Riviera's trophy cabinet expanded
It was all smiles at Riviera when the company was again honoured at the Australian Marine Industries Federation Marine Awards, the Gold Coast-based boat builder's IPS Volvo Penta-powered 4400 Sport Yacht being named all-round Boat of the Year. The award was the second successive honour for the company. 
'The Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht shows its style in a run across open water. - Riviera boat of the year'
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Phil Candler, the company's general manager, New Product Development, said the entire staff at the Coomera headquarters was delighted with the win.
"I regard the win as a great endorsement of our commitment to innovation and our continuing focus on quality," he added.
The Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht inherits designs principles that proved successful on previous 3600 and 4700 Sport Yachts, most notably the al fresco lifestyle concepts.
With a pillarless, wide stainless steel hopper window and aft bulkhead doorway, space flows freely between cockpit and saloon. The cockpit is both spacious and functional with a wide lounge across the transom.
A large table, complete with beverage holders is mounted on gas assisted high/low pedestals and a wet bar is built into the forward quarter of the cockpit. The wet bar features a sink and mixer tap, a stainless steel refrigerator and an optional icemaker.
An electrically operated hatch offers easy access to the engine room below.
A large storage locker accessed from the aft swim platform can accommodate fenders and other gear while an optional hydraulic swim platform lifter can be fitted to make launching and retrieving a tender a simple operation. 
Interior space aboard the 4400 Sport Yacht is superbly done, light and airy and highlighted by a huge electric sunroof that slides open with the push of a button.
Joinery throughout utilises American cherry timber, finished in multiple coats of high gloss polyurethane varnish applied by the company's high tech robotic varnish system. Within the saloon a leather lounge runs the full length on the port side with helm and galley positioned to starboard. A clever timber table can convert from coffee table to dining table.
Forward of the lounge is a liquor cabinet and an entertainment system that includes LCD television, integrated with an AM/FM stereo system, a CD/DVD player with amplifier, sub -woofer and four speakers for the saloon with an additional two speakers and stereo remote to the cockpit.
The galley boasts ample cupboard and drawer space, a microwave oven and s stainless steel refrigerator with freezer compartment. Air conditioning is standard to the saloon and galley with outlets to the windscreen to prevent fogging.
The helm console is outstanding, with ample space for marine electronics and two high-backed, leather helm chairs and a high quality sports steering wheel.
With two cabins, two bathrooms and the spacious saloon area, the Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht packs plenty into its relatively compact size. The master stateroom is forward with a huge guest stateroom midships offering both a double and single berth. 
There's easy access from the midships cabin to a separate 'machine room' housing the vessel's hot water system and plumbing manifolds.
Riviera was one of the first Australian boat builders to embrace the innovative IPS from Volvo Penta, a decision the company say it has never regretted. The IPS (Inboard Propulsion System) Volvo Penta engines feature joystick control at the helm for slow speed manoeuvrability and ease of berthing.
Standard engines are the 370hp 500 turbo diesel installation, with an upgrade to the powerful 600 turbo rated at 435hp also available. Standard 500 engines or upgrade to the 600, the Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht remains a swift blue water performer.
And it's Australia's 2008 Boat of the Year! 
For further information visit the website, www.riviera.com.au
by Bob Maxwell
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North Sydney, NSW
