Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht Review (2024 Edition)

Riviera, based on the Gold Coast, Australia, has been building boats for over 40 years, and this experience is evident in the 58 SMY. Riviera’s designers have focused on convenient access to maintenance points throughout the yacht, and you can see where - most obviously in the engine room, on the side decks, and in the cockpit. For example, all diesel tank fillers and levels are located on the side deck, allowing fuel levels to be checked without running up to the helm. 

The 58 SMY is a high-quality machine, and you can feel it throughout. Riviera uses 316 marine-grade stainless steel, and this steel is most obvious in the outriggers and rails on the decks, and it looks great too. Practicality is a priority here too; three docking stations are installed in addition to the helm, so manoeuvring this yacht should be simple no matter the type of berth.

What sets the Riviera 58 SMY apart from rivals like Viking, which does lean more towards sportsfishing, is its generous living on deck spaces, especially on the foredeck. The interior feels very similar to the 585 SUV on which the boat is based but without the lower helm, creating a more sociable and spacious arrangement. 

Riviera offers loads of options to tailor the 58 SMY to your preferences. From the hydraulic lift boarding platform to the versatile foredeck with a U-shaped lounge and removable table. You can even fit a low-profile davit for tender storage and add removable rails for safety or fishing gear. Interior options include the high-quality woodwork in either gloss walnut or oak in both gloss and satin finishes.

The exterior design takes some getting to used to, as is often the case with the tall, slab-sided look of an enclosed flybridge boat but the pay off is outstanding interior volume and year-round usability. 

The C Zone system that’s installed on the 58 allows for full control of all boat systems from panels at both helm stations and one conveniently located in the galley - or even a tablet. This system is preprogrammed with modes like ‘Entertaining’ and ‘Cruising’, which can be customised to suit your needs. Additional features include interior light-dimming, timer controls, automated circuit control, wiper speed and wash functions., along with a ‘Service’ mode that shuts down all power and systems. The C Zone system also offers comprehensive monitoring, including AC and DC switching, over-current protection and fluid tank levels. 

The U-shaped galley is located aft and is finished in lovely gloss walnut. What stands out is how the integration of the staircase maximises utility - it's the only way up to the top deck, but it doesn't waste an inch of space. Underneath, you'll find plenty of cooling space, stepping down in size with the stairs.

This galley is designed for those who plan to live aboard, and it shows. The U-shaped layout provides a homely feel, complete with a big pop-up window that connects the galley to the outdoor areas. The window, which flies open on a gas strut, allows for excellent natural ventilation and creates a lovely indoor-outdoor flow.

Unlike many boats of this size, this galley feels like a proper kitchen and one where you could prepare a decent meal if you wished. This area boasts an induction cooktop, a large dishwasher and ample storage on the side. There are no fiddles on the countertops, but it does have runners to keep liquids from running off. 

No lower helm station in the saloon brings a big advantage - a much more sociable and spacious seating arrangement that feels like a proper room and offers useful extra seating space over its SUV cousin.

The main event here is a beautifully finished table that folds open to become much larger, and there’s a movable footstool that comes with a fitted tray on top for drinks and snacks. Leather-wrapped stainless steel handholds run the full length of the saloon, to give a bit of stability when moving around at sea. 

The Riviera 58 SMY's saloon is a space where you wouldn't mind hunkering down on a cold, rainy night. It's incredibly cosy and inviting. With the helm station located on the top deck, the saloon remains entirely dedicated to relaxation and socialising.

Enclosed Flybridge

Accessing the top deck is via the stairway located in the galley. While there's no exterior route, the interior passage is straightforward and can be secured and shut off with a pair of hatches. Once on the top deck, there’s a cosy seating area opposite another TV and another fridge - you’re never too far from a cold one on the 58. Aft, a pop-up window and sliding door open up in seconds to connect the interior and exterior areas, much like downstairs. 

Though the overhang isn't enormous, it’s well-utilised with a large, smart-looking table featuring lines of teak and caulking, with central cup holders and the ability to fold back over when not in use. They’ve also found room for another wet bar and fridge. 

The third control station is located in this space, giving an elevated position for superb sightlines. You can oversee both the forward view and the fishing in the cockpit. With joysticks present at the helm, either side of the cockpit and up here, it's incredibly handy for managing the boat, especially when mooring or backing down onto a fish.  

And So to Bed

Guest accommodation on the Riviera 58 SMY is designed to offer a home-like experience. The layout mirrors the 585 SUV, with three cabins in total.

Amidships, the owner's suite has an ensuite with a pocket door that conserves space, leading to a separate shower cubicle with excellent headroom. The suite includes a coffee-making area, so you can enjoy a morning brew without venturing to the galley. The port-side breakfast dinette, next to the hull window, also serves as a bureau or vanity area.

The owner's cabin also features a large bed with bedside tables, ample storage, and a TV mounted on the bulkhead. A walk-in wardrobe is an unexpected but welcome addition to a yacht of this size, providing even more storage and access to the utility space/crew cabin and engine room.

Forward, the VIP cabin is a delightful space. The detailing is lovely, and the flush doors blend right into the cabin walls, avoiding any unwanted hip-bumping with door handles. The VIP has a generous double-hanging wardrobe, with additional storage at eye level and beneath the bed and also benefits from a private ensuite.

On the port side, the twin guest cabin is spacious but does not have an ensuite. The cabin is just across the lobby from the day head though, making it easy for guests to access facilities without hassle.

Thanks to its elevated position, and great all-around view the driving position is commanding. The seats are fabulous, fully electric and adjustable in every direction they're perfect to settle into and cover long distances. Even without adjusting the seat, you can just see the bow. The wheel is adjustable too, and the seats feature bolsters so you can stand and drive if you prefer.

What makes the helm so good on the 58 is the enclosed flybridge design, offering incredible sightlines from this elevated seating position. Now, you might think it could get quite hot up here but air-conditioning is standard on this model and there are sliding windows and an electric glass sunroof for some natural ventilation. 

It's a classy, professional dash layout with predominantly dark materials and a flash of gloss walnut to liven things up a bit. Three large Garmin MFDs dominate, they're touchscreen but it's good to see a remote control for use in bumpy conditions. It's a nicely arranged space with very few issues.

With a 4,500-litre fuel capacity, expandable to nearly 5,500 litres, this boat offers a healthy top speed of 31 knots and a range of over 400nm. Drop it down to trawling speed, and you’re looking at over 1,000nm - ideal for extended fishing trips. It's this flexible cruising performance that makes the 58 stand out amongst its rivals. 

Immediately you can see the main focus of the 58 SMY with its enormous outriggers clamped to the superstructure. The lower part of the cockpit is dedicated to water sports and fishing, peppered with rod holders and featuring twin boarding gates for easy access. The hydraulic bathing platform is a useful addition and you can configure railings around this area as you see fit - either remove them entirely or create a full barrier for added security. 

The cockpit is an open space, and you feel the benefit of the yacht's beam here. There's plenty of room for anglers to fish without knocking into each other and there’s also a live bait well, which has a window and lighting to keep your bait visible and accessible.

Storage is a key consideration on the 58 SMY, with good amounts integrated into the deck and sides of the cockpit and foredeck. You can easily store all your fishing gear, making it a practical choice for serious anglers. Preparing your catch right next to the water with a chopping board, a fridge, and a large cooler bin all within easy reach. On the other side of the cockpit door, you'll find a double grill and a sink.

Both sides of the cockpit feature IPS joysticks. This offers full control from either side, which is a real luxury and ensures you can get the best view no matter what style of berth you're approaching.

The cockpit has a raised seating area that's well-protected by an overhang, offering a lovely outdoor space so you don’t get in the way of the fishing action. You can fully enclose this area with covers, and the large table shows off Riviera’s superb woodwork. Two stools can be moved around to create additional seating and there’s even room for a TV tucked in the corner.  

Side Decks & Foredeck

The side decks have high guard rails coupled with big toe rails, contributing significantly to the feeling of safety as you navigate the space. LED lighting running around the decks also provides low-level illumination at night.

The side door is a highlight as although there’s no helm on this deck having access points at both the side door and the back end of the boat dramatically improves the flow onboard. It’s much quicker to step out onto the deck from the saloon - handy when you need to move swiftly when docking.

The foredeck has seating on both sides, which comes with storage underneath and backrests for added comfort. There’s also a sofa running beneath the windscreen and a small table. A repeater for the sound system allows you to control the music in this area, and there are slots in the deck for poles and a canopy, so you can erect some shade if needed.

Again, the storage is well-considered - both sides of the aft deck feature large storage bins to put fenders and covers. They are very easy to use as a single clip lifts the lid, assisted by a gas ram. The bins are lined and drained, so you can toss in wet gear without a second thought. 

Tender storage is equally well thought out. The table is removable so a 350kg crane can lift the tender onto chocks on the bow, which is why there’s such a big space on the foredeck. The practicalities extend to the mooring gear and ground tackle - a small well is integrated to contain any muck from the anchor roller. The storage compartments are deep and easy to open with one hand, and the line clips ensure you won’t lose the tails of the fenders. It's such a thoughtfully designed boat that should be very easy to run.

The Riviera 58 SMY’s engine room is accessible via two entryways - a hatch in the raised cockpit floor or through a watertight door in the utility space behind the owner's cabin. The layout is neat, tidy, and spacious, allowing for easy movement without the need to stoop. It's quite possibly the best machinery space we've seen on a boat this size.

The Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines, each delivering 1,000hp, are surrounded by loads of room for inspection and maintenance. Access to the pods is excellent, thanks to their jackshafts, which also help in optimal weight distribution.

The Riviera 58 doesn't skimp on access to essential ancillaries either. The Humphree stabiliser fins are easily reachable on either side and the double fuel filters, equipped with glass bowls, allow for quick visual inspections. Switching between filters on the go is a breeze if one gets blocked, ensuring smooth operation. All pipework is beautifully arranged, reflecting the high-quality build and careful attention to detail.  

There is also a vast utility space, complete with a washer dryer, storage, and rod holders on the bulkhead. If needed, this area can be converted into an extra berth for guests or crew.