As the flagship of Riviera’s range and priced at $5,500,000, the 78's a high-quality machine built for tough offshore passages but, on board, the owner and their guests will be in the lap of luxury as the quality of fit and finish is outstanding.
The enclosed flybridge design creates a main deck internal living area that stretches right forward to the windscreen. An internal staircase leads to the upper deck and helm, where three comfortable, fully adjustable helm seats dominate the area. Below deck, there are four cabins including a guest VIP, forward, a guest twin and bunk cabin and a splendid full-beam owner’s cabin with ensuite bathroom amidships.
Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck Key Facts
- LOA 80' 8"
- Model Year 2022
- Cabins 4
- Max Speed 34 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Enclosed Flybridge
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
From dock level, the Riviera 78 Motor Yacht immediately strikes as a big, big boat – one with serious presence and purpose. It has a wave-slicing sharp bow with over 6ft of freeboard forward that gives it a towering, go-anywhere profile. There’s a gentle flare in the bow too, helping throw spray aside in rough seas. Riviera is known for robust, blue-water builds, and this flagship carries that tradition on. Everything about the construction feels reasssuringly over-engineered, from the solid lay-up of the hull to the gleaming stainless steel fittings.
Riviera has designed this boat with a variety of owners in mind, so there’s a welcome amount of customisation and layout flexibility. To begin with, there’s a choice of open flybridge (the “daybridge”) or a fully enclosed flybridge. The open version provides the wind-in-your-hair helm up top (with a second, external steering position) and no davit on the foredeck - the tender instead lives on that big hydraulic swim platform. The enclosed flybridge, as seen on this boat, effectively creates another all-weather skylounge on the upper deck. In this enclosed bridge, Riviera provides all the comforts: an L-shaped settee (in leather or fabric) that can convert to a bed, a wet bar with fridge, a wine cooler - a little second saloon.
Flexibility is also central below decks. In the standard layout, the 78 comes with an aft utility room just behind the engine room - a space that can be used as a laundry, storage or workshop. For owners who prefer crew onboard, this area can instead be fitted out as a crew cabin with its own berth (or bunks), wet head, storage, microwave and fridge. Crew can access this space directly from the swim platform via the engine room, or via a staircase from the saloon entrance - a very superyacht touch on a 78-footer. Even if crew aren’t carried, the space proves useful for bulky gear or laundry management. The point is that no two Riviera 78s need to be the same.
Up on the main deck, the theme of personalisation continues. Riviera’s design team offers a range of décor packages, or owners can work with them to create a completely bespoke finish. The galley-aft configuration comes standard, beautifully executed in varnished timber and premium appliances. Forward, the saloon can be configured for formal dining with a large folding table, or treated as a secondary lounge/media space with dining kept to the aft deck. At the push of a button, the saloon can transforms into a cinema: blinds come down, and a big screen folds neatly from the ceiling and locks above the staircase - just add popcorn.
Most importantly, the 78 represents a new chapter for Riviera. This is not a stretched version of an earlier model as other builders tend to do, but a move toward superyacht territory. Riviera partnered with Italian designer Luca Vallebona on the concept, and the influence shows in the volume, luxury and the attention to detail. At 24.8 metres LOA, it’s the largest model Riviera has built to date and it feels like a flagship. The aft deck and bow lounge would be at home on a 100-footer, and features like dedicated crew space, long-range capability, and extensive personalisation options push the yard into new territory. “Essentially a superyacht in design and amenity,” says the Riviera brochure which is a bold claim. With over 1,000nm of range, self-sufficiency for extended voyages, and the build quality to handle whatever the sea throws its way, the Riviera 78 is as much a statement of intent as it is a yacht.
The first feature to stand out is the big drop-down window aft, which links the galley to the cockpit. With the sliding door open as well, there’s a very natural connection between the two spaces, and the galley can serve either side.
This galley has been designed for liveaboard use with remarkable cooling capacity: chest fridges to starboard, another pair opposite, plus an additional unit by the cooking area. Twin Miele ovens, a four-element induction hob, and twin sinks with an InSinkErator all give the feel of a domestic kitchen. There’s even a dishwasher built in. The whole setup feels properly specified for extended cruising or entertaining a crowd.
The finish is classic Riviera. Gloss teak dominates the joinery, beautifully polished and very solid to the touch. Attention to detail is clear, though there are a few sharp corners on the cabinetry that might catch an elbow underway.
Moving forward into the saloon itself, flexibility is the theme. The space can be laid out for dining or as a lounging area, depending on preference. A clever folding table disappears completely behind the sofa when not in use, so the room can be adapted between formal dining and open lounging. Storage is generous, and a dedicated bar area forward includes a lit glass cabinet, sink and wine cooler. All cupboards and fridges have positive-lock clips, making sure nothing flies open at sea.
Enclosed Flybridge
The enclosed flybridge works as a second saloon in its own right. It's reached via an internal staircase, and it’s a beautiful piece of work in itself, with a solid banister and timber steps.
This is a very flexible area. The table actually folds back completely behind the sofa – just move the cushions, flip it over, and it disappears. Left open, it works as a lounging space, but if a proper dining table is wanted, the setup makes that possible too. Forward there’s a dedicated bar with glasses in a lit cabinet, a sink, wine cooler and more storage. All of the cupboards and fridges are clipped so they don’t fly open at sea – proper seagoing details.
Windows on either side can drop down and there’s also a sunroof, so although this is an enclosed bridge it can be opened right up for natural airflow. With its own bar, social seating and television, it works as another living space entirely.
Owner's Cabin
In the owner's suite, the cabin enjoys the full beam of the boat. It’s a lovely, lovely space with superb headroom and no obstructions, and the scale of it is immediately clear. The detailing stands out as well - that feature headboard effect is mirrored on both sides, and it shows the amount of work that’s gone into the timber on this boat.
On the starboard side there’s a bureau that pops up with a little bit of storage underneath. In fact, there’s storage running down both sides, eye-level lockers as well, plus a big walk-in wardrobe as you come in. There’s even more space beneath the bed, and a decent pair of bedside tables flank it.
The bathroom sits just forward at the end of the cabin and it’s very luxurious: a separate shower cubicle, a separate toilet, and twin basins. The television is mounted on the bulkhead at the foot of the bed. With nothing alongside, the large hull windows show what they can achieve when the cabin is clear at the waterline with great views out. Opening portholes are built into those windows too, so there’s natural ventilation if air conditioning isn’t wanted.
VIP Cabin
Forward is the VIP, and it’s a very, very nice cabin. It feels bright thanks to the twin hatches overhead, and because of that big flat foredeck above, there’s enough room for them to sit side by side, which means even more natural light comes down.
There aren’t opening ports either side in the hull windows, but ventilation is taken care of through the hatches. The space itself is generous, with plenty of floor area and really big hanging lockers on both sides. Storage is very good here, and the separate bathroom is impressive too - a big ensuite with its own shower cubicle. Altogether, it’s a luxurious space for guests to stay in and a clear step up from a typical forward cabin.
Twin Cabins
To starboard sits a twin bunk cabin, though this can also be arranged as a study if preferred. Opposite, to port, is another guest cabin. This one is set up as a twin, but at the press of a button the berths slide together to form a double. It has its own ensuite, which also links to the hallway so it doubles as a day head.
The arrangement means there are useful options: either more sleeping space for family and friends, or a work cabin if long stays aboard demand it. Both cabins feel practical and comfortable, with enough storage to make them easy to live with, and they fit neatly into the wider mix of accommodation on the 78.
Crew Quarters
There’s a relatively even split between owners who run this boat with crew and those who run it themselves. If crew are carried, the space isn’t huge for a yacht of this size – it’s really comfortable for one, and a second bunk can be added but that does make it tight.
As standard there’s a proper single berth, a bit of cooling space, a microwave, and a wet room with shower and toilet. A television is fitted too. The important thing is that this cabin has direct access through to the engine room, so the crew can come and go without passing through the guest spaces. For one person it works well, and for owner-operators it doubles neatly as an extra utility or storage room.
This is the only helm station on the boat, and it really is quite something - very commanding. Four enormous Garmin screens dominate the dash, all neatly arranged, with backlit switch gear and every control brought out on a central plinth to the driving position. The throttles, joystick and remote controls for the screens are all to hand, so there’s no need to lean forward and touch the displays.
The driving position itself feels serious. It’s flanked by a pair of fully adjustable leather seats, and they really are the business. From here the view is superb, with big windows all round and that sense of height that makes this a great place to be when powering through rough seas.
Up on the sundeck, wing stations are fitted on both sides. Although this is a shaft-drive boat, the joystick system links props and thrusters to give IPS-style control. From here the view is excellent - right down to the bathing platform as well as forward - which makes stern-to docking that much easier. Being this high up also gives a great overall perspective on the boat and its surroundings.
Right at the stern, the Riviera 78 has quite an interesting platform design – one Riviera developed in-house with the help of an Italian supplier. It isn’t just a big boarding area; it doubles as a passerelle. The whole structure is fixed centrally, but the side sections raise and lower with the main platform, so the geometry creates proper steps either up to a high quayside or down into the water. It’s a clever bit of engineering that makes boarding easier in a range of situations.
Chunky stainless steel rails frame the platform, adding security and a reassuring feel of strength when working close to the water. To starboard, there’s an access hatch leading straight into the engine room and on through to the crew or utility space, while another section opens into a large storage bay. It really is a big toy chest - a space that can swallow tenders, SUPs dive gear and the like. Owners who prefer to keep the platform clear can carry a tender on the foredeck instead, using the garage here purely for toys.
The cockpit feels like the main outdoor living hub of the Riviera 78. Boarding gates on both sides make it easy to step straight onto the pontoon without having to go via the bathing platform, and there’s even a neat deck shower tucked into the port side.
The space itself is designed to work in different ways. Clear screens can be fitted on both sides to fully enclose it, and a drop-down sunshade provides protection and privacy when required. Air-conditioning vents are also built in, so the entire cockpit can be cooled and effectively turned into an extension of the saloon. It’s a versatile area – somewhere to dine, to relax, or to settle in with guests while still feeling part of the water.
A well equipped wet bar on the starboard side reinforces its role as an entertainment zone. There’s a sink, grill, refrigeration, and a first glimpse of the high-gloss teak joinery that runs throughout the yacht.
Side Decks & Foredeck
Carrying on along the side decks, movement around the boat is straightforward. The walkways are wide, the guardrails are high, and they fall neatly to hand. Fuel fillers sit on the side deck and are paired with digital level gauges, so tank contents can be checked instantly without needing to go below.
On a yacht with an enclosed flybridge, these outdoor areas like the foredeck become especially important. Many owners choose to carry the tender up here to keep the bathing platform clear, so there’s provision for chocks and a crane. Even so, the space is cleverly arranged as an outdoor lounge when not in tender mode. A U-shaped seating area with table makes a relaxed spot for drinks and snacks, and there’s the option to switch this for a full-beam sunpad. Ice boxes and a dedicated sound system complete the picture.
Sun Deck
On the sun deck, there’s a dayhead tucked neatly into the corner - very useful because it saves the walk down two decks. It even has a window, so there’s a view while you’re in there.
As for the deck itself, there’s another bar angled to the view with stools set along it, and over to one side a proper dinette with a table that folds out to double its size. A bit of freestanding furniture can be arranged as needed, so like the deck below it’s a flexible space as it can be left open for sunbathing or set up for eating and entertaining.
The engine room really is quite something. This is a purposeful offshore boat designed to cover ground in rough seas, and the engineering reflects that. Power comes from twin MAN V12s - 1,550hp, 1,800hp or the 2,000hp units seen here. With those, the 78 will top out at around 34 knots, cruise at 25 and drop back to 10 knots for a 2,000-2,500nm range. With over 10,000 litres of fuel, it should manage longer passages.
The space itself is superbly laid out, with headroom, good light, and clear access to the generators and systems. There’s even a tool bench for running repairs. Access is possible both through the transom and from inside, and cameras feed the helm screens for easy monitoring.
It’s all shaft drive to keep it simple, supported by a standard Humphree fin stabilisation system.
Our Verdict
The enclosed flybridge and towering stature grabs the eye, but the real strength of the 78 is flexibility. The foredeck can be a lounge, a sunpad, or a tender deck. The cockpit can be left open or fully enclosed and air-conditioned. The saloon can serve as a dining room, a cinema, or another lounge. Down below, the aft space can be crew quarters or a utility and laundry room. Even the flybridge itself can be open or enclosed.
No two 78s are likely to be alike, and that level of choice makes this Riviera a truly personal flagship - one that adapts as easily to long passages with crew as to family cruising with everything kept in-house.
Reasons to Buy
- Hydraulic platform doubles as boarding steps
- Huge cooling space, real liveaboard galley
- Enclosed flybridge becomes second saloon
- Flexible layouts
Things to Consider
- Crew space tight for two people
- Only one helm
Looking to own a Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!
Rivals to Consider
The Astondoa Ax8, at just over 24m, reaches 19-24 knots with Volvo Penta IPS engines and settles into a 15-knot cruise. Its range is notably shorter at around 420 nautical miles because of the smaller fuel capacity. Guest accommodation includes three cabins for six people, plus a captain’s cabin and two crew cabins, showing a layout more suited to coastal luxury than serious offshore passagemaking.
The Sirena 78 Enclosed is a semi-displacement yacht of 25m, capable of 27 knots with a 16-knot cruise. At displacement speed it stretches out to a 1,200-1,550 nautical mile range at 10 knots. Guests are housed in four cabins for up to eight, with crew space for three, and the enclosed flybridge gives it a second saloon and a proper all-weather feel. It sits close to the Riviera in flexibility and range, though with less outright speed.
The Ferretti Yachts INFYNITO 80 measures 23.7m and cruises around 17-18 knots, topping out near 22-23 knots with MAN diesels. Range is around 1,000 nautical miles at 11-12 knots. It carries eight guests in four staterooms with crew space for three. The focus here is on expansive terraces and big social areas, but the performance and long-distance ability fall behind the Riviera’s bluewater credentials.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Riviera's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Riviera
- Range Motor Yacht
- Model 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck
- Length Overall 80' 8"
- Beam 19' 8"
- Draft(full load) 6' 3"
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 4
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Enclosed Flybridge
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Engine Model 2x MAN V12-2000
- Engine max range (speed type) 2500 (nm)
Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck Layout
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Flybridge
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Main Deck
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Lower Deck
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