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Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge (2020-)

2 x 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350



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Brief Summary

The Belize 66 Daybridge is a boat that parent company Riviera Yachts expects experienced yacht owners to be interested in. After driving her, we know why. She handles like a performance boat and she exhibits attention to detail that is above most. 

Owners can choose more custom options on the 66 Daybridge. Her flybridge, salon and cockpit are all spacious and inviting and she can be laid out belowdecks with three or four cabins.

Key Features

  • Large flybridge 
  • Tender garage
  • Dual control stations in cockpit
  • Opening galley window
  • Optional crew quarters
  • Bow lounge

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG STAT. MILE NM dBa
600 6.4 5.6 2.7 2.4 2.1 2584 2247.3 56
1000 9.9 8.6 11.5 0.9 0.7 921 801.1 58
1250 10.8 9.4 21.5 0.5 0.4 538 467.4 61
1500 13.9 12 37.5 0.4 0.3 395 343.7 64
1750 21.6 18.8 44.5 0.5 0.4 519 451.7 65
2000 27.4 23.8 61.5 0.4 0.4 477 414.6 69
2200 31.5 27.3 76 0.4 0.4 443 385.1 70
2400 36 31.3 92.5 0.4 0.3 416 362.1 74
2470 37 32.1 98.5 0.4 0.3 401 349.1 74

Specifications

Length Overall 69’ 2''
21.09 m
Beam 17' 11''
5.45 m
Dry Weight 77,195 lbs.
35,015 kg
Tested Weight 85,741 lbs.
38,891 kg
Draft 5’ 3''
1.6 m
Bridge Clearance 24’ 7''
7.49 m
Fuel Capacity 1,189 gal.
4,501 L
Water Capacity 185 gal.
700 L
Total Weight 85,741 lbs.
38,891 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane 10.6 sec.
0 to 30 16.2 sec. (0 to 20)
Load 4 persons, full fuel, 2/5 water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate 74 deg., 45 humid; wind: 15-20 mph; seas: <1

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350
Std. Power 2 x 1350-hp Volvo Penta D13

Captain's Report

By Eric Colby

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The 66 Daybridge is 69’2” (21.09 m) long with a 17’11” (5.45 m) beam and she is one of the most agile boats we’ve ever run in class.

Mission Statement

The largest model in the Belize line, the Belize 66 Daybridge, made her debut at last year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. A hardtop version was hull No. 1 and our test boat, the flybridge model, was Hull No. 2. She’s designed to appeal to the experienced boater who wants to spend time out on the water, not tied up at the slip. Once a captain takes the helm, he/she will understand why.

She’s one of the best-performing IPS-equipped boats we’ve ever run. The flybridge, cockpit, and salon are intended for entertaining crowds and belowdecks, she can be arranged with three or four staterooms with a full-beam master. Crew quarters are optional.

Major Features

  • Boarding gates on each side of the cockpit
  • Garage with removable rails for launching tender
  • Section of the swim platform lowers hydraulically
  • Spacious bow seating area
  • Full-beam master stateroom
  • Available crew quarters

Performance

The Numbers. The 66 Daybridge measured 69’3” (21.12 m) long with a beam of 17’11” (5.45 m) and a draft of 5’5” (1.64 m). Dry weight is listed at 84,911 lbs. (38,515 kgs). With 1,188 gallons (4,500 L) of fuel, 185 US gallons (700 L) of water, four people and test equipment onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 85,741 lbs. (38,891 kg).

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Parent company Riviera says the Belize 66 Daybridge is designed as a Downeast boat with contemporary styling.

Speed and Range. Our test boat was powered by twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS1350 pods. At a maximum of 32470 rpm, we hit a top speed of 32.1 knots. Best cruise came at 2100 rpm, we measured 25.5 knots and burned 68.5 gph. This gave us 46 nmpg and a range of 398 nautical miles with 10 percent of the boat’s 1,189-gallon (4,500 L) fuel capacity in reserve. At 600 rpm, the boat ran 5.6 knots and burned 2.7 gph, giving the boat a rating of 2.1 nmpg. Bump up to 1000 rpm and the speed goes up to 11.5 knots with a fuel burn of 11.5 gph and 0.7 nmpg.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

With twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta IPS propulsion systems, the Belize 66 Daybridge gets up and runs with surprising performance.

In the opinion of our test captain, the real gem of this beautiful boat is in her handling. Simply put, there’s nothing like it. This big 69’ (21.09 m) handles like a sportboat. Where we usually see IPS-driven boats take almost four to five boat lengths, or more, to come around 180 degrees, the Belize 66 Daybridge does it in 1 to 1.5 boat lengths. And 20 seconds is all it takes to do a 180 at cruise speed.  It’s exhilarating and comfortable as she does it more by swinging the stern around rather than grabbing the turn and throwing everyone and everything to the outside of the turn. She’ll dig her shoulder in causing a slight drop in speed but that only adds to her comfort during these performance turns. 

She’s equally responsive to the throttles. Shove them forward and she accelerates smoothly, and once the turbos kick in, she jumps ahead and reaches planing speed in an average of 10.6 seconds. 20 mph came and went in 16.2 seconds. And with her efficient hull, she’ll remain on plane right on down to 14.2 knots opening up the range to 433.4 nm. 

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Psst. Wanna have some fun? Crank the wheel of the Belize 66 Daybridge. We had a blast driving this boat and think other captains will have the same experience.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

With dual joysticks beneath hinged covers on each side of the cockpit, captains will feel comfortable pulling alongside a dock or backing into a slip.

Features Inspection

The Flybridge. Since most captains will prefer running the Belize 66 Daybridge from the upper helm, we’ll start our features inspection up there. The helm is centrally positioned, and three-panel consoles are covered in soft-touch vinyl. The wood-trimmed stainless-steel steering wheel is to left ahead with one of two Garmin 21” (53.34 cm) multifunction displays just ahead. In the center between the two raised screen consoles are two Volvo Penta tachometers with built-in digital displays that a captain can scroll through. The compass is just above.

To port, alongside the wheel, is an air conditioning duct and the ignition panel. On the starboard side, there’s a third 17” (43.18 cm) Garmin display that includes camera views for the bow, stern, and engine room. To the right of that are the C-Zone digital switch panel, the spotlight control, and the JL Audio stereo controls with another air conditioning duct alongside. The upper helm has a total of three high-backed bucket seats made by Italian manufacturer Selto. They all adjust fore and aft and recline. Outboard of the captain’s chair to port are the Volvo Penta digital shift and throttle controls, a joystick for docking and steering the boat while cruising, the remote control for the Garmin displays and the push-button-style accessory switches that light when activated.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Three Garmin multifunction screens and two Volvo Penta scroll-through gauges provide all the engine and course information a helmsman needs. Notice the camera function on the bottom screen.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The compact C-zone digital switch panel lets the captain control and monitor all onboard systems from a single screen.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The joystick is positioned outboard of the helm seat to port and it can be used to steer the boat when cruising as well as when docking.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Switches on the helm seat are in easy reach to slide it forward or aft, raise the height or recline. There’s no way a captain won’t be comfortable during a cruise.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Two guests can experience the same comfort as the captain on the 66 Daybridge. The bolsters fold up and there are folding stainless-steel footrests, too.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

There’s an extra seat forward to starboard of the flybridge helm and notice the storage drawer in the base. This can be used for liferaft storage.

The Flybridge. Abaft the helm, to starboard is a long lounge that could seat at least a half-dozen people facing inboard. It also has an angled backrest on the aft console that could create a comfortable forward-facing chaise lounge. There’s snap-in carpet underfoot and, to starboard, an L-shaped lounge wraps around a glossy-wood folding table that has four beverage holders in the center.

In the overhead, we see the attention to detail with inlaid teak panels and an opening sunroof that measures 7’3” by 6’3” (220.98 m x 190.5 m). Folding fabric panels fill in the sunroof when it’s closed. Headroom on the flybridge is 6’2” (1.87 m). Aft, the flybridge bar to port has a sink with open countertops and an outlined spot for the optional grill. In the base, there’s a refrigerated drawer. To starboard, there’s another cold drawer. Aft the open deck area is encircled by 33” (83.82 cm)-tall rails and there are two moveable deck chairs. If shade is preferred, a retractable awning can be deployed.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

With all the seating forward, the passengers will be protected beneath the 66 Daybridge’s hardtop.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

There’s space for at least eight around the flybridge table, which folds up to make it easier to enter and exit the lounge.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The aft deck on the flybridge invites those who want to dance to the music. There are also two moveable deck chairs.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The flybridge sunroof closes with a folding fabric cover, which is a good choice to save weight on the hardtop.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

A retractable awning extends aft over the flybridge’s sundeck.

The Bow. From the flybridge, we could look over the equally inviting bow, so we headed below to check it out. A horseshoe-shaped lounge wraps around a high-gloss table that’s on a heavy-duty post that can adjust the height. The table folds and has four stainless-steel beverage holders in the center. The backrests can be individually adjusted and a Bimini top with a folding stainless-steel frame can be raised for shade. Forward, the grounding tackle is on an elevated platform, There are chocks on each side forward of 14” (35.56 cm) cleats and in the center is a Muir windlass with an all-chain rode, and a 99.21-lb. (45-kg) Ultra anchor.

A chain stopper and a chain protector provide redundancy. Rode access is to the right and to the left are raw and freshwater washdowns and the remote control for the windlass. As we headed aft on the side decks, we couldn’t help but notice the wraparound windshield for the pilothouse. The center section is 7’3” by 4’6” (220.98 cm x 137.16 cm) and the teak brow that wraps around is a single piece that is actually steamed and bent to meet the pilothouse contours.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The Belize 66 Daybridge’s bow lounge has more capacity than some cockpits we’ve seen on similarly sized boats.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The backrests can be adjusted to four different heights and the escape hatch for the VIP cabin is under the center cushion.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The Bimini lowers and folds out of the way when it’s not needed and given the 66 Daybridge’s speed, we would want it down when underway.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The foredeck is laid out to make it easy to operate the windlass and check on the rode.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The teak brow on the forward end of the pilothouse exhibits the extra level of attention to detail that we saw throughout the 66 Daybridge.

The Stern. Working our way aft was easy on 18” (45.72 cm) wide side decks that are wide enough for an adult to walk on them facing forward. Rails top out at 30” (76.2 cm) and there are two amidships 14” (35.56 cm) cleats. About ¾ of the way aft, there boarding doors in the hullsides. All the way aft, the 66 Daybridge has a full-beam swim platform that extends 5’8” (172.72 cm). A section of the platform hydraulically lowers into the water to create a private beach or to launch the tender that stores in the garage just ahead.

Sockets in the platform are for removable stainless-steel rails that can be used to facilitate launching a tender. There are 10” (25.4 cm) pop-up cleats on the platform that can be used to secure the tender. Underneath the top step on the starboard side are the washdowns, controls for the platform and garage, overhead courtesy and underwater lights, and the shorepower cords and reels. Under the step on the port side are the 50-amp shorepower cord plus utility connections.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The trip from the bow to the stern is easy and safe thanks to side decks that are wide enough and full-length stainless-steel rails.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

At the leading edge of the cockpit on each side are boarding doors in the hullsides.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The inboard sockets on the swim platform are for rails that assist in launching the tenders. The other holes allow water to pass through when it’s lowered.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Lowering the swim platform creates a private beach and makes it easier to load a tender.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The garage door opens on hydraulic rams and the rails used to launch the tender store in a dedicated rack just inside.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Install the rails in the center of the stern to make it easy to launch the tender when the platform is lowered.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The boarding ladder is under the outboard hatch on the fixed section of the swim platform.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The raw and freshwater washdowns and the controls for the swim platform and garage are clearly labeled under top step in the starboard cockpit steps.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

From her spacious cockpit to the large salon and inviting bow, the Belize 66 Daybridge is a boat meant to entertain.

The Cockpit. Passageways to the cockpit are on each side and they close with heavy-duty stainless-steel gates. In each aft corner are warping winches with cleats and chocks. The aft cockpit lounge is 7’10” (2.39 m) wide and there’s L-shaped seating to starboard around a pedestal table. Like the flybridge table, one in the cockpit has a folding section and the stainless-steel beverage holders in the center.

To port, a cockpit bar has a double-burner Kenyon grill with a forward serving area and a refrigerator drawer and ice maker in the base. Overhead, the flybridge extends aft over the cockpit. There’s 7’5” (2.26 m) of headroom and the underside is treated with teak highlights in one of many examples of the craftsmanship we saw throughout the boat. In each aft corner of the cockpit, there is a joystick in its own compartment. The captain or mate can just push in the hatch and it pops up for easy docking.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The aft corners in the cockpit mirror each other and the stainless-steel gate has an extra heavy-duty feel.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The aft cockpit lounge is nearly 8’ wide and has storage in the base.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The table folds in half to make it easier to enter and exit the forward cockpit lounge.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

With the full galley just on the other side of the salon entryway, the cockpit grill is in a good location for supplementary cooking.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Teak inserts in the overhead enhance the 66 Daybridge’s upscale feel.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Dual stations in the aft corners of the cockpit are a sign that this boat was designed by people who actually use boats.

The Galley. Moving into the Belize 66 Daybridge’s salon via a stainless-steel framed sliding glass door, when we first entered, the galley is aft to starboard. There’s a large stone countertop into which is set a two-burner Miele induction cooktop that has a retractable vent fan above. A microwave-convection oven is below and there’s a Miele dishwasher as well.

Above and below, there’s ample storage capacity and opposite the galley are a full-size Vitrifigo refrigerator and a large pull-out pantry. Galley controls include a panel for the C-Zone digital switching. To improve traction underfoot, Belize leaves the grain open and coats the deck with silica. To create a seamless connection between the galley and the cockpit, the aft galley window and door open fully.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Stone countertops and teak-inlaid cabinets are evidence of the craftsmanship Belize builds into the 66 Daybridge.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The Miele double-burner stove flush-mounts to the galley counter. We would recommend that owners request racks to secure saucepans.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The fan over the twin-burner stove activates as soon as it's pulled out.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Side-by-side stainless-steel sinks are installed under the stone counter.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The Miele microwave-convection oven is beneath the two-burner stove with storage alongside and below.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

More from Miele, notice that the dishwasher is lined with stainless-steel, which is preferred.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

A full-sized refrigerator is across from the galley to port.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Just ahead of the refrigerator is a large-pull-out pantry. There’s a smaller one in the galley as well.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

With the stainless-steel framed window at the aft end of the galley and the entry door opens, there’s seamless access to the cockpit.

The Salon. Moving forward, the stairs to the flybridge are to port, but are indoors, protected from the elements. The open floating-tread design has courtesy lights on each step and the stairs are coated in the same silica as the decking for improved traction. It’s a 9” (22.86 cm) step up from the galley to the salon, but Belize maintains the 6’7” (2.0 m) of headroom by raising the overhead.

To starboard, there’s a lounge with an ottoman that has a portable table covering part of it. There’s dedicated storage for glasses and stemware in the ottoman base. Across is the cabinet that houses the retractable 55” (139.7 cm) TV and just ahead is a door that opens to the side deck. Forward to port is a dining table with a lounge along the port side and three individual chairs. Forward to starboard, the lower helm is an option and it consists of a compass in line with the steering wheel, a 21” (53.34 cm) Garmin multifunction screen, Volvo Penta engine instruments and C-Zone digital switching.

Outboard of the lower helm seat to starboard are the digital controls and the remote control for scrolling through the Garmin display. A joystick for steering the boat is in the single Selto captain’s chair that has the same adjustability as the seats we saw on the flybridge.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Each step on the open array-style flybridge steps has its own courtesy light.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Like the galley decking, each flybridge step is treated with silica for improved traction.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The aft salon lounge wraps around to starboard and notice the TV-tray-style table on the ottoman.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The ottoman base has dedicated storage for glasses, stemware and spirits.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

A 55” (139.7 cm) TV retracts into a cabinet to port in the salon, which keeps it safe during a long cruise.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Passage from the galley to the lower helm is easy, thanks to the 66 Daybridge’s open plan.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The raised salon overhead maintains the headroom and it exhibits outstanding attention to detail.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The lower helm station is an option that will be used primarily for operating when the weather isn’t great.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Engine controls and the remote keypad for the lower helm’s MFD are in comfortable reach to the captain’s right.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The lower helm seat has the same adjustability as those on the flybridge, but we’d like to see a fold-down footrest.

Accommodations

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The 66 Daybridge is available with three staterooms as shown above, or four, which our test boat had.

Master Stateroom. The stairs to the cabin level are finished with the same treatment as the galley deck and flybridge steps. Aft, the master stateroom is full-beam and it has 6’4” (1.93 m) of headroom. The berth measures 84” by 63” (213.36 cm x 160.02 cm) and it’s a comfortable 28” (71.12 cm) off the sole. There’s a couch-style lounge to starboard and a bureau of drawers to port. A 42” (106.68 cm) TV is on the aft bulkhead and storage includes dual cedar-lined hanging lockers, smaller compartments and nightstands.

Adjacent to the berth headboard is entry to the ensuite head. It’s an 11” (27.94 cm) step down and the electric flush toilet is on a platform. Countertops are stone and there’s a spacious separate shower. A door behind the head leads to what would be crew quarters and a second one opens to the engine room. In the companion way, we found the Miele washer and dryer hidden from view, behind a door. When we exit the master quarters, through the main companionway, there are storage drawers and a wine chiller.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

There’s plenty of space on each side of the island berth, which is at a comfortable height off the sole.
 

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The full chest of drawers in the master will come in handy during an extended cruise.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The master head features a vessel sink on a stone counter and a walk-in shower with a teak seat.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Here’s something we don’t see everyday. The towel rack in the 66 Daybridge’s master head is heated.

Guest Cabins. Our test boat had the four-cabin layout with two guest cabins separating the master from the VIP quarters in the bow. The cabin to port has longitudinally positioned separate berths that can slide together plus a hullside window and a hanging locker.

Just ahead to port is entry to what will also be used as the day head. Directly across the companionway is another cabin with over-under berths arranged in an L-configuration plus a hanging locker.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Berths in the guest stateroom to port can slide together to create a comfortable sleeping area for a couple.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The berths in the starboard cabin would be the best bet for kids with the over-under arrangement.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Even the guest cabins have cedar-lined hanging lockers that illuminate when the door is opened. Note the service access panel at the rear of the locker.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The day head has an opening port and a rainfall-style head in the separate shower.

The VIP. In the Belize 66 Daybridge’s bow, the VIP cabin has 6’8” (2.03 m) of headroom and an island berth that measures 75” long by 61” wide (190.5 cm x 154.94 cm) and is 31” (78.74 cm) off the sole. Hullside windows on both sides let in natural light and there’s a TV on the aft bulkhead.

Storage is offered in dual hanging lockers and four drawers in the base of the berth. The ensuite head is nearly identical to the facilities provided in the master with a separate shower, vessel sink on a stone counter and heated towel rack.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The side windows and overhead deck hatch let in sufficient natural light. The hatch also provides a means for escape in an emergency.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

There’s a vanity at the foot of the berth and outboard is one of two hanging lockers.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Belize provides storage in four drawers in the base of the berth as well.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The use of lighter colors on the sink countertop and walls of the VIP head give it a spacious feel.

The Engine Room. Four hatches in the cockpit deck plus another belowdecks provide access to the 66 Daybridge’s engine compartment, including two rear hatches directly above the IPS drives. The IPS1350s link to the pods with jackshafts between the drives is the Seakeeper 16 gyroscopic stabilizer.

Just ahead is the 29 kW generator. Battery boxes and air conditioning are aft with the water recovery system. On the forward bulkhead, the 240-volt AC and 24-volt DC panels are in clear view. Water-separating fuel filters are also easily accessed for routine maintenance.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Two forward hatches in the cockpit deck provide access to the front of the engine room. The aft hatches provide for quick checks and servicing of the Volvo Penta IPS drives.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

At the bottom of the ladder is a door that leads to the utility room off of the master quarters.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Headroom in the engine compartment is plentiful and there’s plenty of space between the Volvo Penta engines.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

The Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizer is in the aft section of the engine room, just beneath the garage.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Notice that the hatches on the battery box outboard of the generator are double-secured with straps just to make sure they stay on.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

It would be hard to find an electrical panel that’s easier to follow than the one on our test boat.

Riviera Belize 66 Daybridge

Whoever’s in charge of maintaining the fuel-water separators on the Belize 66 Daybridge should be pleased with the access.

Base Retail Price

$3,929,666

Observations

When our test captain was walking down the docks the day before our test of the Belize 66 Daybridge, he saw the boat pulling into the marina and he was awestruck by its appearance. He just stood there and watched, which says a great deal.

Parent company Riviera Yachts says the Belize 66 Daybridge is a downeast boat with contemporary styling. That sounds good to us. An owner who buys this boat will have to wait about a year after placing an order, but once it arrives, it will turn heads.

As if the looks aren’t enough, the performance is going to turn heads. The combination of agility, acceleration, and flat out speed will ensure that an owner won’t want to just hang out in the slip on this boat.