SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 50 feet • BEAM: 15 feet, 1 inch • WEIGHT: 42,000 pounds • DRAFT: 3 feet, 10 inches • HULL TYPE: modified-vee • POWER: twin 600-hp Volvo Penta D8 diesels with IPS800 pod drives • SPEED: 34.5 knots top, 28.2 knots cruise • TANKAGE: 555 gallons fuel, 106 gallons water, 40 gallons waste • PRICE: $1.3 million • CONTACT: Riviera, Coomera, Australia, +61 5502 5555.
Overview
The Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht blends contemporary styling with practical layouts and reliable diesel propulsion. Introduced in Australia in mid-2016 and shown in North America at the Newport Boat Show in Newport Beach, California, this model reflects Riviera’s focus on comfortable cruising, entertaining and seaworthiness in a 50-foot package. The yacht’s design emphasizes light, clean lines and thoughtful use of high-quality materials that create a modern, welcoming environment both above and below deck.
Accommodation and Interior
The 4800 Sport Yacht features a two-stateroom layout optimized for owners and guests. The forward owner’s stateroom includes a queen bed and benefits from hull-side windows and overhead hatches that bring natural light into the space. An amidships guest stateroom offers three single berths, with two convertible to a double for flexible sleeping arrangements. Walnut cabinetry and contrasting gray upholstery give the cabins a warm yet contemporary look, while careful detailing in leather and stone accents adds a premium feel.
Each stateroom has convenient access to a head, and both heads include enclosed showers to maintain dry, comfortable spaces. The arrangement supports extended cruising with family or friends while preserving privacy and ease of movement throughout the accommodation areas.
Main Saloon, Galley and Cockpit
The main saloon presents a refined lounge area with curved glass, a power sunroof and an aft entry that seamlessly connects to the cockpit. Use of walnut, stone and leather materials continues here, creating a cohesive aesthetic from the cabins to the saloon. The galley is situated aft, adjacent to the cockpit, which makes meal service and socializing straightforward. Cockpit seating is organized around a teak dining table, offering a dedicated al fresco dining zone that is both practical and inviting.
The cockpit sole is in teak, reinforcing the yacht’s classic-meets-modern look while providing durable, slip-resistant footing for lively gatherings or relaxed cruising. The aft deck flows to a generous swim platform, easing access to the water and small tenders.
Deck Layout and Onboard Amenities
The swim platform is supported by a transom station that houses twin electric barbecue grills and double wash basins, convenient for dining and cleaning after water activities. Forward on the foredeck a sun pad provides a private lounging area and offers easy access to the ground tackle for anchoring. The deck layout is designed to support entertaining, sunbathing and quick transitions between harbor and open-water activities.
Propulsion and Performance
Riviera specified Volvo Penta D8 diesels paired with IPS800 pod drives for the 4800 Sport Yacht. The IPS pod system and included joystick steering improve close-quarters maneuvering and make docking simpler, particularly in busy marinas. Builder testing recorded a top speed of 34.5 knots at wide-open throttle with a corresponding fuel burn of 65.8 gallons per hour. A faster cruise of 28.2 knots was reported at 52.3 gph, while slowing to approximately 20 knots reduced fuel consumption to about 42 gph. These figures show a balance of performance and efficiency suitable for both fast passages and economical cruising.
Summary
The Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht is aimed at buyers who want a stylish, well-appointed 50-foot yacht capable of entertaining and comfortable cruising. Its two-stateroom layout, thoughtful deck and cockpit arrangements, premium interior finishes and Volvo Penta IPS propulsion combine to produce a versatile platform for extended cruises or weekend escapes. With a focus on modern design and practical features, the 4800 delivers a refined experience for owners seeking performance and onboard livability.
This article originally appeared in the July 2018 issue.