boat test An electrically-operated swim platform works in conjunction with an onboard launching system for the 5000’s tender, neatly garaged out of sight (right). New Riviera owners Carol and John Stimpson (below, pictured center and right) got exactly what they wanted in their new boat.
window to port. You can attach an awning to the overhang and merge the salon with the aft deck, creating a spacious entertainment area. Inside, the settee runs the salon’s entire port side; the well-furnished galley is opposite. The teak and holly floor and cherry wood cabinets looks striking and quite elegant against the pale leather settee. The large ceiling window/sunroof extends from the pilothouse to the border of the salon. The master stateroom is located in the forward bow area. It contains a large in-suite head and roomy shower. There is space to starboard that can be used as another stateroom, office or lounge, as the new owners are doing. The Stimpsons are experienced boaters and knew exactly what they wanted in and on their new boat. They knew they wanted an express cruiser around 50 feet long and compiled a list of boatbuilders that built express models in this size range. Their checklist included diesel inboards with Zeus pod drives, a Furuno NavNet Package, viable dinghy system, and an automatic shore-power system with two, 50-amp cords. They also wanted just two levels aboard the boat. No canvas allowed. The couple created a list of several boat companies and pitted one against the other. Riveria, and the Stimpsons got exactly what they wanted. Standard power for the 5000 SY is twin Cummins-Mercruiser diesel inboards with Zeus pod drives, capable of superb performance and especially notable for maneuvering in and out of slips using a joy stick control. A Zeus feature people rave about is the “Skyhook.” When activated, Skyhook uses GPS information to adjust the pod drives and keep the vessel in place, regardless of current or wind. A trip to Australia and an opportunity to see the boating world down under was truly a highlight of my publishing career. Riviera proved it lives up to its reputation of building terrific boats tough enough for the Pacific Ocean, yet comfortable and pleasing to anyone who loves to be on the water. r
Riviera 5000 SY Standard Equipment Muir windlass w/Mason Ray anchor, chain and chain counter at helm; Bomar hatches w/OceanAir screens; Plastimo compass; Icom VHF; 26" electric-lift Samsung TV; Bose Lifestyle system w/ 7 speakers, amplifier and subwoofer; Amtico flooring in galley and head; Vitrifrigo drawer-type refrigerator and freezer; Miele 2-burner cooktop; 41,000 BTU Cruisair A/C; 11-kW Onan genset; 7 maintenance-free batteries; Skyla 3-kW charger/inverter; Racor fuel-water separators; tender garage w/ 3.1 meter Zodiac RIB; Kärcher pressure washer w/ attachments and fore/aft hook-ups; 3/2,000 gph Rule bilge pumps w/ high-water auxiliaries and float switches; hydrulic swim platform.
Specifications LOA: 54'9" Beam: 15'7" Draft: 3'7" Weight: 39,700 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 608 gals. Water Capacity: 198 gals. Power: Twin 593-hp Cummins-MerCruiser QSC8.3-600 diesels w/ Zeus pod drives Base Price: $875,861 riviera.com.au
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