The first of the immensely popular new Riviera 515 SUVs to feature the innovative Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisation technology has now been shipped to her New Zealand owners.

The sporty and adventurous 515 SUV was launched on Australia’s Gold Coast in May 2014 and has proven an immediate worldwide hit – forward orders are in place for hull number 20 even before she is showcased in the yachting capital of the world at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida from October 29 – November 3.

R Marine JDC director Dean Horgan said the 515 SUV is already a very stable and seriously seaworthy yacht but the new owner has very specific requirements, and wanted little touches to the engineering in addition to the gyro to give him exactly what he wants in his dream yacht.

“The owner also wanted the larger Volvo Penta IPS2 x 950 package for his 515 SUV and is a multiple Riviera owner, having previously owned a 43 Open Flybridge – he knows Riviera will do all that we can to help him achieve his personal ‘ultimate boating experience’,” said Mr Horgan.

The new SUV series from iconic Australian luxury yacht builder Riviera is the perfect pairing of two legendary Riviera designs, each with its own formidable pedigree.

Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the SUV combines the single-level luxury entertaining qualities of the Sport Yacht with the bluewater cruising and fish-raising capabilities of the classic Riviera Flybridge.

“The SUV range has opened up a new world of boating enjoyment for the avid angler and cruising entertainer and Riviera owners have reported that owning an SUV is like having two boats … in one,” he said.

The 515 model is a luxurious three-stateroom, two bathroom yacht with plenty of clever and convenient design concepts from bow right through to stern, including an opening awning window that opens out and over the expansive cockpit from the aft galley, as well as a huge windscreen, panoramic sliding side windows and dual saloon electric sliding sunroofs to enhance her alfresco lifestyle attributes.

The owner of this particular 515 SUV has had the forward guest VIP stateroom converted from a queen-size bed configuration to three full-size adult berths to accommodate his teen-aged sons.

“It’s hard not to be impressed with the extra accommodation and living space options that a pod drive system delivers and the Seakeeper will make this 515 SUV even more family-friendly while fishing and staying aboard in the sometimes challenging New Zealand offshore conditions,” said Mr Horgan.

Seakeeper is a computer-controlled gyroscope created to provide boat owners with the power to tame the sea, reducing boat roll and the fatigue and anxiety of passengers to make their time on the water much safer and vastly more enjoyable. At just 2 to 4 per cent of total boat weight, it requires half or less the power of air-conditioning and can be retro-fitted to almost any Riviera.

Mr Horgan said the revolutionary Volvo IPS2 pod propulsion system was also a major factor in the owner selecting a 515 SUV – it offers the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for station-holding whilst rafting up or waiting off a fuel jetty, as well as the convenience of joystick control whilst docking in tight quarters.

“The Riviera 515 SUV is absolutely brimming with state-of-the-art technology,” he said. “She also features the convenience of C-Zone digital switching which enables intuitive control of all on-board electrics to give owners even more time to enjoy their yachts.  At just the touch of the screen, systems can be set for ‘entertaining’ or ‘cruising’, and all but essential systems can be shut down under the ‘dock unattended’ setting.”

The twin Volvo 950 engines each deliver an impressive 725 horsepower and, in the case of the 515 SUV, this translates to a high top-end speed of 34.4 knots under full load, a cruising speed of 25 knots and a range of 344 nautical miles at cruising speed, with 10% fuel reserve.

“The owner has had extensive boating experience over the years and between him and his friends have had a number of boats up to 100 feet – he is passionate about Riviera … passionate about the brand and passionate about building his dream boat,” said Mr Horgan.

“He was actually instrumental in the development of the 515 SUV,” he said. “This is a very special luxury yacht which is perfectly suited to the NZ boating lifestyle.

“She will be moored in Auckland, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, and will be used for on-board entertaining and cruising, fishing … and diving adventures.”

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