What to see at the 2014 Mandurah Boat Show: Riviera's new 515 SUV | PHOTOS

The new model from one of Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builders represents all of the trademark qualities of Riviera, but with many design refinements.

Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the sporty and adventurous 515 SUV has proven an immediate success in the world of luxury powerboats and is the perfect pairing of two legendary Riviera designs.

“The 515 made her world premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating just four months ago and I am very pleased that we have now sold up to hull number 12," he said. 

"She joins the impressive 565 and popular 445 models in Riviera’s new SUV collection, all of which have a number of different options to suit specific boating applications from cruising and entertaining to sport fishing.”

The SUV series combines the high-performance, bluewater cruising and fish-raising abilities of the classic Flybridge with the single-level leisurely entertaining features of the popular Sport Yacht series – a bridge between both vessel.

“Our Riviera SUV series opens up a new world of boating enjoyment for both the avid angler and cruising entertainer,” Mr Longhurst said.

“Our growing family of SUV owners tell us that it’s a lot like having two boats in one.

"From the moment you step aboard the 515 SUV you will appreciate the evolution in Riviera’s styling, with double transom doors, island storage centre and no-nonsense Flybridge-sized cockpit with plenty of storage and myriad options so owners can truly personalise their boat.

“One key feature of the 515 is the large awning window which opens out from the galley and brings the expansive cockpit into the spacious saloon, appointing the modern and aft U-shaped galley as the central entertainment hub of the boat and, at the same time, creating a free-flowing feel from sporty elevated helm right through to the large aft swim platform.

“The sense of internal light and space is enhanced even further by sliding saloon windows and two electric sliding sunroofs built into the hardtop, each of which have flyscreens and blockout shades.”

The sports-styled command centre of the 515 has a distinct refinement, with two leather navigator helm seats with bolster cushions for bracing in rough weather.

At fall of hand are all critical navigation electronics, comprehensive engine instrumentation and vessel controls, including the helm joystick and C-Zone digital switching panel.

There is an additional C-Zone panel – which controls all on-board electrics including lights – at the aft wet bar and, for precise docking, an additional joystick in a covered compartment in the cockpit.

“Below deck, the 515 offers a flexible three-stateroom, two-bathroom accommodation layout with a very generous-sized master stateroom aft with island queen-sized bed and full headroom, as well as clever storage concepts,” said Mr Longhurst.

“The forward stateroom is every bit as luxurious as the master and, in fact, can serve as the master if desired.

It too has an island queen-sized bed, full headroom and ensuite, with plenty of storage concepts and hanging space.”

The starboard twin cabin in the 515 also has full headroom and its own clever storage concepts.

Standard power in the 515 SUV is the new generation twin Volvo IPS2 800s pod drives which deliver a top speed of 31 knots under full load, a cruise speed of 23 knots and a cruising range of 355nM at 23.9 knots with 10 per cent fuel reserve.

Mr Longhurst said Riviera’s relentless commitment to excellence in new model development, design and technology has ensured the company is positioned at the forefront of premium quality powerboats.

“Our philosophy is to provide the ultimate boating experience for both seasoned boat owners and those keen to take the helm for the first time, and I believe our latest new models reflect this philosophy,” he said.