Riviera is the largest boat building company in Australia, with a dealer network that spans more than 30 countries. One thing Riviera Yachts is not afraid to do is make changes to their models. Once they find a better way to do something, it is incorporated into a new model immediately. Take a look at the used boat market, and you will be amazed to see all of the different models offered by Riviera Yachts. They’re not afraid to make changes for the better, and they continue to receive customer input and implement these changes into their models.
The 45 Open Flybridge is a great gap boat that snuggles nicely in between the ever-popular 51 and the 41 open flybridge. Perfect for the family – or for six buddies on a long-range adventure.
Starting up on the open flybridge, you’ll notice that the helm is aft and to port. Best thing about that is that the captain is tucked to the outboard side, meaning no more moving or up-and-down when the copilot comes up to sit. Visibility is quite good, and with the Eisenglass enclosure removed in the warmer-climate areas, you can glass for marlin in true comfort. A sink and refrigerator to starboard means you may never need to come down all day. Seating is forward on both port and starboard sides, along with a dining table that makes for a great setting for an evening meal in a remote anchorage. Leading from the flybridge to the cockpit is a teak-covered stairway that will surely reduce the slip-and-fall hazards associated with the customary bridge ladder.
Once in the teak-covered cockpit, it is obvious that the Aussies are serious about their sportfishing. Teak is a personal preference; I’ve spent many hours in the cockpit of boats and found that nothing is easier on the feet or provides more surefootedness than teak when grinding it out for days on end. An aft bait tank will provide plenty of bait storage for a day, and with the addition of an aftermarket tank in the cockpit, you’ll have plenty of bait for a long weekend. There’s a built-in outdoor dining table, and along the salon bulkhead is a freezer and sink. Entry to the engine room is through the cockpit, which should (hopefully) keep stains and odors out of the living area. Access to the bow is easy with the large step up from the cockpit to the gunwale and a high bow rail reaches all the way to the cockpit. Once on the bow, you’ll find plenty of room for the dinghy and davit, a bow bait tank, and a pulpit you can cast from in any weather.
You may start to wonder, while in the salon, if this is really a boat designed to fish from – until you notice the hidden overhead rod storage. Not only does it look great, but also the teak and holly sole is a snap to clean, and it won’t harbor odors like carpet does. Destined to be dubbed the football couch, to port is a large lounging area. A dinette located adjacent to the galley features a foldout table with storage underneath. The U-shaped galley gives the chef onboard enough counter space to create a five-star meal. Refrigerator and freezer drawers located under the counter provide ample storage. I have come to appreciate drawer-style refrigerators and freezers on boats in this class, as they allow you in a large swell to open them without spilling everything. There is a convection microwave located under the counter and abundant storage for all of your wares. If you like to see out when in, you’ll love the 360-degree view from inside the salon. If they could just figure out how to in-stall a rotating La-Z-Boy, you wouldn’t even have to turn your head. Another interesting innovation of the 45 Open Flybridge is the opening window in the salon to the cockpit. With this, you will never miss any of the action while in the galley. One drawback I foresee, how-ever, is catching the crew on the couch with the window open instead of being in the cockpit watching the jigs.
Living quarters are located down a few steps and forward. Immediately to port is a cabin with twin bunks and an infill that can convert them into a double bed. To starboard is one of two heads with full shower. Forward of the starboard head is another guest suite with an upper and lower berth. Located forward is the master suite, complete with an island queen berth and storage underneath. Cedar-lined closets are in every room, and there’s also a combination washer-dryer for those long-range trips or to freshen up the linens. Plush carpet in every suite will remind you of home when you roll out of bed bare-foot in the morning.
With the power supplied by Cummins, you can have confidence that you will get from “A” to “B” without a hiccup. For more information on the Riviera 45 Open Flybridge or any other model in Riviera’s extensive line-up, Give Ellsworth Marine a call at (619) 222-1388 and schedule an appointment for a test drive.
