Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht Review (2024 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The Riviera 58 SMY’s exterior is a deliberate blend of sportfisher utility and superyacht poise, packaged under 18 meters (59 feet). At the stern, the hydraulic swim platform includes removable staples with a designated storage area when not in use. Twin transom doors ease boarding from either side, particularly handy when carrying a tender or toy on the platform.

Fishing-focused features start with a live bait tank (optional) and rod holders all around the cockpit, with hydraulic outriggers and a fold-down fillet table that slots into the rod holders. Storage lockers are tucked throughout, housing everything from a Cablemaster remote switch and shore power inlet to a transom shower, gaskets, and an emergency manual bilge pump. All drainage points are engineered to minimize rattling and water ingress.

The cockpit barbecue setup includes a sink, bin, integrated evening lighting, and practical cupholders, wrapped with a stainless rail that doubles as a handhold for the steps. Refrigeration is well-covered here too, with a fridge, freezer, and ice maker in the cockpit, plus a champagne cooler built into the mezzanine area above.

The upper cockpit (mezzanine) creates a shaded social space, convertible into a daybed or lounging nook, with movable seating, stereo, lighting, and refrigeration controls tucked safely inside the bulkhead. A stairway on this level leads up to the enclosed flybridge, while hatches below grant access to the engine room.

Forward, both side decks are equipped with docking stations, positioned port and starboard for supreme visibility and control. The bow area includes integrated sunpads with flip-up extensions and a dedicated tender storage zone complete with a davit crane (350kg capacity). The foredeck also conceals a large storage locker for the removable bow table and covers. Safety rails are high and secure, and there are integrated line holders for fenders with easy access.

A popup window, ultra anchor, remote winch controls, and dedicated lockers for seawater/freshwater access round off the forward deck features. 

Stepping inside, the absence of a lower helm has unlocked a full-beam saloon that feels more lounge than pilothouse. Seating wraps around to port with a vast couch and lift-top dining table. Storage is everywhere - beneath seats, under counters, and in dedicated AV lockers. The saloon’s overhead and side grab rails nod to Riviera’s offshore DNA, giving a secure path through rougher conditions.

Windows slide open on both sides for natural airflow, backed by a side weather door for quick exterior access. The saloon entertainment zone includes a flush-mount TV and full stereo system. The atmosphere leans residential, enhanced by thoughtful design touches and natural light.

The aft galley, U-shaped and open to the cockpit, features a Miele three-burner induction cooktop, microwave oven, dishwasher, and a proper trash bin. There’s generous dry storage both above and below, including a cooktop isolator for safety. Refrigeration is extensive: fridge-freezer pairs to port, two more fridges hidden in cabinetry, and even a filtered water fountain to cut down on plastic bottles.

A compact bar setup lives aft of the saloon, complete with ice bucket storage and a wine fridge. Every inch of cabinetry is considered, with soft-close mechanisms and smooth integration.

The enclosed flybridge functions as a second saloon, with convertible seating that turns into a full bed, a dedicated TV, storage, and its own fridge. The aft section can be fully enclosed with Riviera’s factory-designed mesh and soft enclosure system, helping to expand the air-conditioned interior or keep the bugs out when anchored. It’s an uber-practical upper deck that doubles as a family lounge or overflow guest space.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam owner’s suite sits amidships and is surprisingly voluminous for a sub-18m boat. A king-size bed takes center stage, flanked by compact nightstands and enormous hull windows with opening portholes for cross-ventilation. A flush-mounted TV is positioned opposite the bed, with multiple drawers and open countertop space beneath.

A coffee nook adds a personal touch, creating a quiet morning space with shelving for a kettle or espresso machine. The ensuite bathroom includes three mirrored cabinets, generous under-sink storage, and a large shower with twin drains and raised lips to prevent overflow. The lighting and finishes are calm, clean, and function-forward.

Adjacent to the owner’s suite is a walk-in wardrobe, offering serious storage space and making this yacht viable for longer-term cruising. A utility room lies just beyond, doubling as crew overflow or general storage, complete with separate washer and dryer units, sink, rod storage, and access to the engine room.

Guest Accommodation

Forward, the VIP cabin features a queen-size berth with storage above and below, twin hanging lockers, and access to its own ensuite. The shower is generous, with proper drainage channels and a raised lip to contain water. The head includes mirrored cabinets and open shelving, and the styling is cohesive with the rest of the yacht.

To port sits the twin guest cabin, which includes sliding berths that convert into a double, upper storage, a TV, hanging locker, and nightstand storage. An openable porthole with sensor monitoring adds both ventilation and peace of mind. This cabin shares the day head, which includes a large shower, sink, and mirror cabinet, designed to comfortably serve two guests.

Access to the engine room is through a mezzanine hatch or directly from the utility room. Once inside, it’s impressively spacious and cool, with full standing headroom and walkaround access to both Volvo Penta D13 IPS1350 engines (1,000hp each). The twin IPS drives deliver a top speed of 32 knots and a cruising speed of 21 knots, with a trawling range of 1,598nm at 4.7 knots.

Key machinery includes Humphrey electric stabilizer fins, a single generator, Dometic chillers, a Blue Water watermaker, and Volvo IPS drives positioned cleanly aft. The space also houses the primary fuel filters, battery chargers and switches, cable reel, ice maker unit, and air con systems. The breaker panel and engine ventilation are intuitively placed for easy servicing. There's even an escape hatch positioned forward for safety.

The Riviera 58 Sports Motor Yacht is a hands-on owner’s yacht, with proper fishing capability, smart storage, and long-range readiness all under 18 meters. Key details like the enclosed flybridge, full-beam owner's suite with a coffee station, and the vast engine room show a design team dialed into real-world usability.

Built to be driven, lived on, and enjoyed whether coastal cruising or chasing game fish offshore, the 58 SMY is as flexible as it is polished. For those who want volume, utility, and a good dose of comfort without needing crew, it hits the sweet spot. And with over 30 knots on tap and under-the-skin build quality, it's clearly made to go the distance.