An Owner’s Options

By Mike Smith

March 26, 2009

Entering a line that includes a 36-, 44-, and 47-footer, the new 63-foot Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht was designed to provide not only more luxury but also more layout options. Owners will be able to choose either a three- or four-cabin arrangement. In the three-cabin version there’s a galley at the base of the stairs and to port, while in the four-cabin version, a single berth replaces the galley, which moves up, aft, and to starboard, replacing a five-person settee. In either layout, the guest cabin to starboard remains untouched, and the twin beds within easily convert into a double berth. Topside, the cherrywood table can be lowered and covered with a cushion, creating another sleeping space. If that isn’t enough, a slender full-beam crew cabin located between the engine room and master can be added to either layout, an option that will probably prove more popular overseas.

The luxury elements are also a step forward for the series. The full-beam master has a king-size berth and a loveseat tucked to starboard underneath three large dead ports. The saloon, which is accessed from the cockpit via a nearly full-beam sliding door, has a few nice amenities of its own. An electrically retractable sunroof lets natural light reflect off the American cherry joinery and Amtico flooring. And if the sea breeze isn’t enough to cool the cockpit while the 5800 swings on her 110-lb Mason anchor, the optional 36,000-Btu reverse-cycle air conditioner should do the trick. In the cockpit, there are steps on either side provide excellent access to the swim platform. There’s also an electric barbeque for grilling any fish you catch while angling off the stern.

But this boat was not designed to sit still. When you’ve pulled up the 10’6″ tender into the garage, triple 435-hp IPS 600 pod drives will have you darting along toward your destination. Should anything crop up in your path, the IPS will improve your ability to dodge it. And as with most pod drive boats, joystick docking should be a snap.