Riviera 585 SUV boat test

It’s a good thing there are so many superlatives in the thesaurus because, technically and artistically, the new Riviera 585 SUV is arguably as close to the perfect 10 as perfection currently gets for a boat of its ilk.

That’s a big claim, obviously, but right now it’s hard to imagine anything else fulfilling its SUV design destiny with quite such aplomb. It brims with build quality, its lines are exquisitely proportioned and there’s an effortless, almost peerless, ease to its performance and space utilisation.

The Riviera 585 feels ‘just right’ from the moment you step aboard the aft platform, which has an optional drop-in perimeter fence. It’s followed by a same-level transition through to the sports cockpit, while overlooking this space is the now-familiar alfresco dining deck.

Owners have scope to install a fish bin, transom livebait tank, power sockets for electric reels, and rod holders if so desired. 

Entering the saloon, the interior has a clean, classy, contemporary aesthetic with Scandinavian overtures, along with some key layout changes that places the C-shaped galley portside.

Cleverly concealed in the lounge is a fold-out dinette table, accessed by removing the cushions and lifting it out of its recess. Tucking it away frees up floor space. The settee backs onto a separate, forward-facing viewing lounge, where passengers can socialise and soak in the views.

Below, the 585 offers three spacious staterooms, two en suite bathrooms and a day head. For a sub-60ft hull there’s remarkable headroom, storage, light and an atmosphere of cool, quiet, comforting calmness.

The piece de resistance is the master stateroom, with its walk-in robe, central king-size bed, vanity, plush carpet, and a two-seat table. The robe leads to a multifunctional utility room that also provides access to the walk-in engine room.

Inside that engine room, in standard spec, are twin Volvo Penta IPS1200 powerplants generating 900hp apiece, however the test boat had the upgraded 1000hp 1350s. Power is never wasted, especially when there’s no weight penalty on a hull displacing around 30t (dry).

For long-range cruising, the 585 has a fuel capacity of 4500lt, ships 800lt of water and harbours a 500lt holding tank.

While the motors issue barely a murmur when summoned, the performance figures are something to make some noise about – whether it’s the miserly fuel usage of 13lt/hr at 6.5 knots (12km/h), giving a 2025nm maximum range, or the brisk top speed of 34.9 knots (64.6km/h) at WOT.

Humphree foil stabilisers work in tandem with Interceptor tabs on the transom to maintain the optimum attitude and stability. The hull remains flat and loses none of its speed edge through hard turns, steering being feather light.

I’ve rarely enjoyed being aboard and driving a thoroughbred motor yacht so much, the 585 benefitting immensely from constant critiquing and refinement by the world-class Riviera design crew.

Price correct as of October 2023

• Priced from: $3.35M

• LOA: 19.82m
• Hull length: 17.90m
• Beam: 5.67m
• Draft: 1.65m
• Dry displacement: 31,800kg
• Fuel capacity: 4,500lt

A full review of the Riviera 585 SUV appears in the October-November (Volume 38.5) issue of Club Marine Magazine.

More information from Riviera Australia