Main Facts
Australian luxury yacht builder Riviera has officially expanded its prestigious fleet with the introduction of the Riviera 735 SUV. Measuring an impressive 79 feet, 7 inches overall, this newly minted flagship of the SUV collection bridges two distinct worlds: the blue-water cruising resilience of Riviera’s renowned Sports Motor Yachts and the seamless, single-level, indoor-outdoor entertaining philosophy of its Sport Yachts.
Designed for extended coastal passages, island-hopping expeditions, and luxurious weekends at anchor, the 735 SUV offers an exceptional balance of family-friendly accommodations, active utility for watersports and fishing enthusiasts, and cutting-edge marine technology.
Powered by twin shaft-drive MAN V12 diesel engines—offered in configurations of either 2,000 or 2,200 horsepower each—the yacht boasts a substantial 19-foot, 8-inch beam. With a preliminary fuel capacity of 2,642 gallons and a sleeping capacity ranging from eight to eleven people depending on the chosen layout, the 735 SUV is engineered to take owners farther, longer, and in absolute comfort.
Chronology: From Concept to Flagship Status
The creation of the Riviera 735 SUV represents the culmination of decades of evolution within the builder’s design and engineering departments.
- The Evolution of the SUV Concept: Riviera initially developed its SUV range to satisfy owners who desired the offshore capabilities of a traditional convertible or sportfisher paired with the main-deck lifestyle layouts of a contemporary cruiser. Over the years, models ranging from mid-sized utility cruisers to larger variations proved immensely popular, creating market demand for an even grander flagship.
- Engineering the Flagship: Planning for the 735 SUV began years ago, with naval architects tasked with scaling up the single-level living concept without sacrificing structural integrity, handling, or fuel efficiency during long-range voyages.
- The Debut: Riviera officially pulled the covers off the 735 SUV, showcasing its massive frame, dual-station layouts, and unprecedented customization options for active luxury buyers. The flagship immediately positions itself at the apex of the brand’s multi-model lineup, signaling Riviera’s confidence in the high-end blue-water market.
Supporting Data and Technical Specifications
A deep dive into the specifications of the Riviera 735 SUV reveals a vessel meticulously engineered for both performance and luxury. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the yacht’s physical, mechanical, and accommodation metrics:
Dimensions and Capacities
- Length Overall (LOA): 79 feet, 7 inches (approx. 24.26 meters)
- Beam: 19 feet, 8 inches (6.00 meters)
- Fuel Capacity: 2,642 US gallons (approx. 10,000 liters)
- Sleeping Capacity: 8 to 11 guests (across four staterooms, plus optional crew/utility configurations)
Propulsion and Performance
- Engines: Twin shaft-drive MAN V12 diesels
- Horsepower Options: 2,000 hp or 2,200 hp per engine
- Control Systems: Primary helm joystick control, secondary cockpit joystick, and additional customizable control options.
- Stabilization: Available with either Humphree fin stabilizers or a Seakeeper 18 gyroscopic stabilization system.
Onboard Zones and Amenities
- Cockpit: Fully equipped with a built-in barbecue, wet bar, generous refrigeration, and optional serious-gamefishing features (live bait tanks, outriggers, rod holders, insulated fish boxes, and electric reel/downrigger outlets). A hydraulic lowering boarding platform serves as a private beach club or aligns with fixed quays.
- Foredeck: Features a private, highly social entertaining space with wraparound lounge seating configured comfortably for eight or more guests.
- Saloon & Galley: A gourmet aft galley with top-tier appliances, extensive cold storage, and dedicated beverage centers flows effortlessly into a plush saloon finished with handcrafted timber cabinetry.
- Lower Deck Accommodations: A luxurious, full-beam master stateroom featuring a king-size walk-around bed, panoramic hull windows, private refreshment center, and an en suite head. A forward VIP stateroom with its own en suite, alongside two additional guest staterooms, rounds out the sleeping quarters.
Official Responses and Builder Insights
While specific executive soundbites continue to roll out as the yacht makes its global circuit, Riviera’s design philosophy for the 735 SUV centers heavily on listening to its discerning clientele. The shipyard has repeatedly emphasized that modern yacht owners are no longer willing to compromise between utility and luxury.
According to product development briefs released by Riviera, the goal of the 735 SUV was to provide a "no-compromise" platform. Owners who enjoy chasing trophy fish in the morning should not have to sacrifice a plush, quiet evening dining in a chic coastal harbor. By incorporating a customizable aft utility room—accessible via a separate stairway that also leads to the engine room and day head—Riviera has officially acknowledged the diverse demands of today’s yacht owners. Whether an owner requires a workshop for extended cruising, a staging room for scuba diving gear, or a dedicated crew quarter, the 735 SUV adapts seamlessly to the mission at hand.
Furthermore, marine technology integration has been a cornerstone of the official release. Riviera partnered with cutting-edge tech providers to ensure that operating a vessel nearing 80 feet remains stress-free. The inclusion of Starlink connectivity, comprehensive touchscreen navigation, integrated live-view camera systems, and remote monitoring packages reflects the builder’s response to the growing expectation for seamless digital connectivity while at sea.
Implications for the Luxury Yacht Market
The launch of the Riviera 735 SUV carries several notable implications for the global luxury motor yacht sector, particularly within the 70-to-90-foot blue-water cruiser category.
1. Blending Sportfishing with Superyacht Luxury
Traditionally, buyers seeking serious offshore fishing capabilities had to look toward traditional sportfish convertible yachts, which often sacrificed main-deck social areas and interior brightness. Conversely, pure cruising motor yachts lacked the rugged cockpit utility required for serious angling. The Riviera 735 SUV successfully merges these typologies. By offering a fully customizable cockpit—outfitted with live wells, fish boxes, and outriggers—alongside a sprawling single-level indoor-outdoor saloon, Riviera is capturing a hybrid buyer segment that values both lifestyle cruising and active adventure.
2. The Rise of Owner-Operator Usability in Large Hulls
At nearly 80 feet, vessels of this magnitude have historically required professional crew for safe navigation and docking. However, the integration of advanced joystick control systems (at multiple stations), integrated camera monitoring arrays, dynamic positioning, and sophisticated stabilization options (Seakeeper and Humphree) empower experienced owner-operators to handle the vessel with greater confidence. This shifts the market toward vessels that can easily transition between fully crewed charters and private family getaways.
3. Redefining Regional Flagships
As Australian boatbuilding continues to command massive respect on the international stage for its rugged sea-keeping capabilities and high-end fit and finish, the 735 SUV reinforces Riviera’s competitive edge against European and American builders. Its ability to carry massive fuel reserves (2,642 gallons) makes it uniquely suited not only for the Mediterranean and Caribbean circuits but also for the vast, demanding coastal environments of the South Pacific and North America.
Conclusion
The Riviera 735 SUV is much more than a new model addition; it is a definitive statement of intent from a shipyard at the peak of its craft. By blending long-range autonomy, active sports utility, and superyacht-level interior craftsmanship into a unified 79-foot platform, Riviera has set a formidable new benchmark for what a modern luxury SUV yacht can—and should—be.
