On the way back in through the inlet, I also discovered the Riviera 41 rides the back of a wave in total control, and overtaking following seas caused no sheer.

Riviera offers Cummins QSC 500 (500 hp) diesels as standard equipment on the 41, but you can also choose to power it with 540 and 600 hp Cummins (all with SmartCraft electronic gauges and electronic throttle and shift).

Interior
This 41 hides a tremendous amount of storage, including a huge belowdecks pantry in the galley. Other features I particularly appreciate about the interior are the opening aft window in the salon, making for terrific air circulation. The all-glass cockpit door also provides more ambient light than usual.

Riviera offers a lower helm-station option as well. You can bet that with windows across the front of the salon rather than a fiberglass wall, sitting in the salon will feel almost like being outside in the action.

Riviera has steadily been improving its engine compartments. While the engine spaces seemed a bit tight on past models, the space on this 41 was very well laid out, and all maintenance points proved remarkably accessible for a 41-footer.
 
Flybridge
Riviera puts all spaces to great use up on the flybridge. By moving the helm outboard to starboard, Riviera eliminated the need for the captain to move out of the way each time a guest wants to sit in the companion seat. And since both seats sit right at the aft bridge rail, you get a good view of the cockpit from the helm, unless, of course, you opt for the solid sunshade over the forward end of the cockpit. Personally, I'd go for a foldaway shade for fishing purposes. And one other feature sets this boat apart from most of its competition: A curved ladder makes climbing up to the flybridge much easier.

I'm pleased to report that standard equipment also includes a step and handhold on the transom for exiting the water in an emergency. Other neat features include pop-up cleats for fenders. And finally, since the walkway is wider than on many boats twice this size, I found walking to the bow with a fish-laden rod in one hand exceedingly easy and secure. — Dean Travis Clarke

 

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA ......46'
Beam......15'
Draft......3'8"
Deadrise......19 degrees
Weight......30,100 pounds
Fuel......528 gallons
Water......122 gallons
Max Power......T 600 hp Cummins QSC 600 common-rail diesels
base price......$771,796

Riviera Yachts / Stuart, Florida / 772-403-1060 / www.riviera.com.au