Captain's Report

Overview. Riviera quite appropriately named this boat Sport Yacht as it seamlessly transitions between the two categories. With yacht quality fit and finish this beautiful yacht carries the outdoor aft deck right to the expansive main deck with a single level living space.

Features Inspection.

The exterior is where we get our first impression of the 4800, and as the saying goes, make the first one a good one. Riviera succeeded in this regard with a profile that is at once striking and elegant. Her raked rail supports match the angle of the hull side windows creating a look of sleek speed, even when at rest. The molded contour lines of her standard hardtop speak of the dedication that goes into all of the company’s products.

Stern

The swim platform is as much a play place is it is a functional member of the outdoor gathering. Start with the tender garage big enough to hold a 9’2” (2.8m) rib. The garage is accessed by an electrically actuated hatch that leads to the aft platform.

Just ahead is, what is in our opinion, one of the most well equipped outdoor grills we’ve seen on any yacht, let alone in class. It includes twin burners with food prep stations to both sides and a stainless backsplash/heat guard, all under a lighted hatch held open with gas struts to both sides. A stainless grab rail runs the length and can not only hold people secure, we can hang our grilling tools from it for easier access.

Cockpit

The aft deck is accessed by stairs to both port and starboard. If there were any doubts about the 4800 Sport Yacht’s ability to blur the line between the exterior and interior gathering areas, then this space will further serve to convince.

To the stern there’s a center-mounted, four-across, forward-facing bench with weatherproof upholstery and storage underneath. Ahead and to starboard is L-shaped seating wrapping around a solid wood table on a stainless pedestal. A glass bulkhead opens awning-style, and this, coupled with the sliding glass door, makes for an open and inviting blend to the yacht’s interior.

To port is an outdoor wet-bar with a sink recessed into a solid surface counter, a prep area, refrigerator and icemaker.

Bow

The bow is accessed from side decks to both port and starboard. High side rails and a cabin side grab rail allows for a safe transition even when underway. Forward there are comfortable sunpads with a pop up bimini to add shade when the sun becomes a bit too much to bear, but the desire for the panoramic view of the water remains irresistible. Under the windshield brow are concealed weatherproof speakers.

Galley

The flush transition to the salon is via a large sliding glass door on a stainless steel frame. The galley is to port, centrally located between the dining area and aft deck ensuring that the chef/host remains at the social hub of the yacht. This also ensures a free flow of traffic throughout the main deck. Additional natural light comes in from the side window that remains unobstructed. Appliances include two refrigerators, a freezer, two-burner ceramic cooktop and microwave. Solid wood cabinetry throughout highlights the fit and finish of Riviera’s in-house cabinetmakers.

Opposite is a buffet area with a solid wood top and storage underneath that includes bottle and stemware storage.

Dining Area

The dining area consists of a C-shaped lounge to starboard wrapping around a dining table that can easily accommodate 4, all on an elevated platform. The opening side windows are situated such that a view to the horizon is always possible, even from the seated positions. This is an important factor in preventing discomfort for those guests that may not be as acclimated to being on the water as others. An opening sunroof further serves to blend the interior with the exterior.

Helm

To the port side is the helm with twin high-backed leather seats that are electrically adjustable, and a panel that is nothing short of a testimony to Riviera’s commitment to embrace new technology. A “glass dash” features a pair of 12” (30.5cm) multi-function displays as the focal point and these can be used to display everything from the nav data, to the engine displays, to the radar and closed circuit cameras situated around the boat.

Visibility is astounding through the surrounding glass, including the two-piece windshield with narrow mullions.

CZone

Below and to the right is a 10” (25.4 cm) CZone touchscreen that allows for control of all the vessels electrical functions as well as monitoring systems. This is augmented with push-button switches for items needing more immediate access like horns, nav lights, etc… Additionally, a separate touchscreen control is located at the salon entry and an iPad can control the system from anywhere onboard.

Lower Deck

We move down to the accommodations level via a centerline staircase to the starboard side of the helm. This leads us to a large open atrium with plenty of natural light. The area is also functional as to starboard there is an L-shaped couch that can accommodate up to five adults. This not only makes for a quiet retreat but can also serve as an extra sleeping area. It includes storage drawers beneath.

Opposite is the day head that includes space for a washer/dryer.

Master

The master stateroom is located forward with the usual setup of a queen-sized island berth nestled into the bow. There’s access to both sides via steps. A private ensuite head includes a walk-in shower.

Riviera’s penchant for use of space is highlighted with upper cabinets to both sides of the stateroom and storage access under the berth.

VIP

The guest VIP stateroom is located aft and reflects a departure from what we usually see as the location for the master. Instead, more berths are made available by moving the master forward and taking more advantage of the available space here for extra guests. The stateroom includes three single berths, of which two can slide together to form a double berth. Hull side windows allow for natural light and opening portlights are connected to alarms at the helm.

Power

Powering the 4800 Sport Yacht is the twin 550-hp Volvo Penta IPS 700 pod drive engines. Optional power is the 600-hp IPS 800’s. These engines share space with the 11kW Onan generator supplying the electrical demands when away from shore power.

BoatTEST Performance Numbers

The Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht has a LOA of 50’ (15.23 m) and a beam of 15’1” (4.61 m). With an empty weight of 42,000 lbs. (19,055 kg), 58% fuel and 3 people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 45,384 lbs. (20,586 kg).

With the twin Volvo Penta 600-hp D8-IPS800s powering our test boat, we reached a top speed of 34 knots/39.2 mph at 3030 rpm. Best economic cruise came in at 2500 rpm and 25.3 knots/29.1 mph. It was at that speed that the 42.5 gph fuel burn translated into 0.6 nmpg and a range of 296.9 nm.

Observations

The Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht combines stunning good looks with a grace and poise that seems to be the hallmark of the company. She’s clearly laid out to spend the days above deck and nights below. And with all her entertaining and gathering areas being on a single level, it’s easier and more inviting to circulate throughout the yacht during those many gatherings that her owners are sure to have.

Standard and Optional Features