From our point of view this is excellent news as Riviera was Lee Marine’s first dealership in 1998. The first new boat we sold, a Riviera 48, is in Boat Lagoon and still owned by the first owner, testament to Riviera quality and the suitability of the boat to Asian conditions. Riviera is the largest boat builder in the Southern Hemisphere going back 30 years.

So welcome back Riviera and let’s have a good look at the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge because this is not just a facelift of an old boat, it really is a brand new model.

The  Riviera 43 Open Flybridge with IPS incorporates more emphasis on entertainment and longer-term cruising than before, according to the Australian company.

It has extra beam-width amidships courtesy of its Volvo IPS [Inboard Performance System] pod-drives. The boat will be launched at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat show in May 2010. The company claims that using three-dimensional CAD software, it has created a boat which brings “the outdoors in” by creating an alfresco environment between the cockpit and the contemporary leather and varnished cherry interior.

The main saloon seats seven in a U-shaped lounge to starboard while to port is a two-seater leather lounge that can be brought forward to the saloon table as two separate dining chairs. The Riviera 43 sleeps up to six in two large cabins, with the forward master stateroom featuring a queen-sized, two-meter long double bed. The aft full-beam cabin has large port lights with optional opening portholes either side for natural light and cross ventilation.

Riviera says this boat recognizes the way people use their boat is change. Flybridges are not just used for fishing any more—they are entertainment and longer-term cruising areas. The flybridge offers 360-degree vision with minimal interruption through a new hardtop canopy. Swivel companion and helm chairs allow finger tip consol control while there is seating for four in an L-shaped lounge in front of the helm. A wet bar with settee completes the comforts.

Use of the Volvo Penta IPS has created a fresh accommodation layout on the new 43 Open Flybridge as all major engineering is positioned well after, creating enormous gains with beam-width space amidships. IPS incorporates twin counter-rotating, three bladed, forward facing propellers that drive ahead of the pods to deliver a smooth ride. This also makes the Riviera 43 very fuel efficient. Cruising at 28 knots the 43 Open Flybridge has a range of 340 nautical miles from its 1800 litre tanks. The IPS system also makes maneuvering in small spaces much easier.

The hull and deck are solid hand laid fiberglass below the waterline and core materials in the hull topsides and superstructure. The composite laminate design makes use of weight where it is needed most. Controlling on board electrics is the digital CZone system, allowing for the ultimate in customization and finger-touch control of all aspects of electrical operation, from entertainment light to navigation equipment.

As Riviera fans for the last decade, we congratulate Riviera on this new launch and look forward to seeing the boat at Sanctuary Cove later in the year. For full details and pricing on this new model, please contact Martin Holmes on martin@leemarine.net

Welcome back Riviera!