Riviera 53

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The helm features two Pompanette chairs, and the small settee to starboard provides a comfortable perch from which to kick back while under way. The tilt wheel is flanked by the joystick, engine controls and two Raymarine E140 touchscreen multifunction displays. Additional refrigeration, a sink and stowage line the starboard portion of the enclosed bridge. It’s important to note that with the sunroof and side windows opened, and the Isinglass rolled up, the outdoors flows right in. A doorway closes off the stairs to the salon, allowing another stateroom or teenage hideaway. An optional arrangement places the helm abaft the settee, although I would question the forward line of sight.

“This is also our first boat designed from the hull up around pod propulsion,” said Milne. By placing the three engines under the cockpit sole, a huge amidships stowage area is created forward of the engine room. At the tallest point there is crouching headroom of 5 feet, 6 inches. The space can absorb all the stores required for long-distance cruising, plus there’s additional freezer space, stowage for every tool you’ll ever need and room for a few folding bikes. A crew-quarters option is available as well.



Another benefit of placing the engines under the cockpit is room for that cavernous full-beam master. An island berth is surrounded by high-gloss cherry cabinetry, windows on both sides and a plush settee to port.

In the master head, backlit panels in the shower, high-end faucets and rainfall shower head will make the optional Sea Recovery watermaker a must. Two comfortable guest staterooms and a second head complete the lower deck accommodations.

The 10.5-foot (3.2 meter) tender is carried on the bow, accessed via wide side decks. Thirty-inch safety rails and plenty of grab rails will keep crew safe and secure.
 
If Riviera wants to let the world know that it is focused on building serious cruisers, there may be no better spokesperson than the 53. The North American debut will be at this Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. You too may find yourself saying “Wow.”

LOA: 59’8”
BEAM: ​​​16’10”
DRAFT: ​​4’10”
DISPL.: ​​49,160 lb.
FUEL:​​​ 925 gal.
WATER: ​​198 gal.
ENGINE OPTIONS: 2 x 700 hp Volvo IPS 900 diesels, 2 x 900 hp Volvo IPS 1200 diesels,
3 x 600 hp QSC Cummins Zeus drives, 2 x 835 hp MTU ZF 4000 pod-drives
ENGINES TESTED:​ 3 x 435 hp Volvo IPS​ 600 diesels
BASE PRICE:​​ $1,683,700
PRICE AS TESTED: ​$1,856,886

Test Conditions: Speeds were measured by GPS in the Coral Sea, Australia, with three-foot seas and 10 to 15 knots of wind, full fuel, full water and six people on board. Fuel consumption was calculated by the electronic engine-monitoring system. Sound levels were measured at the helm.

RPM    Knots    GPH    dB(A)
900​​    4.5​​     2.2    ​​66
1200​​    7.4    ​​3.0    ​​62
1500​​    9.0    ​​7.8    ​​57
1800​​    10.3    ​​12.0    ​​61
2100​​    11.5​    ​19.0    ​​61​​​
2400​​    13.9​    ​26.0    ​​61
2700​    ​17.9    ​​34.0    ​​61
3000​​    21.4​​    43.0    ​​65
3300​    ​25.1    ​​53.0    ​​66​
3600​​    29.5    ​​66.0    ​​68

Riviera Yachts of the Americas, 772-403-1060; www.rivierayachtsinc.com