Riviera 585 SUV Review (2023 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

Starting aft, the swim platform stands out for its hydraulic design and serious capacity - 750kg (1,653lb). That’s enough for a 3.7m (12.1ft) tender, with margin to go bigger if you wanted. The staples are removable - just like you’d see on a superyacht - so you can set up for extra space or safety when the tender’s gone. The cockpit then flows directly from the swim platform thanks to dual stern doors that lock open, giving you a beach club area. Riviera’s attention to detail shines - pop-up fender cleats, rod holders with smart drainage, and a sun sail system that shades all the way out to the swim platform. There’s salt and fresh water hookups, a transom shower, and plenty of storage for shoes, fishing gear, or whatever toys you bring.

Utility features are everywhere - shore power connections with tender charging, emergency manual bilge pumps, and more storage compartments than you’d expect. There’s cockpit controls for the Volvo IPS joystick and engine panels port and starboard. Visibility’s wide open - no major obstructions.

Forward, the bow area blends practical and party. Massive storage holds for the sunpad table and base, cup holders, and a factory track for a full cover. The anchor setup includes a chunky chain, twin lockers for fenders and lines, windlass with both remotes and manual handle, and rinse-downs (fresh and salt) for cleaning the chain. Cleats and fairleads are all where you want them.

The bow is also a proper entertainment space - deep seating, high-end cushions with quality stitching, and a convertible napping spot with shading options. JL Audio speakers are fitted - two visible, two hidden in the hardtop for a great sound field. 

Back aft, there’s a dedicated alfresco deck - Riviera’s term, but it fits - up a few steps from the cockpit. This area can be fully enclosed with mesh or soft panels for shade and bug protection, and stays remarkably wind-protected. There’s a cool box under the seating, a fold-out table, and even a fold-out napping spot. Overhead, electric hatches provide extra ventilation, and there’s a high grab rail for safety.

Stepping inside, the galley is U-shaped and open to the alfresco deck, connecting indoor and outdoor living. Full-size fridge and freezer, upper cabinets with glassware storage, plenty of drawers, and quality appliances - a Smeg four-burner induction cooktop, large oven, and double sink with filtered water tap. Trash and recycling bins are thoughtfully placed. There’s loads of storage for dishware and utensils, plus clever details like pop-up outlets.

Moving starboard, there’s a second fridge/freezer and a CZone yacht management panel for monitoring and switching all onboard systems. The bar area is set up for bottle storage which is a must for longer trips. The main saloon features a clever settee with a stowable table - doubles as a breakfast tray for bed. The table can move and slot in different locations, and the seating easily hosts six for dinner. High headroom (over 2m/6’9”) and huge windows make the space bright and open. There’s a wine fridge tucked forward before the helm.

The helm has triple Garmin chart plotters, full controls for the Volvo IPS with joystick, bow thruster, Humphree stabilizer, and chain counter. There’s a sunroof overhead - almost flybridge vibes with the roof open - and large sliding windows port and starboard for cross-breeze. The twin helm seats have diamond-stitch upholstery, and everyone at the helm stays part of the conversation thanks to the open layout. There’s a weather door to port for quick exterior access.

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s suite sits midships - generously sized and low to the water. King-size bed, indirect lighting, and a flush-mounted TV with hidden soundbar. There’s a breakfast bar with a coffee machine and drink fridge, so you can start your day without even leaving your cabin. The vanity/work desk gets natural light, and you can use it as a workspace or a spot for morning routines. Large windows with opening portholes (and safety sensors) give cross ventilation. There’s a walk-in wardrobe with hanging and drawer space, plus a huge utility room just aft. Storage is everywhere - drawers under the bed, nightstands, and overhead lockers.

The ensuite features a sliding pocket door, a good-sized vanity, and a one-and-a-half-person shower with a built-in bench - a rainfall-style shower and additional storage make it feel luxe but practical.

Portside, the twin cabin can convert electrically to a double - a nightstand slides away, making room for a larger bed. There’s a big hanging locker, TV, fusion soundbar, and an opening porthole. This cabin shares the day head, which has a medicine cabinet, under-sink storage, and a spacious shower with a bench for comfort and convenience.

The VIP cabin forward is bright and airy thanks to twin overhead hatches. Even with the anchor locker just aft, headroom stays generous at 2.05m (6’9”). Step-ups make the bed easy to access, and there’s a sound-dampening carpet for quiet nights. Double wardrobes and shelves complete the storage setup. The VIP’s ensuite includes a large medicine cabinet and a true two-person shower, complete with shampoo storage.

The lower deck utility room is a bit of a Swiss Army knife - it can serve as a laundry, workshop, storage area, or even a crew cabin if needed. There’s a sink, openable porthole, and enough room for hooks, tools, fishing rods, or snorkel gear. It connects directly to the owner’s cabin, the engine room, and the exterior deck via private access. This is one of those owner-operator friendly touches - if you want to run the boat yourself or bring occasional crew, you’ve got real flexibility.

Accessed from both the cockpit and directly from the owner’s suite, the engine room is impressively spacious for a sub-18m (60ft) yacht. Twin Volvo Penta IPS-1350s (noting one reference to IPS-1200s - spec may vary), with easy access to the pods and systems. There’s a Blue Water watermaker, chillers for the air conditioning, primary fuel filters, sea strainers, battery chargers, and fire suppression. Breaker panels and battery switches are all within reach. There’s a camera for engine monitoring, visible on your Garmin displays. Ventilation is robust, and overboard drainage is well handled. With all this, you get not just technical reliability, but also serious comfort for maintenance - nothing feels jammed in.

Performance-wise, top speed sits at 35 knots, with a comfortable cruise at 25 knots. If you want to stretch your legs, ease back to 6 knots for a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles - plenty for coastal adventures or even a longer passage.

The Riviera 585 SUV feels like a boat for owners who want to do it all - fish, entertain, cruise, maybe even self-manage with a little help. There’s a thoughtful mix of luxury and practicality throughout, from the hydraulic swim platform and convertible alfresco spaces, to the flexible guest and utility areas below. Storage is everywhere, the helm and systems are user-friendly, and the engine space is a dream for hands-on owners. Whether you’re lounging on the bow, grilling in the cockpit, or waking up to coffee in the owner’s suite, it’s a yacht that invites you to use every bit of it - however you like. This is a boat you can run yourself, host friends and family, or bring the occasional crew - and you’ll always feel right at home.