Captain's Report

Overview

The 57 Enclosed Flybridge and the 575 SUV share the same hull and exterior deck design with the accommodations plan being identical. The big difference between the two models is the enclosed flying bridge, as opposed to the 575 SUV, which is an express. The main deck arrangement of the galley and salon are also slightly different, with no lower helm, a larger salon and a stairway to the flying bridge on the 57 Enclosed Flybridge. Anyone interested in one of the models should definitely check out our report on the other.

Distinctive Features

Enclosed Flybridge. This design offers three main benefits. First, there’s another completely enclosed gathering area in addition to the usual main deck salon. This frees up space for more comfort and livability. And the added cost of all of this enclosed extra space is not particularly costly given all of the extra utility that is provided.

Second, there’s no need for a lower helm, as the flybridge control station now becomes an all-weather operating station.

Third, because there is no lower helm, the foredeck can be used to store the ship’s tender.

Seaworthy Build. Riviera yachts are built to withstand some of the most unforgiving conditions cruisers can encounter, and as such, they are built to handle these conditions well with a good sea-keeping hull. Convertibles -- which is what the 57 Enclosed Bridge is -- have a relatively low CG compared to motoryachts of the same length. Also, this vessel has both a greater beam and a heavier displacement than most other boats in her class, which makes her more comfortable at sea.

Choose your Propulsion. Buyers can choose from either twin 725-hp Volvo Penta IPS2-950s, 900-hp IPS3-1200s or conventional 1000-hp CAT C12.9 shaft drive engines. This versatility alone separates Riviera from most builders that either cannot, or will not, offer the choice between shaft and pod drives in the same boat.

True Convertible. Any blue water cruising yacht can also wet a line, but Riviera adds the ability to include options that really make this a true convertible sportfishing yacht. Among them are a control station abaft the fly bridge, optional outriggers, rod holders in the caprails, rocket-launcher-style rod holders in the flying bridge, fishboxes in the cockpit including refrigerated storage under the mezzanine seating, and a glass-backed transom livewell. The cockpit deck is reinforced to accommodate a fighting chair, if desired.

Cockpit for Entertaining. Many convertibles have a mezzanine bench seat facing aft, but few, if any, have an L-shaped settee with table. This is an important detail, because it is one of the elements -- along with the plush transom sofa and the wet bar with electric grill -- that make this cockpit a large entertainment venue.

The fact is, most big game anglers we know spend far more time entertaining on their convertible then they do actually fishing for the trophies. For that reason, Riviera’s design provides much more utility than we find on virtually any convertible.

C-Zone Controllability. The ship’s C-Zone system allows for control of all the vessel’s electrical functions as well as monitoring systems. A touchscreen control is located at the saloon entry, and an iPad can control the system from anywhere onboard. It offers DC and AC switching and over-current protection, full systems monitoring (with alarms) including AC voltage, current, frequency and kilowatts, DC voltage, current and remaining battery capacity, along with fluid tank levels and indication for systems in operation.

Features Inspection

Flying Bridge

The focal point of the 57 EB model is the enclosed flybridge, and it is a stunning area to behold. Accessed from a set of internally located stairs with polished stainless hand rails, it is functional as both a gathering area for entertaining and an operational one for piloting the vessel.

The helm is centrally located and forward. Behind is a large settee with pedestal table, and a small “slumber-seat” is just ahead of a small refrigerator. A wet bar is just across to starboard. To the aft end, the full glass enclosure continues, but here there is an awning-style swing-up window adjacent to the sliding glass door that allows the area to seamlessly blend with open-air aft deck.

This, along with the large opening and two sliding glass windows on the side, further enhances the ability to allow the outside in.

The aft deck on the flying bridge has an aft-facing bench seat to port protected by stainless steel safety rails. To starboard, a control station allows the captain to keep an eye on the lines while trolling and when backing down when a fish is on.

Easy Docking. As a docking station, this remote helm couldn’t be better.

The Helm

The helm creates a striking balance between ergonomic comfort, contemporary design and technology. The console is to starboard with the helm centrally located on the bridge. The design reminds us of a high-end sports car such as an Aston Martin. Two Pompanette Platinum pedestal seats allow the captain and an observer to port to be well positioned for visibility and companionship while underway.

The instrument panel consists of a glass dash cockpit with three 15” (38 cm) multi-function displays across the main panel. Optional 17” (43.2 cm) or 19” (48.3 cm) displays are offered.

An armrest pier separates the captain’s area with the observers. This space is populated by the digital engine controls that include a host of features (e.g., single lever, engine sync, docking mode, cruise assist, auto trim), the controller for the panel displays, and rocker switches for quick access to items such as lighting, wipers and pumps.

The observer to the captain’s right can become a functional crewmember assisting in the navigation chores while underway, even by activating a number of the controls because they are all within easy reach. Of course, the advantage of a second set of eyes joining the captain is of primary importance.

Cockpit

The 57 Enclosed Flybridge is boarded from the GRP swim platform that leads to a starboard side cockpit door. It is here where Riviera created a cockpit design that makes the area as welcoming a gathering space as the interior.

Measuring in at 141.3 sq. ft. (13.13 sq. m), the cockpit is at once a functional gathering area and a working fishing deck. For entertaining, there are two seating areas: a three-across transom lounge seat and an L-shaped mezzanine seat to the forward port corner.

Overhead there’s a canvas extension framed in tubular stainless steel. See-through side wings knock down the wind to the elevated seating area.

All Seats Have Storage Underneath. Of course, there’s plenty of room for additional deck chairs to be brought out from the in-deck lazarrette storage area. Still more storage is under the side gunwales for tackle, equipment and lines.

The Barbie. To starboard is a cockpit galley with a double electric grill, sink, plenty of open counter space prep area, refrigerator and icemaker.

For fishing, not only is there the familiar mezzanine seating, but the elevated L-settee has refrigerated storage underneath for keeping the catch iced. An in-deck fishbox is to the port side of the cockpit. Rod holders are in the caprails and overhead at the flybridge rail. A transom livewell has a glass front to keep an eye on the bait.

Toe kicks add a measure of safety when fighting a fish, and padded bolsters can be added to surround the cockpit and enhance the comfort level when working a line. The deck is reinforced to accommodate an owner’s choice of pedestal table or fighting chair.

Forward is a large awning-style stainless-steel-framed window that swings out and up. A sliding glass door connects the cockpit with the aft galley to further enhance the area’s functionality as a gathering and dining space.

Inside the Salon and Galley

The Galley

The galley is equipped with high-end world-class appliances in an efficient U-shaped two-person work station. A large sliding glass door in a polished stainless steel frame, and an aft bulkhead window that swings up and out, creates cockpit connectivity. It also serves to ensure that the galley remains the centerpiece of any onboard gathering and keeps the cook in the conversation, whether it is in the cockpit or the salon.

All wood is satin oak with teak accents and solid surface countertops. Appliances include a combination oven/microwave, a three-burner induction cooktop with range hood above, and a refrigeration suite of an owner’s mix of refrigerators and freezer drawers. A dishwasher is within easy reach of the stainless steel single basin sink.

The galley extends to the port side of the area and is an extension to it with additional refrigerator and freezer drawers and open counter/buffet space. All of this is located under the internal staircase accessing the enclosed flying bridge deck.

The Salon

A Large Space. The salon is centrally located on the main deck and features a large L-shaped sofa to starboard facing the dining settee to port. The dining table folds up and lowers for cocktail hour, and the result is a very large conversation area that is as big as one might find on an 80-foot yacht. The reason for that is, of course, because there is no lower helm station.

Riviera’s commitment to excel in fit-and-finish is exemplified here, as only the finest fabrics and materials are utilized. Opening side windows creates cross ventilation. The window sills are low, so everyone can see out while seated on the sofas. The wood grain deck is standard.

Dining. To the port side is a large C-shaped dinette that can convert to a sleeping berth for those additional guests that just don’t want to leave. The drop down table serves six. Slide the long ottoman from the sofa and the table will seat eight.

Across is an L-shaped sofa that seats five. Storage is underneath.As expected, all of the seating is plush-padded with custom upholstery. The headliner is also upholstered, adding to the eye-appeal of the space. This, of course, is all complemented by the dark-finished, wide-plank hardwood flooring. Opening side windows allows for cross ventilation.

The view is very nearly 360 degrees from the salon. It is here where the dash remains open, but a push of a button raises the 48” (122 cm) LED TV, thus allowing viewing from the entire deck. The floating theater effect is enhanced by the five-speaker Bose audio system with Apple TV and Wi-Fi router.

Accommodations

The accommodations deck is accessed from a centrally located companionway just ahead of the main salon. The 57 Enclosed Flybridge is a three-stateroom, two-head yacht that includes a full beam master stateroom with en suite head and long hull side windows. A guest stateroom with twin berths is to starboard, and the VIP is forward. The foyer also allows for access to the day head, which is also used by those in the VIP and guest staterooms.

The foyer at the bottom of the companionway is open and well-lit with natural light from the forward windshields above. A washer is at the bottom of the stairs, concealed by double doors that slide into the space alongside. A dryer is similarly concealed just ahead of the entry to the master stateroom.

Master Stateroom

The full beam master stateroom is luxuriously appointed with joinery that match the headboard décor. Subtle LED mood lighting is used for a more subdued effect when relaxation is the theme. There’s ample walking space to both sides of the bed, along with enough room for plenty of storage cabinetry. A settee is located to port, under the wide hull side window.

Headroom is 6’3” (1.9 m).

The master stateroom is served by its own en suite head with solid surface counters, vanity with porcelain features sink, premium fixtures and a separate walk-in shower stall with frameless glass door. The entire head has a solid surface non-slip floor that is slightly sunken to contain water.

VIP

The VIP is forward and carries the familiar theme of having a 6’ (1.83 m) by 5’1” (1.55 m) island berth accessible from both sides. Beautiful hardwood cabinetry with dark trim adds to the eye appeal of this cabin. The feature headboard from the master is repeated here. Storage is well thought out, and we’re glad to see that Riviera didn’t forget the open space above the hull side windows for this purpose. Also, there are drawers in the foot of the bed and in the forward bulkhead -- something that is unusual.

Starboard Guest Stateroom

The starboard stateroom features over-under berths, a mirror, ample storage, a hanging locker, an overhead hatch with Ocean Air blind, and reading and overhead lighting.

BoatTEST Performance Numbers

The Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge has an LOA of 60’8” (18.5 m) and a beam of 16’10” (5.13 m). With an empty weight of 64,700 lbs. (29,360 kg), 45% fuel and two people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 69,316 lbs. (31,441 kg).

With the twin Volvo Penta 900-hp D13-IPS1200s powering our test boat, we reached a top speed of 31 knots at 2320 rpm. Best economic cruise came in at 1750 rpm and 19.4 knots. It was at that speed that the 48 gph fuel burn translated into 0.4 nmpg and a range of 384.3 nm.

Easy Docking

The Engine Room

Observations

Clearly, the cruising pedigree of the 57 Enclosed Flybridge will allow her to take on bluewater destinations for either lengthy retreats or destination fishing expeditions. With her livability accompanying that characteristic, the theme of this new yacht truly becomes “how far?”

She exudes the cruising details that only customer feedback can provide, and our hat is off to the folks at Riviera for listening. There are so many attentive touches seen throughout this luxurious yacht that it’s obvious how seriously Riviera takes its boat-building mission.

Frankly, it is hard to find fault with this boat or the build. On the contrary, we think the build quality can be a benchmark for the industry for premium yachts. Clearly, thousands of hours have gone into making sure that every detail is just right. And while every boat is a compromise, we found precious few of them in this vessel.

Finally, there are not many convertibles being built these days, so consumers who want a goldplater for big game fishing now have a viable new option. She will not go 40 knots like some convertibles will, but that is, frankly, a benchmark set by a few American owners with money to burn -- and their numbers are dwindling. We think that the Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge makes good sense all around.

Standard and Optional Features