Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition

When reviewing a boat for Lakeland Boating, the work starts before stepping onboard.

I check the standard features list, know of any options being offered, examine the running specs, look at layout renderings and analyze any available photos to help capture the boat.

To prepare for the new Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition sea trial, I was perusing the multiple images when one photo made me pause; it captured my attention and, for me, defined the meaning of this yacht.

That photo is of the 5600 anchored off a sandy spit of land, and a woman is relaxing on the hydraulic swim platform. This image gave me an overwhelming sense of being.

That may be a little too deep for this magazine, but let me explain. Picture yourself on that platform. Take in the natural surroundings, the solitude, the relaxation of the location. Add in your own personal contentment, nary a concern in the world. You have worked hard and now get to enjoy the rewards of your labor aboard this beautiful boat.

By definition, a sense of being is a bit of a conviction that it is good to exist, a sense of self-acceptance, at peace with yourself. And the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht helps you appreciate all that’s good.

On test day, my good fortune started by seeing the 5600 entering her slip for my pickup. It’s a very stout yacht built in a hull with high gunnels, a wide beam that is carried well forward that adds buoyancy and interior living space, and a low-profile hardtop that offers a sleek style. Running from the platform to the aft deck are twin deep staircases flanking a large tender garage door, keeping any following seas out of the cockpit.

Enjoy alfresco dining on the aft deck at the L-settee in the forward starboard corner. A couple of ottomans double up as seats. To port is the double grill wetbar, and aft is the transom sofa. Even though the entire deck area is covered by the extended hardtop and permanent extended shade piece, you can still dine under the stars thanks to the electric sunroof in the hardtop.

Open Wide

To accommodate a large crowd, or just to enjoy the openness of the 5600, the aft bulkhead door slides all the way to port and the large bulkhead window (60 inches wide) swings up and out of the way, securing to an overhead latch. This fully opens up the aft deck and connects it to the salon areas.

All furnishings are low profile, and there’s 78 inches of headroom, resulting in a fabulous view from any location. The aft galley easily becomes the central point for conversations and meal prep. With a U-shaped layout, there’s a full-size Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer, Miele induction cooktop, Miele microwave oven, Fisher and Paykel dishwasher, and undercounter and overhead storage. A nice touch is the reverse drain fiddle in the Corian countertops.

The forward part of the galley counter doubles as a breakfast nook with an overhang and two stools. Sit back and enjoy the view with your morning coffee, or raise the hidden 50-inch TV for the morning news.

There’s an L-shape settee to port with an ottoman that has a wood centerpiece, which works double duty as a mini coffee table. Very cool is the flip-out dinette table that is housed within the settee. Move the cushions and the table is hinged to flip out, then hides away when not in use — a great space saver.

Helm happenings

Forward to starboard is the helm. The floating console houses twin 19-inch Garmin multifunction displays, while the dash has room for the Volvo Penta engine monitor, C-Zone display and other displays. The right-side controls are ergonomically effective, including bow thruster, throttles, joystick and mouse controllers for the screens. At first it seemed the controllers were too far aft, but when sitting back in the helm seat I realized they were in a good position — no wrist strain.

There are actually two bolstered, diamond-stitched electric helm seats with armrests mounted on a single pedestal, keeping a co-pilot in front of the controls, too. Having a second set of eyes never hurts. As an owner/operator-style vessel, this allows both to enjoy the journey.

For more enjoyment, across to port is an L-settee that offers another vantage point during a cruise or provides a cozy place to curl up on those quiet days at the dock.

Surprisingly, the large side windows fully open for great ventilation or a cross-breeze. Open the salon sunroof and aft window, and you essentially are in an open-air lounge. Now that stimulates your sense of being!

I’ve been behind the wheel on other Riviera yachts, and this 5600 Sport Yacht holds true to form. First: The handling is impressive. Instant response from wheel commands gives certainty in the instructions. Second — and we tested this — you can go hard over on the wheel, and the hull bites into the water with just a gentle lean into the turn. You maintain control and visibility, while not having to back down.

Supporting that handling is a pair of Volvo Penta D11 950 IPS systems rated at 750 hp. Cruising at 2300 RPM offers 26.9 knots at 59 gph and a range of 347 nm. Push the sticks all the way for a top speed of 31.6 knots at 2560 RPM, with a 70 gph burn rate. Our test numbers were right in line with the published numbers from Riviera. Below deck is a stand-up engine room with exceptional access to filters, strainers, a generator (Onan 21.5 kW) and outboard systems.

More relaxation

Head to the bow, where Riviera has done a magnificent job with the seating layout. There’s a forward-facing U-shape sofa lounge that’s well-padded with comfortable backrests. A wood-trimmed cocktail table has cutouts in the corners to hold cans/wine glasses (finally, someone figured out how to secure a wine glass!).

Separated by a walkway are split sunpads/chaise lounge seats forward with adjustable backrests. Pop-up lights and side markers guide the way after dark. Chill here by yourself or invite the party.

Niceties

Little and big touches add panache to the Platinum Edition: Leather-wrapped grabrails, high deck gunnels capped with railings (28 inches high), wide side decks (13 inches), high-gloss wood throughout, Ultraleather and fabrics in various colors. Add in a laundry area (washer/dryer), camera system, solar charging, bow sunshade and more.

The 5600 is actually a rework of the 5400, but with copious amounts of feedback from owners and extensive in-house modeling. It’s evident that Riviera did its homework.

Make the Riviera 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition your reason for a sense of being… together.