Boat Review: Riviera 645 SUV
Trade-a-Boat was the first in the world to review the new Riviera 645 SUV before its release at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
There’s always a buzz around the launch of a new Riviera, and the internet has been talking up another model for months, ever since details were first leaked of the SUV. So, being the first to review the latest example from the Coomera factory was a real highlight for me, especially as we got on board before the official launch at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
We were invited to view the latest in the single deck SUV range, the 645, on a clear Gold Coast morning. The first release for 2021, it’s a triumph for the design and production team in these difficult times. After more than 40 years, Riviera holds its own as a world-class brand that continually enhances the quality and style of its models while refining the usability for a contemporary lifestyle.
Despite the current boat-buying frenzy and solid orders for the existing range, the Riviera team, in collaboration with 4D Designs, continues the development of their fleet. Stand still in the marine industry, and you lose as demand grows for increased volume and sophistication.
Using the same hull design as the recent flybridge 64 Sports Motor Yacht, the 645 becomes the largest in the single-deck SUV range, expanding to six versions from 39 to 64 feet. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that the current range includes 19 different iterations as well as the Belize range and that in their 41-year history, Riviera has launched more than 150 individual models.
The 645 offers a smooth ride
In the year or so since the launch of the 64 SMY, the designers have considered owner feedback and boating trends to introduce many innovative features into the 645.
Viewed from the dock, it’s clear Riviera has jumped ahead with a stunning and contemporary appeal. Dazzling Platinum top coat highlights the elongated sculptured lines of a hardtop that extends well over the largest cockpit in the SUV range. Up front, the bow lounge area is perfectly integrated into the design rather than being the awkward afterthought they can sometimes be.
A sensuous sweeping sheerline rides over a pair of dark hull windows and joins with the low profile to emphasise the length of the hull. For me, this is the prettiest Riviera ever.
THE BUILD
Out of the same mould as the SMY64, the hull is a hand lay-up with a solid reinforced GRP keel, chines and bottom at the engine room. Topsides are all new mouldings, and the hardtop is from light and strong resin-infused GRP. Cabin tops and hull sides are foam-cored, as is the forward hull structure for extra strength and noise suppression. The outer layer of the hull is vinylester for its osmosis resistance, and the exterior white isothalic gelcoat is formulated to stay colourfast under fierce UV attack.
The cockpit has everything you need
THE EXTERIOR
The large boarding platform can drop deep enough into the water to make it ideal for swimming and diving, and then lift well clear of the wake when moving. With a lounge on the foredeck, there's no room for a davit and tender, so, the platform is also the perfect spot to store a RIB for travel. Slots on the floor can house a cradle for the tender and allow for safety rails.
Gates at either side open for access to the teak-clad cockpit with ample room for entertaining or fishing. A twin lounge snuggles up to the transom, and a small fold-out fishing table is secreted into the space of the optional live well. Deep holds in the cockpit sole will handle any amount of water toys and dive gear, while lockers neatly store lines and electrical leads.
Moulded cabinets either side of the stairway leading to the versatile mezzanine deck open to reveal a wet bar with a large freezer and electric barbecue with a sink. These two outdoor levels combine for either a welcoming, laid back entertaining space or a more formal alfresco dining experience protected from the elements by clears and ducted temperature control.
Steps lead up to wide walkways to the bow, but you also have access from a portside pantograph door direct from the saloon. The bow area is exceptional. The Sunbrella clad U-Shaped lounge should have seating for a dozen under the optional sunshade, and Four JL speakers play your favourite tunes from a separate Fusion sound system. The teak deck here is an unusual extravagance and conjures impressions of warm days absorbing the relaxing timber texture through bare feet.
There's space aplenty
COME INSIDE
A large saloon door and window extend the wide-open, flow-through experience all the way to the helm when the occasion demands. Or close it up tight for more intimate evenings inside. The review boat has a more traditional Classic interior with rich glossy walnut furnishings and curved cabinetry. An optional, more edgy Newport design will be available down the track.
The new layout has given full range to innovative ideas that add to liveaboard experience without harming entertainment value. The island bench is a practical way of adding prep space and storage without interrupting the flow to the helm and accommodation deck. The galley is equipped with the right Miele appliances and plenty of refrigeration for extended travel.
Over to starboard, an L-shaped lounge has an upholstered ottoman with a coffee table insert that at first seems a little incongruous. Where’s the dining table? Well, as if by magic, a mahogany table folds out from behind the lounge, and with some additional seating, there's room for six or more.
Aft of the helm is a timber cabinet from which a 50in television appears, and with a swivelling arm, it can face the lounge for better viewing. But there’s more. In the ceiling, a central overhead handrail is surrounded by vinyl panels that hinge down for access to storage options for soft furnishings on one side and rod storage on the other.
A companionway to starboard of the helm area takes you down to the accommodation area with a bow VIP cabin, a master and two smaller cabins with bunks and a convertible double/twin layout. The timber theme continues, and the finish is superb.
Entertainers will be in their element
Layout follows the SMY64 theme, so I won’t dwell too much other than to say the master suite deserves special mention. The full-width cabin has clear views through hull windows and generous head height all around the king-size bed. Aft is a substantial ensuite with a monster shower and plenty of ventilation. Walk through to a utility room with Miele washer and dryer and loads of storage space.
MAN UP
Engine options are a choice of twin MAN diesels in either a 1300hp V8 or a 1550hp V12. Our review boat has the standard V8 power, and it seems a sensible choice, especially after our drive.
Access to the motors is either through the mezzanine hatches or more easily through a Bulkhead door in the utility room aft of the master cabin. In typical Riviera fashion, the engine room is beautifully finished, and there's plenty of room and an easy reach for maintenance of the well-positioned filters and oil checks.
THE HELM
Three black leather Aras helm and companion chairs face a dashboard full of 24in Raymarine Axiom screens and controls for autopilot, EPS, sounder, GPS, radar, FLIR and onboard cameras, a Siren Marine Monitoring system and more. The skipper’s chair is front and centre, and you can set it just right with electronic controls.
Vision is excellent to the front and sides, but you don't get a 360-degree perspective, unlike a flybridge. The Quick Shift throttles are well-positioned, so with joystick and autopilot controls fitted to the armrest, the skipper can set a course and sit back to enjoy the ride.
Teak is found throughout the interior
THE DRIVE
Riviera has embraced the latest technologies in ride, handling and slow speed manoeuvring to transform the 645 into a skipper’s dream. Ok, the Humphree carbon stabiliser fins and Electronic Joystick System add up to a $250,000 option, but in the context of a $3.7m boat and after experiencing them in action, they are a no-brainer.
None of this is to suggest the Riviera hull is lacking in finesse or capability. Without electronic assistance, you can still park the boat, travel the oceans and enjoy the experience. The technology just makes everything easier and more seamless.
With the Humphree Zero Speed fins doing their thing, the boat is that bit more stable both when moving and at rest. But even in the most vigorous flat-out turns, the hull hardly leans at all, staying almost entirely vertical. At first, it feels pretty strange, then you just say, “Wow.”
Making almost any skipper look like a veteran old salt, the Electronic Joystick System combines the thrust of the engines with front and rear thrusters to place the boat exactly where you want it. Docking is a simple light touch of the conveniently located joystick to move, turn and stop. Convenient? There’s a control at the helm and also in a portside cockpit locker so you could easily dock the boat on your own — lock the position, tie off, and it’s sundowner time.
Engine access is through a bulkhead door
The 2700hp had us moving quickly and quietly. Once the turbos spooled up, and we were up on the plane, transition to 25kt was almost instant. We saw 31kt at wide-open throttle of 2350 rpm, but a sensible cruise would be 21kt, where a 439nm range should be possible with 10 per cent of the 6500L tanks in reserve. Riviera describes the SUV range as a marriage between the seaworthy Motor Yacht range and the free-flowing Sports Yacht, and it's a fair summary. The 645 is a long-distance cruiser, a family weekender and a plush party platform wrapped into one stunning looking package.
THE WRAP
I’m told the first 645 is heading to a loyal Riviera customer looking forward to long-distance cruising with his family, and after a morning on board, I can see why the 645 SUV is the right choice. The single-level platform keeps the crew together when travelling but has separate entertaining spaces to give everyone room and some privacy when they want it. Large sunroofs in the saloon and Mezzanine, meanwhile, allow an open, airy atmosphere when the sun shines and a protected all-weather space when it's gloomy outside.
Riviera continues to surprise with each new release, and the 645 makes the most of current technology to create a luxury yacht that's a joy to be on board while taking the ease of ownership to a new level.
It's a skipper's dream
FACTS & FIGURES
PRICED FROM
$3,295,000
OPTIONS FITTED
EJS upgrade, Mezzanine air conditioning, Hydraulic lift for a swim platform, Bow awning, Raymarine electronics package, radar, FLIR camera, Underwater lighting, KVH satellite connection, Humphree Fins and Active ride control, teak decking, more.
PRICE AS TESTED
$3,714,315
GENERAL
TYPE Monohull Cruiser
LENGTH 21.3m (69ft 8in)
HULL LENGTH 19.41m (63ft 8in)
BEAM 5.8m (19ft 1in)
WEIGHT 39,990kg (dry)
CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 8 (NIGHT) 16 (DAY)
FUEL 6500L
WATER 750L
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL MAN V8-1300
TYPE Turbo diesel V8
RATED HP 1300hp (956kW)
DISPLACEMENT 16.2L
GEAR RATIO 1.96:1
PROPELLER Veem 5 Blade
MANUFACTURED BY/ SUPPLIED BY
Riviera Australia
50 Waterway Drive
Coomera 4209
PH (07) 5502 5555
W rivieraaustralia.com