Riviera 33: Just Add Bait, Mate

The Riviera 33's stout construction, good looks and belowdecks machinery familiar to boaters around the world translates to an outstanding value.

Remember those Foster's Lager television commercials, where the announcer helpfully served as the translator for an American audience? "It's Australian for 'beer,' Mate!"

While these ads never touched on the world of boating, the Australian word for "boat" could very likely be "Riviera."

Interpreters are rarely needed when discussing the Riviera line with American boaters. These vessels cross language and culture barriers, and they speak universally of the rugged dependability that is needed in blue water all over the world.

One of the most popular Riviera boats of all time is the Riviera 33. Viewed from a distance, you'll notice it has somewhat Bertramesque lines. In fact, the Riviera 33's dimensions are almost identical to those of the Bertram 33 that ended production the year the Riviera was introduced.

Part of the Riviera 33's original appeal was certainly its price, because of the dollar's favorable exchange rate in Australian currency. Introduced in 1992 at a price of around $150,000, the Riviera 33 was an outstanding value for a sportfishing convertible that was capable of running the canyons or cruising offshore. In fact, 10 years later, a used 33 can command nearly that much on the used market.

However, if the Riviera 33 had only been able to speak in terms of price, it might have been a short discussion. In fact, the Riviera offered solid construction in a well-built boat ideally suited to West Coast use.

Built to standards set by the Uniform Shipping Laws of Australia, each Riviera featured three bulkheads — unusual in other boats of its class. Forward is a collision bulkhead — allowing the boat to remain afloat if another object is struck head-on — as well as two watertight bulkheads, forward and abaft the engines.

Wiring is neatly bundled and tidy — and plumbing is first-rate. Racor fuel filters are provided for the standard twin 210 hp Cummins 6BT diesel engines. An 8 kW Onan auxiliary generator sits forward of the engines.

Built to Perform

Once away from the dock, the modified-V hull pushes through the water, knocking spray aside with ease. There is room on the flybridge for five people to converse.

Visibility from the flybridge is excellent for running the boat, docking or keeping an eye on the cockpit. The tournament style bridge features full VDO instrumentation, with plenty of room for adding electronics.

While the bridge will be the main destination for Southern California boaters, Northwest boaters will appreciate the lower helm and the saloon's wrap-around windows. While many convertibles have done away with the forward windshield, Rivieras found on the West Coast generally maintain this forward view — although the glassed-in windshield was optional. This opens up the boat, allowing an all-around view, so that communing with nature may take place even when the weather is being less than friendly.

Leather upholstery is common on Riviera 33s. Combined with the teak and light-colored wall accents, the interior communicates the impression of being on a larger boat.

Three different layouts were offered during the seven-year production run on the Riviera, all featuring a spacious cockpit with a tackle prep center. Walk through a varnished teak door, into the saloon, and you'll find a roomy U-shaped settee on the aft port side.

Step down two steps, and you'll find the galley, located on the port side. It offers a refrigerator, a two-burner stove and Corian counters. Plentiful storage is available here, as well. The cook is afforded a view of the saloon, across the counter.

Forward, the head is slightly larger than average for a boat of this size. Teak grating covers the floor, for showers. Mirrored cabinets make everything seem more spacious.

There are one or two staterooms, according to the layout selected.

Early models featured a master stateroom to starboard, partially tucked under the saloon. While it may require some twisting around to slide in, the berth is standard shaped, and allows pillow talk in privacy.

The forward stateroom has a traditional V-berth, allowing viewing of one's stateroom mate from a slight distance.

Other models featured a more traditional "bunkhouse" arrangement to starboard, in place of the double berth. The single stateroom option provides a walk-around queen-size island berth forward, and enlarges the galley and head, moving the latter to starboard.

While traditional hand-laid fiberglass construction is employed, the Riviera features some unique construction techniques. Each boat is built by a crew of four — from start to finish.

In addition to the safety bulkheads mentioned earlier, the 33 employs an intricate mold that incorporates the entire deck and cockpit, saloon sides, galley and steering station. This, along with glassed-in bulkheads, strengthens and stiffens the boat.

As a result of this solid construction, the 33 is up to the task of handling the unsheltered waters around Australia or challenging the temperamental seas of the West Coast. Cruise to Catalina Island or the San Juans, and you can feel confident that the Riviera 33 will get you there — and home again.

Riviera Marine has won numerous awards from the Australian Boating Industry Association and the Boating Industry Association of Queensland, recognizing the high standards that the company maintains.

Whether it is destined to be a fishing platform or a cruiser for a couple or family, the Riviera 33's stout construction, traditional good looks and belowdecks machinery familiar to boaters around the world translates to an outstanding value for the West Coast boater.

Riviera 33 Specifications

Length	33'
Beam	12'9"
Draft	3'1"
Displacement	17200 pounds
Fuel capacity	170 to 296 gallons (depending on model)
Water capacity	96 gallons
Standard power	twin 210-hp Cummins diesels
Years of production 1992-1998
Prices	Typical used boat price $90,000 to $175,000

For More Information

Riviera Marine
245 Brisbane Road
Labrador 4215, Queensland, Australia
(61) 75-94-0477
fax (61) 75-94-0311
www.riviera.com.au