Riviera yachts come in a number of different styles, but their most unique is the Enclosed Flybridge line. Ranging from 48’ to 77’ it’s the smaller end of the range that’s so unusual. While you can find other enclosed flybridge yachts of 60’ or more, few builders have produced enclosed bridge models under this length.
There are currently Riviera Enclosed Flybridges on the brokerage market with LOAs of 48’, 51’, 52’, 53’, 57’, 60’, 63’, 69’, and 77’. And prices also spread over a wide array, running from $319,000 for a 1999 48’ Enclosed Bridge all the way up into the four million range. The 77’ is the newest—and largest—model, which was introduced in 2015 at the Dubai International Boat Show. But Rivieras have been built since 1980, and with over 5,000 hulls currently on the water, different options for used vessels as well as new ones constantly pop up on market. Many are available in the US; although these yachts are constructed in Australia, over 55-percent of the boats Riviera builds are for export and their dealer network reaches over 60 countries.
One thing all of these models share (other than the enclosed flying bridgedeck, of course) is an open aft cockpit layout that’s appropriate for either angling or entertaining. Rivieras are built to serve as multipurpose yachts, and you’ll find that some are rigged with accouterments like outriggers and livewells, while others are no fishier than a luxury liner. This wide variability means yacht shoppers looking for an enclosed bridge Riviera that’s rigged for a specific purpose may need to keep their mind open to retrofits.
Another commonality through the line is that these yachts are usually rigged with powerplants that are relatively small in comparison to many American-built flybridge yachts, producing performance that’s more focused on efficiency at cruise than on a blazing-fast top-end. In many late models Volvo Penta IPS or Zeus pod drives were offered as optional power, though there are also many fitted with straight-shaft inboard diesels on the market.
Riviera takes full advantage of the enclosed bridge design, building living space onto the bridge along with the helm. On the 53, for example, there’s enough room that the bridgedeck serves as a second mini-saloon, with twin chairs at the helm, a large L-shaped settee with dinette table, a small galley, and a curved staircase leading to the main galley below. (Read our full review of the boat, Riviera 53: Offshore Aussie, to learn more about this specific model). Even on the diminutive 48 Enclosed Flybridge there’s an additional seating area with settees and a dinette along with the helm. If you’re looking for a flybridge yacht but you want the full protection provided by a solid enclosure, Riviera’s Enclosed Flybridge line offers perhaps the widest range of options on the market, today.
See all Riviera Enclosed Flybridge listings.
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