A family entertainer one day, game fisherman’s dream the next

The Riviera 43 Offshore Express is a sport utility vessel that is equally at home as a game fishing machine or family entertainer.

It is the first in this line to utilise Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. Purpose-built for this system, the boat includes a full-beam aft cabin, as well as a double master stateroom forward and a single bathroom.

The boat has a rugged sophistication while maintaining the luxurious and functional interior, typical of all Rivieras. The hydrodynamics are exceptional, with running surface and chines optimised for a soft, dry ride.

A helm deck features skipper and companion chairs, an L-shaped lounge with GRP hi-low table and an aft-facing mezzanine seat.

This boat is the first Riviera equipped with a cutting edge digital switching system. Based on industry proven CAN network technology, this system offers DC switching and over-current protection to 100 milliamps accuracy.

Full systems monitoring and alarms includes AC voltage, current, frequency and kilowatts, DC voltage, current and battery capacity remaining, along with tank levels and systems in operation indications.

The Riviera 43 Offshore Express draws heavily on the principles laid down by the first Offshore Express, says Riviera Concept Design Manager Neil McCabe.

“We learned a great deal in designing the original 48 Offshore Express. And, of course, this new model has Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, giving us the opportunity to evolve the dynamics of the boat,” says Neil.

“Bold, clean lines and an ambience of open, practical space in the cockpit, on the helm deck and below decks set this cruiser apart from the competition.

“The aim in designing this boat was practicality, flexibility and the ability to cater to different customers’ needs, from the game fisher to the European sun lover.

“One week, the 43 Offshore Express can be an all-out game fishing boat and the next a couple can go cruising with their friends or family. The cockpit, for example, is large enough to fit a full game chair or an entertaining table.

“Volvo Penta IPS gave us the opportunity to provide a very comfortable aft cabin with a full double bed as well as a single.

“Engine room access is through the cockpit floor. The entire floor lifts, hinged forward, on an electric actuator. We were well aware that, in game fish mode in particular, the cockpit can take a lot of water. So the entire hatch is double sealed with special lock-downs.

“The cockpit is specifically designed to drain water quickly for the game fishermen.”

As with the 48 Offshore, we are offering three design versions – open, targa and hardtop. The hard top is practical for the Australian market, offering strong sun protection while keeping that sense of openness.

The helm deck can be closed up with clears in cold or inclement weather. The open version will appeal to the hard core game fishing community with a tuna tower added while the targa is a great solution for those who want to bathe in sunshine but be able to close the helm in colder or damp weather.

“Overall, the 43 Offshore Express is a great package. It is a great use of space as a result of IPS technology, with a sense of light and space throughout. It’s a great sport utility vessel.”

The cockpit of the 43 Offshore Express is a game fisherman’s dream; spacious and functional, providing everything for the most demanding angler.

The wide coamings feature recessed hawse holes through the aft corners to access cleats and provide a clean surface for fishing lines.

A top-load storage bin or optional live bait tank is built into the tansom. The live bait option has been designed for the optimal circulation of water to keep bait and includes a removable double folding lid, clear window and LED lighting.

The transom door opens out and a lift-up bridge operates independently to ensure the anglers’ safety. Toe kicks are moulded around the cockpit below lockers for storage as well as shore electrical and water connections.

Fish bins on either side of the cockpit floor have built-in pump-out facilities. New lightweight hatches with a smooth white pigment resin finish on the inside cover are fitted to the fish bins.

A moulded sink with lid is built into the forward area of the cockpit. Optionally the sink can be replaced by a Miele barbecue. In this case, the sink is moved to the wet bar.

An aft-facing mezzanine lounge covers a large refrigerated cool box.

Double steps lead up from the cockpit on each side to access the side decks and fore deck that can include an optional sun pad.

The 43 features a swim platform with concealed swim ladder as standard.

Forward of the cockpit, the raised helm deck area is unencumbered and spacious, allowing lounge seating for six adults as well as the standard Pompanette Tournament helm and companion chairs.

The windscreen is curved tempered toughened glass panes in a GRP frame and includes three heavy-duty pantograph windscreen wipers with fresh water washers. Side windows are fixed tinted, toughened glass.

The helm itself is vast and practical. It has plenty of room for a complete array of marine electronics and the standard comprehensive engine instrumentation including twin lever electronic engine control units and the IPS joystick. A chain counter and VHF radio are standard equipment. The stainless steel Edson steering wheel has a synthetic grip.

The helm deck is equipped with a dedicated AM/FM/CD player with iPod interface audio system including four speakers and sub woofer that is independent of the audio system in the saloon. To the starboard side of the helm deck, a wet bar includes a refrigerator, locker and garbage bin. An icemaker can be added in lieu of the locker.

A lockable sliding door leads to the interior of the 43 Offshore Express where the saloon is dominated by an L-shaped lounge/dinette covered in premium leather with a timber table. Storage is provided under the lounge.

Adjacent to the lounge is an entertainment unit with a 22” LCD TV integrated with an AM/FM stereo, CD/DVD player with iPod interface, with storage space underneath.

A full height multifunction storage centre aft, combining pantry, liquor cabinet and rod storage locker can be configured to the owners’ needs.

A large rectangular skylight is fitted forward of the helm into the saloon/galley area to allow natural light to illuminate the cabin. The saloon also has a large square deck hatch with Mk 5 OceanAir blind fitted to the deck head.

 Air conditioning is standard to all accommodation.

The highest grade timber joinery is finished with multiple coats of high gloss polyurethane by Riviera’s robotic varnish system.

The galley layout features cupboards above and below the bench for storage as well as a convection microwave oven and a two-door fridge/freezer. The galley benchtop is contemporary styled solid surface and includes a stainless steel sink and dual element induction cooktop.

High quality Amtico flooring has been used throughout the saloon and galley and features a large hatch in the saloon to access storage space below.

The master stateroom forward is equipped with a queen walk-around bed with inner spring mattress. Drawers under the bed provide additional storage.

A hanging locker with automatic LED lighting and a second shelved locker are cedar lined to keep stored clothing fresh. Pigeon lockers outboard of the bunk add extra room for storage.

A large square deck hatch with Mk 5 OceanAir blind is fitted to the deck head and features a flyscreen and block-out blinds for privacy.

The cabin opens up to the saloon with a hinged door and sliding room divider.

The full beam aft cabin includes a queen double bed athwartships. The bed is hinged and supported by two gas struts so that it may be easily lifted to reveal a large storage space underneath. A single bed runs fore and aft along the port side. A hanging locker is cedar lined and includes automatic lighting. The cabin has an opening porthole in the port side with the option of two non-opening portlights. This cabin also opens up to the saloon with a hinged door and sliding room divider.

Power plants on the new 43 Offshore Express are two Volvo Penta IPS turbo diesel engines and drive units. The standard offered is IPS 500, rated at 272kW / 370hp. Optional engines are IPS 600 rated at 320kW / 435hp.

External and internal seawater strainers are provided for the main water intakes for the generator and air conditioning. Strainers for the engines are built into the Volvo Penta IPS system.

Fuel capacity is 1,500 litres standard.

A fire suppression system is installed in the engine room with both automatic and manual controls.

Bennett hydraulic trim tabs provide bow down trim.

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