Riviera 585 SUV

It’s a risk — potentially a big risk — when a yacht builder introduces a new model.

Without the proper research, analysis of market needs, current and previous owner input, and a plethora of other key indicating factors, a new model can make or break a builder. Everything must come together to make it work. And the yacht better be appealing to the masses.

Enter the Riviera 585 SUV.

Doing the homework

Riviera has taken its wealth of knowledge from selling more than 200 SUV yachts (ranging from 39 to 64 feet) over 10 years, copious amounts of user/owner input and its own R&D modifications to deliver this “pièce de resistance” of the SUV line. The proof is in the numbers: Riviera already has more than 50 orders for this new model, which was just introduced to the U.S. market at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

What differentiates the 585 SUV from others in the size range is its versatility, ease of function and stout bones. The low profile makes it a perfect cruiser for the Great Loop, while the finely tuned hull offers impressive speed to beat the waves.

Lay it out

Exploring the layout, it’s evident that Riviera designed the 585 from an operator’s point of view. At the console, twin helm seats allow for a cruising couple, an extra set of eyes or captain guidance, ensuring the operator is never lonely.

Riviera wants to keep the crowd together and has included a large settee lounge starboard of the helm. It’s a perfect place to relax or take in the view.

Midship to starboard is a plush L-shape sofa. But looking around I didn’t see a dining table. That’s because Riviera performed a little magic and designed the dining table to store within the sofa. To access, remove the cushions, flip out the table, and replace the cushions. This setup allows for double duty of the sofa, from dining seating to casual lounging. Full salon windows offer great views, and 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom adds to the airiness. There’s a view to the aft pop-up TV.

Designing the galley to utilize both port and starboard areas is a clever concept. To port you have a U-shape galley with all necessary appliances including a flat cook-top, an oven, a stainless steel sink, a fridge and freezer drawers. Across are two additional fridge/freezer drawers, perfect for chilling the day’s cocktails without interrupting the chef. It’s also great for additional provisions for extended cruising. Too many times, storage of extra provisions is an afterthought, thereby utilizing odd spaces or additional coolers on deck. Riviera’s engineers figured it out for you.

Decked out

As part of the “SUV” nomenclature, the 585 is very utilitarian, as evident by the mezzanine or patio deck. In my opinion, this has to be one of the best functional areas onboard — and there are a number of them. Not only does the large salon glass door slide sideways, but the aft window flips up on a gas piston and securely latches, opening up the mezzanine deck to the salon.

The key to the mezzanine deck is that it can be an open-air oasis but also protected by the extended hardtop and side curtains. Plumb in some AC/heat ducts and you can now be boating year-round. An L-settee with a table to starboard complements the lounge sofa to port. Alfresco dining anyone?

Down four steps is a 91-square-foot cockpit, complete with a grill station, a sink, twin gates to access the 60-square-foot swim platform (the hydraulic platform is 81.8 square feet) and oodles of storage. The 585 encourages recreational fishing and having fun with the water toys.

Two cool things here are the canvas overhang that protrudes from the hardtop (a signature Riviera feature) and the railings for the swim platform, making this usable space for more fishing or extra real estate for guests.
Head north

Looking for another onboard oasis? Head to the bow that includes an L-shape settee, a port lounge that unfolds into a sunpad, a stowable canvas awning that covers the entire area and a drop-in table. If I may add my opinion again, this is probably the best-designed bow lounge I have ever seen. The function is there, it blends well with the overall design and it maximizes the available space.

When worn out from all of the relaxing during the day there are three staterooms below to add comfort. The primary is midship, full beam and boasts 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom. Adding to the special feel are a walk-in closet, a side nook for a coffee machine, a hi-rise table with two seats nested at the port window for morning coffee or computer use, and a well-sized ensuite head.

A guest room to port has twin berths that can be joined at the press of a button to create a queen berth. Forward is the VIP with a center berth and ensuite. There is a third head for the guest stateroom that also acts as the day head.

If considering crew, a living quarter can be located aft of the primary. Or make this a utility room or laundry instead. Running the 585 by an owner-operator is easy so you may want to delete the crew cabin. What waves?

Bucking a fresh NW wind that produced a 3-plus-foot chop in the bay, it was stay-home conditions for others — but not us. Even with full fuel tanks, the twin Volvo Penta IPS 1200 powerplants delivered impressive performance at 33.2 knots wide open (reciprocal average) burning 82 gph (total). The bigger point is that the wind didn’t blow us all over. Response from the throttles and joystick was instant and smooth. Spinning at 1800 RPM, we saw 21.5 knots with 52 gph. The ride was comfortable, and the hull did its job without slamming. Another highlight is how quiet the 585 ran. Conversation was normal — engines gave off a gentle purr when pressed into action.

Riviera builds boats with a purpose. The SUV models bring sportiness, speed, handling and exceptional cruising accommodation — features that aren’t typically found on yachts of this range. It’s made to explore.

Add in your customizing ideas that may include exotic leathers, fine hardwoods, plush upholstery and comfortable carpeting along with your favorite colors and splashes, and the 585 SUV becomes something special to you. Make it all come together with the Riviera 585 SUV.