Greg — "an absolutely great view," suited to relaxing with a book.

Additional master features: 50-inch flat-screen TV with wall-integrated soundbar, more storage below, an island berth, mosaic-style wood detailing throughout, reading lamps on both sides, and nightstands with lighting controls plus two electrical outlets and USB-C/USB standard charging.

Laundry room (port side, behind the bed): Large and functional, with another hanging locker, separate washer and dryer, folding counters, and storage for linens and towels. This space can alternatively be configured as a crew cabin (covered in a separate video).

Closing Assessment

Captain Greg's summary: "This boat was designed by people that actually go boating. Riviera is known for taking feedback from their owners — it's a very tight ownership community that they have — and as the Platinum Edition [across] any of their yacht lines, they've taken the feedback from their customers and built that into the design. They've taken it to the nth level on this one." He noted that although this is hull number one, Riviera already had orders for the first 40 units.

Related Content

A separate performance test and operational inspection video is referenced for further detail on this vessel.