Riviera 78 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge Deck Review (2022 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The hydraulic swim platform has a neat trick up its sleeve: two built-in steps that rise with the platform to help you climb aboard from fixed docks. Especially handy in places like the Med or the Bahamas where floating docks aren’t the norm.

Just forward, the lazarette is enormous. Designed for serious cruising, it’s packed with smart, rattle-free storage for fenders, lines, brackets, and even shock mounts for the tender. Dedicated mounts for the boarding staples are pre-installed, and there’s space for cool boxes and sensitive gear like Pelican cases.

In the cockpit, Riviera have prioritized versatility and alfresco living. There’s a built-in transom shower and a shaded dining zone that flows between indoor and outdoor spaces. You’ll find a Glendinning cable reel on each side, hydraulic winches for stern-to docking, and a discreet transom shower. There’s a docking station with great visibility and thoughtful line handling lockers where extra rope can be neatly tucked away.

The aft entertainment setup is properly equipped: a full bar with sink, twin glass-fronted drink fridges, dual electric barbecues, an icemaker, and a cleverly protected swing-out TV housed in a gasketed locker. The whole arrangement sits under a sunshade with cupholders built into the structure.

Moving forward, you get wide walkways and side boarding doors both port and starboard. Fuel and water fill points feature built-in gauges, so no more guesswork during refills. Fender and line lockers are integrated up at the bow, where a convertible sunpad forms a massive lounging zone. Beneath it is a 650 kg (1,433 lb) crane for launching and recovering a tender or jetski. The area is left open for easy cleaning and flexible storage, but can be enclosed if preferred.

The bow itself features a single ultra anchor setup with stainless windlass, anchor locker, line storage, and steps down for access. There are track-mounted poles for adding sunshade coverage across the bow area. At the very top, radar domes, GPS antennas, open array radar, and a weather station are all mounted.

Up top, the flybridge is enclosed as a Sky Lounge but can be opened wide with a large sunroof, twin sliding windows, and an aft sliding door. There’s a convertible bar with stools, a barbecue station, ice maker, drink fridge, sink, and built-in cupholders. Two aft docking stations port and starboard provide excellent visibility and control with full engine and joystick systems. Notably, Riviera have even upholstered the aft rail for more comfort when lounging.

Stepping inside, you land directly in the galley. Riviera’s signature timber finish is prominent, with electric windows allowing open flow between galley and cockpit. It’s a highly practical setup with dual fridges, freezer drawers, two convection ovens, a Miele induction cooktop, a dishwasher drawer, dual sinks (one with cutting board insert), and an intelligent waste setup with a pop-open dual bin system.

Storage throughout the galley is very considered, from non-rattle cup inserts to hidden drawers and deep pull-outs. The glassware is also housed securely in lit cabinets. A CZone monitoring screen sits beside the exit door for quick shutdowns on departure.

In the salon, large windows and 2.05 m (6'9") headroom create a spacious, light-filled lounge. The L-shaped sofa faces a drop-down ceiling TV with a built-in 5.1 speaker system. Forward on port, a convertible dining area transforms from breakfast nook to cocktail lounge via a disappearing table system. There’s also a dedicated bar area with wine cooler, drink fridge, trash bin, sink, and more stemware storage.

Everything’s built with travel in mind: soft-close hardware, generous grab rails, and secure stowage. The electric weather door on the side provides quick access to the decks.

Upstairs, the Sky Lounge can be used as an additional salon or overflow sleeping space. A pull-out sofa converts to a bed, and privacy panels block light and sound during night passages. There’s another full bar here with fridge, sink, and trash setup, plus a convertible table with built-in cupholders. Storage is tucked under the helm and in side cabinets, with wireless charging points and breaker access.

Owner's Cabin

Positioned midship, the owner’s suite stretches full beam with a California king bed, substantial bedside tables, multiple drawers, and huge side windows that sit at eye level when lying in bed. There’s a dedicated work desk that can double as a vanity, with extra drawers and open storage.

A walk-in wardrobe is tucked behind a flush-fit full-length mirror. Inside are hanging spaces, drawers, and a large hull window for natural light. Kids would love it as a hiding spot too.

The ensuite features dual sinks, unique to this cabin, a walk-in shower with bench, openable porthole (with sensor alarm), and bidet-style toilet. Headroom is excellent even with the slightly raised shower floor due to hull shape. The finish is understated and solid, with proper built-in elements and thoughtful lighting.

Guest Accommodation

Forward is the VIP cabin with an almost full-size queen berth and headroom of about 2.03 m (6'8"). Overhead hatches, side storage niches, and a built-in TV with soundbar are all present. There are two hanging wardrobes and an ensuite with single sink, rain shower, and sensors on openable portholes.

On the port side, a twin cabin features slide-together berths that convert into a double at the press of a button. There's excellent headroom, storage, TV, and an ensuite with separate access, so it can also function as a day head. On starboard, another double cabin mirrors the port-side layout and could be repurposed as an office. Storage includes drawers and a hanging wardrobe.

Crew Accommodation

Crew space is aft, accessed via a separate staircase. It’s has a bunk, microwave, drink fridge, and ensuite wet head. There’s storage throughout and a washer/dryer stack alongside clever built-in ironing board storage that tucks away neatly.

Breaker panels, fuel shutoffs, and the fire suppression pull are also housed in this space, making it a practical utility zone. This area could easily become a laundry room for owner-operated use if preferred.

The engine room is impressively laid out and spotless. Twin MAN V12 engines produce 1,471 kW (2,000 hp) each, pushing the yacht to a top speed of 34.1 knots, with a fast cruise at 29 knots. At 7.5 knots, the range extends to 2,577 nautical miles.

The V-drive transmission runs to Seatorque shafts with a cardan shaft for reduced vibration, as the shafts operate in oil. Generators are twin Onan Cummins units mounted forward. Strainers and stabiliser fins are easy to access, with excellent service space around all systems.

The yacht runs lithium-ion Force Gate batteries, and the electrical zone aft includes inverters, chargers, and full breaker access. A Dometic chiller system handles air conditioning, with multiple units visible. Twin Glendinning cable reels, a watermaker with visible membranes, and engine room ventilation round out the setup.

There’s even a compact workbench with vice and tool storage, ideal for onboard maintenance. The rudder and trim tab gear is easily accessed aft.

Debuted at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2022, the Riviera 78 Motor Yacht feels every bit like a boat designed by people who actually use them. From the convertible Sky Lounge to the practical galley storage and walk-in robe in the owner’s suite, it’s clearly set up for real cruising life. The layout is flexible without feeling fussy, and there's a relaxed confidence to the way everything comes together. Whether you plan to run it yourself or with crew, this is a yacht that works hard behind the scenes while giving you all the space and comfort to enjoy the ride.