The Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht was already a very good boat, with more than 200 built over nine years. Rather than replace it with something completely different, Riviera listened to the people who owned one and used that experience to shape the new 5600 Sport Platinum Edition.
The differences don't look dramatic, but they start to add up. Better use of the foredeck, a lighter interior, easier maintenance, smarter engineering and plenty of thoughtful little touches all point towards the same goal - making an already capable owner-operated sports yacht even easier to live with.
Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition
- LOA 18.64m
- Model Year 2025
- Cabins 3
- Max Speed 32 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
The Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition is the kind of boat that could only come from a builder with plenty of owners to listen to. The Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht spent nine years in production, with more than 200 delivered, so Riviera already knew it had a successful formula.
Rather than start with a clean sheet of paper, the company took everything it had learned from those boats and used it to improve the areas owners used every day. That might not sound as exciting as a complete redesign, but it usually leads to a better boat.
Riviera's own brief was to build the best mid-50ft sport yacht on the water by improving space, comfort, engineering, offshore ability and efficiency. Spend time aboard the 5600, and that thinking quickly becomes clear.
The single-level layout remains because it worked so well before, but almost every area has been reconsidered. The foredeck is now somewhere to sit as well as sunbathe, the owner's cabin has lost an awkward step in the floor, tender handling has become easier, and service access has improved. None of those changes transforms the boat on its own, but together they make it feel noticeably more complete.
That measured approach extends to the styling. Riviera hasn't chased sharp angles or dramatic lines simply because fashion has moved on. The profile remains clean, balanced and instantly recognisable, while the focus stays on practical cruising rather than making a statement alongside the dock. It's a design that should age well, and one that reflects Riviera's long-standing priorities of straightforward owner operation, comfortable single-level living and genuine offshore capability.
The same thinking appears in the way the boat has been built. Riviera still relies heavily on skilled boatbuilders at its Coomera facility rather than trying to automate every stage of production, and the quality shows in the details. Locker lids lift smoothly on gas struts, moulded liners leave storage spaces easy to keep clean, the timber work is beautifully finished and hardware feels solid wherever you put your hand. Even small touches, like recessed door handles that sit flush with the bulkhead, make life aboard just that little bit easier.
There isn't one headline feature that defines the Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition. Instead, it is a boat made up of dozens of thoughtful improvements, each one small enough to overlook on its own but together creating a sports yacht that feels better sorted than the one it replaces. Riviera hasn't reinvented a successful model. It has simply made good use of nine years of owner experience, and that's exactly what this part of the market deserves.
The aft galley remains one of Riviera's best ideas because it keeps everybody together on the same deck.
Positioned between the cockpit and the saloon, it keeps whoever is cooking right in the middle of the action rather than shutting them away below deck. Refrigeration is split across both sides, with drawer units that can serve as either a fridge or freezer, plus a separate wine fridge for longer trips. It all feels very natural and, because everything is on one level, guests can drift between the cockpit and saloon without anyone ever feeling cut off.
It's the little details that really stand out. The bin is built straight into the worktop, so there's no need to keep bending down into a cupboard every time something needs throwing away. The sink faces aft, which means even washing up comes with a decent view out across the cockpit, and every drawer has a proper positive catch so nothing comes flying open if the boat lands off a wave. There's plenty of storage too, SeaZone digital switching sits right by the entrance and the whole galley feels like it has been designed by people who actually use boats rather than simply draw them.
Opposite, Riviera has resisted filling the saloon with furniture that doesn't earn its place. The dining table folds neatly away into the sofa, so when it isn't needed it isn't permanently taking up floor space. Breakfast bar stools add another place to sit without making the room feel crowded, while the television disappears into the cabinetry when it's switched off. It's a clever arrangement because the saloon feels like somewhere to relax first and a dining room second.
The review boat features Riviera's popular gloss walnut finish, although satin walnut, oak and cherry are also available. On the 5600, the builder has introduced lighter upper panelling, and it really does make a difference. Older Rivieras could feel a little darker inside, whereas this interior feels fresher without losing the warmth that timber brings. The varnish work is lovely too.
Owner's Cabin
The owner's cabin is one of the best examples of Riviera listening to the people who already owned a 5400. On the previous model there was a small step in the bedroom floor between the bed and the ensuite, and owners admitted it was all too easy to catch it during the night. Riviera has removed that completely on the 5600, leaving a flat floor throughout the cabin.
Positioned amidships, the full-beam cabin feels spacious without wasting any room. There's plenty of headroom, it's easy to walk around the bed and the storage is genuinely impressive. A huge cedar-lined wardrobe sits to starboard and lights up automatically when the doors are opened, while additional lockers and drawers provide more than enough space for extended cruising. The review boat replaces one bank of cabinetry with a chaise longue beneath the hull window and, given how much storage there already is, it feels like a worthwhile trade.
The finish is lovely too. The gloss walnut panelling behind the bed almost feels like Riviera showing off because the varnish work is so well done, while good lighting and the large hull window stop the cabin feeling enclosed. Owners also get the biggest television on board, although it's the calm, uncluttered feel of the room that leaves the strongest impression.
The ensuite is equally good, with a generous vanity unit, plenty of space around the toilet and a separate shower complete with a built-in bench. One small compromise remains, however. Although the bedroom floor is now completely flat, there is still a step up into the bathroom itself, so it's worth remembering if you're making your way there in the middle of the night.
Guest Cabins
Accommodation follows a familiar Riviera layout, with three cabins arranged around a central companionway. A VIP cabin sits forward, a convertible twin occupies the port side, and a shared bathroom serves as both the day head and the VIP's ensuite. It's a sensible arrangement for a yacht that might spend one weekend cruising with another couple and the next with children or grandchildren on board.
The port guest cabin is a good example of that flexibility. The twin berths slide together to create a double when required, allowing owners to adapt the layout to suit different guests. Storage is generous, a decent hull window brings in natural light and an opening porthole provides welcome ventilation when the weather allows. A television and Fusion stereo complete what is a comfortable cabin without taking up unnecessary space.
Forward, the VIP feels bright and welcoming despite not having particularly large hull windows. An opening overhead hatch draws plenty of daylight into the cabin, while subtle lighting, timber detailing behind the bed and useful storage on either side lift the overall finish. Riviera has also opted for drawers beneath the berth rather than lifting the mattress every time something needs retrieving, a small but worthwhile improvement for everyday use. There is one compromise, though. The bed extends quite close to the forward bulkhead, so getting dressed requires a little shuffling around the corners. Riviera has clearly prioritised a generous berth over extra circulation space, and some owners may feel that's a worthwhile trade-off.
The shared bathroom works equally well as the yacht's day head or the VIP's private ensuite thanks to direct access from the forward cabin. Headroom is generous, there's a separate shower cubicle and enough space around the vanity and toilet to avoid feeling cramped.
One of the advantages of a sports yacht like this is that everybody travels together. Rather than disappearing up to a flybridge, guests can sit just behind the helm with an excellent view forward, remaining part of the conversation while still keeping an eye on where the boat is heading. Large sliding side windows and an opening sunroof bring plenty of light and fresh air into the space, and if anyone is prone to feeling a little seasick, being able to see the horizon certainly helps. It is a comfortable place to spend a passage.
There is one obvious criticism, though. Riviera still doesn't offer a proper helm door. The sliding side windows are welcome, but they don't give the skipper direct access onto the side deck when coming alongside or handling lines. For a yacht designed so clearly around owner operation, it feels like a genuine omission and remains the biggest practical weakness of an otherwise excellent helm layout.
That aside, Riviera has got almost everything else exactly right. The driving position is superb, with excellent visibility and every primary control falling naturally to hand. The Volvo Penta joystick and electronic throttles sit comfortably beneath the skipper's right arm, while remote controls for the twin multifunction displays mean there's no need to keep leaning forward to adjust the screens. The carbon fibre fascia is another nice touch, replacing the scratch-prone plastic seen on many rivals, and the fully adjustable helm seats are exceptionally comfortable. It is one of those helms that feels immediately familiar, simply because everything is where it ought to be.
Riviera has taken the same straightforward approach to the propulsion package. Power comes from a pair of 725hp Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 engines, the only option available, producing a top speed of around 30 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of around 25 knots, where a range of approximately 300 to 400 nautical miles is achievable. The review boat is also fitted with Humphree electric fin stabilisers, providing stabilisation both underway and at rest without the additional weight and complexity of a gyroscopic system. Combined with the standard aft docking joystick, it all adds up to a boat that is remarkably easy to drive and one of the strongest owner-operated packages in this sector.
Still forming part of the tender launching system, the 5600 now gains a proper staircase built into the swim platform itself. It's a much easier way to get in and out of the water than climbing a vertical ladder, while removable safety rails can be fitted around the aft edge to make the platform feel more secure when it's lowered.
The tender garage will take a Williams 345 Jet Tender and the swim platform forms part of the launch and recovery process. Riviera has also kept a fold-down swim ladder in the centre of the transom, so if all you want is a quick swim there's no need to lower the whole platform. Again, it's one of those little practical touches that makes life aboard just that bit easier.
Cockpit
Unlike a flybridge yacht, where guests naturally spread themselves across different decks, almost everything happens on the aft deck, all on one level. The cockpit flows straight into the aft galley and saloon, so whether people are eating outside, relaxing indoors or preparing lunch, nobody feels separated from the rest of the group. It creates a sociable layout that suits the way many owners actually use a boat of this size.
The space itself is both attractive and very practical. A generous teak dining table sits at the centre, served by a wet bar with cooking facilities, refrigeration and a television that folds neatly away overhead when it isn't needed. Seating wraps around the table, while a movable stool can be positioned wherever an extra place is useful, and a bench opposite gives guests somewhere to sit facing into the cockpit.
Riviera has paid just as much attention to the finish as to the layout. The mouldings around the wet bar are beautifully executed, and the whole area has the solid, well-built feel that has become one of the builder's trademarks.
One of the reasons the cockpit works so well is the way it connects with the interior. The large galley window lifts clear to serve the cockpit directly, a sliding roof panel opens the space to the sky, and full enclosure screens allow the area to become weatherproof when conditions demand it. Rather than treating the cockpit as somewhere separate from the saloon, Riviera has created one large entertaining space that can adapt easily to different climates and cruising styles.
The cockpit also reflects Riviera's focus on owner operation. A Volvo Penta joystick comes as standard on the aft deck, with the option to add another on the opposite side, allowing the skipper to berth comfortably whether coming alongside or reversing into a marina berth.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The foredeck is one of the areas where Riviera has made the biggest changes to the 5600, and it feels like a direct response to how owners have been using their boats. Previous models focused almost entirely on sunbathing, but the addition of a dedicated seating area with a table turns the bow into another proper social space. It's an excellent place to sit with a drink while the boat is at anchor, particularly on a warm day when there's usually a welcome breeze across the foredeck. Riviera hasn't sacrificed the original purpose either, with twin sunpads still in place and adjustable backrests allowing guests to sit upright or stretch out in comfort.
As ever with Riviera, the details are just as interesting as the layout. Large storage lockers sit beneath the side decks, but what stands out is the way they're built. The catches release easily, the lids lift on gas struts and the moulded, sealed liners leave them clean, dry and easy to wash out after a cruise.
They're exactly the sort of features most buyers overlook at a boat show, yet they're the things owners use every time they leave or return to the dock. It's a good reminder that build quality isn't just about glossy timber and polished stainless steel - it's often found in the places you touch most often.
Riviera has also avoided turning the foredeck into somewhere that looks good but is awkward to use. A central walkway leads straight to the bow, while side decks provide an alternative route around the sunpads when needed. Right forward, the anchoring equipment is laid out with the same practical thinking.
The windlass sits neatly recessed, with dedicated salt- and fresh-water washdowns close at hand, leaving everything exactly where it needs to be when it's time to drop or recover the anchor. Even here, practicality comes before theatre, and the foredeck is all the better for it.
Engine Room
One of our favourite parts of any Riviera is the engine room, and the 5600 doesn't disappoint. Access is beneath the cockpit steps and, for a 61-footer with a tender garage above, it's really very impressive. The garage intrudes into the space a little, but not nearly as much as you'd expect. Riviera has dropped the sole through the middle, so there's good headroom where you need it and it's perfectly easy to work your way around the machinery.
What really impresses is how accessible everything is. You can get around both Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 engines without too much trouble and, just as importantly, you can get to both IPS pods - and don't forget the pods because they need servicing too. The generator is tucked neatly out of the way and the whole installation is clean, tidy and easy to understand. It feels like an engine room built by people who know owners are going to spend time down here, not one that's been designed simply to squeeze everything into the available space.
The review boat is fitted with Humphree electric fin stabilisers, which work alongside the trim system and provide stabilisation both underway and at rest. Riviera could have gone down the Seakeeper route, but instead prefers to keep the weight down and avoid the extra complication. It's a very Riviera decision really - choose the solution that works well without making the boat any more complicated than it needs to be.
To a decent spec, like the boat we toured at Palm Beach, you're going to pay around USD $2,500,000, but it's worth pointing out that the 5600 comes with a very healthy standard specification. In fact, there's very little that you need to add to create a genuinely decent turnkey spec.
There is generally a high demand for Rivs, too, and their high-quality build and timeless styling tend to mean they hold their value well and are very popular on the secondhand market. As boats go, it will be a good investement.
Our Verdict
The Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition proves you don't always need a clean-sheet design to build a better boat. Riviera took what was already a very successful package, listened to its owners and made sensible improvements in all the right places. Some are obvious, many aren't, but together they leave the 5600 feeling more complete than the 5400 it replaces.
The styling remains safe and conservative, and the lack of a proper helm door is still difficult to overlook on an owner-operated yacht. Apart from that, it's hard to find much to criticise. Riviera has produced one of the nicest owner-operator sports yachts in this class - a beautifully built boat that's practical, easy to use and, perhaps most importantly, simply very well sorted.
Reasons to Buy
- Beautifully built throughout
- Excellent helm layout
- Really practical aft galley
- Clever foredeck seating redesign
Things to Consider
- No proper helm door
- VIP bed tight forward
Pricing
Price as reviewed: $2,100,000 (€1,841,469 approx)
Base price before options. Most owners add electronics, stabilisation, upholstery upgrades and other factory options that increase the final delivered price.
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Rivals to Consider
The Bluegame BGX63 is probably the biggest contrast here because it asks owners to think about a yacht in a completely different way. The layout is much more adventurous, with the helm pushed well forward, a huge beach club and living spaces spread across several levels. It's a really interesting piece of design and there's no question it turns heads, but if what you like about the Riviera is how easy everything feels from the moment you step aboard, the 5600 has the edge. It's a much more familiar boat to live with, and that's no bad thing when you're spending weeks aboard rather than just an afternoon.
The Princess V55 comes at this market from the opposite direction. It's quicker, lower and much more focused on performance, with up to 37 knots on tap and a cockpit that feels every bit the Mediterranean sports cruiser. If your weekends revolve around fast runs between marinas, the Princess makes a very strong case for itself. The Riviera isn't really trying to do that. It's happier settling into a comfortable cruise, with a much more practical layout, a proper tender garage and a cockpit that feels designed for spending whole days aboard rather than simply arriving somewhere.
If you like everything the 5600 does but want to cruise further and carry more people in comfort, Riviera's own 58 Sports Motor Yacht is the obvious next step. You get the same lovely build quality and the same attention to practical details, but with an enclosed flybridge, a second helm and a lot more fuel for longer passages. The trade-off is that life naturally spreads across two decks. The 5600 keeps everybody together on one level, and that's one of its biggest strengths.
The Tiara EX60 probably feels closest to the Riviera in day-to-day use. It's another boat built for owners who actually use their yachts rather than simply admire them, and there's a lot of practical thinking throughout. Tiara puts more emphasis on outdoor entertaining, with fold-down terraces and a cockpit that opens right out at anchor. Riviera takes a slightly different route. The cockpit, galley and saloon all work together beautifully, the helm is one of the nicest in the class and even the engine room feels like it has been designed by people who know owners are going to spend time in there. They're both very good boats.
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 Sport Yacht
- Model 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition
- Length Overall 18.64m
- Beam 5.11m
- Draft(full load) 1.54m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 3,300 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 800 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D11-IPS950
Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition Layout
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Above
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Shown with short hardtop
![Above Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition]()
The standard hard top is shorter
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Shown with long hardtop
![Above Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition]()
The extended one is well worth it for shade over the cockpit seating
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition]()
The redesigned fordeck works really well
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Riviera 5600 Sport Platinum Edition]()
The tender garage is a nice touch that keeps the platform free
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