Riviera 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
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