Expert Opinions on the 4400 Sport Yacht

Riviera has received very positive reviews on its 4400 Sport Yacht. Barry Tyler of Pacific Motor Yacht magazine in Australia/New Zealand and Richard Muscat Azzopardi of Boats & Yachting magazine in Malta had this to say about the 4400 Sport Yacht.

“Most people’s idea of a ‘sports’style of cruiser is a typically ‘Miami Vice’ style of vessel.  Riviera however has discarded that rationale, referring to the new range as a Sport Yacht range which is very much based on a family-friendly theme of spaciousness, practicality and usability both inside and out,” - Barry Tyler.

“I had never seen a Riviera before and knew very little about boat manufacturing down under, so I was really surprised to find myself in a boat which could very easily have been designed in Italy,” - Richard Muscat Azzopardi.

PERFORMANCE:

“…25 knots of gusting winds and a 11/2-2 metre breaking sea – the perfect test for any boat!  Immediately obvious to me was the very different Riviera ride characteristics of this package…Bear in mind the sea size, yet the two turbo-charged 5.5-litre, 435hp in-line 6-cylinder IPS600 Volvo Penta diesel engines powered us seemingly stealth-like across the bay at our cruise speed of 27 knots at 3000rpm.  Not one hull bang or inertia pause did we endure over the whole trip, even may I add when we gave the boat a quick squirt to the top speed of 34 knots (3500rpm),” Barry Tyler.

“Acceleration was staggering for a boat of this size and I was impressed by the stability of the boat and her capability of keeping everyone dry…Handling in the marina needs no comment now, IPS is really the dream solution here, with the boat moving in any direction you want it to at the touch of the joystick,” Richard Muscat Azzopardi.

COCKPIT:

“The rear cockpit was generous in dimension also, yet it included a rear transom upright complete with ‘Sunbrella’ lounger and large rectangular cockpit table, steps each side for access to the foredeck and sun-pad, and side storage and sink units complete with ice-maker and cockpit fridge, each side of the cockpit.  Worthy of special mention was the teak-covered floor that electro-hydraulically lifted up virtually in its entirely to reveal the engines…Clever innovation saw the saloon become a virtual continuation of this cockpit area, simply by opening the saloon door and then raising the spring-loaded glass and stainless steel ‘hopper’ window…It literally opened the whole area up as one, maximising space in both areas,” Barry Tyler.

“As I’ve already pointed out the saloon is very well connected to the cockpit and Riviera have managed to keep it as fresh and airy as possible.  First of all the retractable roof borrows the concept from a sunroof on a car – it opens at the touch of a button and leaves you staring at the sky through a very large opening,” Richard Muscat Azzopardi.

INTERIOR DESIGN:

“What a package – engine and hull in perfect harmony!  Performance, handling, features, finish, specification, presentation, were all absolutely first class; the cockpit, saloon, and accommodation areas were all completely in proportion and laid out and presented very well.  The aft cabin was something very special…The wood theme was prevalent again in this cabin, adding a very warm feel to the boat,” Barry Tyler.

“The finishing is spectacular – I have rarely seen such quality of materials being used on a production boat.  Every nook and cranny in the saloon has been utilised to give owners as much sensible storage as was deemed possible.  Everything seems to be built of seriously thick cherry wood and lavish materials, enhancing the sensation of being on a luxury yacht,” Richard Muscat Azzopardi.

Please click here for further details of 4400 Sport Yacht

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