Riviera 4300 Sports Express, Open Up Your Boating
Australia’s sunny climate and temperate sea breezes are ideal for open air boating, so it is not surprising that Riviera, Australia’s largest boat builder, recognizes the appeal of the open main decks that make many express cruisers and outboard powered luxury sport boats popular. They set out to deliver that experience without compromising the refinement and comfort their boats are known for. The new Riviera 4300 Sports Express creates the same open and airy feel that defines the category, but with accommodations, performance, and luxury features commensurate with larger, more sophisticated cruisers.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw the Riviera 4300 Sports Express at her debut at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS 25). From the dock she has similar lines to their larger Sport Yacht models but once aboard I realized this model is very different. Outdoor accommodations start from the moment you step aboard. Without outboard engines like many boats in this category carry, the swim platform is unencumbered, and Riviera’s use of space starts there. There are handrails for boarding on both sides and a central counter that hosts an electric grill, a sink, and storage access, beneath quartz counters. The central part of the platform itself also lowers creating a “Sea Deck” ideal for swimming, stand up paddleboarding, diving, and other watersports or simply to pop your feet in the water on a warm day while remaining safely seated on the fixed portion of the platform. A tender can also be launched, retrieved and stowed here.
Steps lead up to the main deck, where a recessed pocket door can be deployed to secure the upper section, especially when underway. The sport deck continues the outdoor living theme with a covered but open aft lounge that includes a folding table and L-shaped seating on both sides. This area is ideal for gatherings, al-fresco dining, or when entertaining. There is a serving counter/wetbar with storage, a fridge, and sink. A sunroof opens in the forward section of the hard top to ventilate the area further and a flat screen folds down for movie night or to watch the big game.
Twin bolstered adjustable bucket seats are at the helm station. The helm pod provides good visibility both forward and to the sides. Controls like throttles, the IPS joystick, and autopilot are within easy reach of the helm and twin MFDs provide plenty of screen space for plotter, radar, and depth, in addition to engine and instrument digital readings. Riviera chose Volvo Penta IPS to power the 4300 because of the performance, reliability, and ease of dockside control pod drives afford, keeping the swim platform area clear is an added benefit. Two Volvo Penta D6 IPS 600 (440 hp) are standard or two Volvo Penta D6 IPS 650 (480 hp) can be chosen for those wanting a little more speed.
I wasn’t able to drive the boat but I have driven several other models in Riviera’s sport cruiser lineup, and they all handled well and were fast and fun to drive so I expect the same from the 4300. Riviera’s performance data conducted offshore of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia near their factory showed a top speed of 32.3 knots. At 3,500 rpm the Riviera 4300SE cruised at 28.7 knots using 43.3 gph or 1.51 gallons per nautical mile. The calculated range at this speed with a 10% reserve is 189 nautical miles. The manufacturers test shows that from 15 knots at 2,500 rpm to wide open throttle at 3,770 rpm range varies from 184 to 202 nm which means there is not much speed penalty so you can choose how fast you want to go keeping the boat comfortable in many different conditions. For longer cruises or deliveries slowing to 7.9 knots doubles the range to 388 nautical miles.
When asked if they considered building this model with outboard power, Riviera Chairman Rodney Longhurst quipped in his stylish Aussie accent, “When Bentley starts building trucks, I’ll consider it more seriously.”
Opposite the helm a door opens to the side deck for easy access to the bow lounge. Ahead of the twin windshield panels there is both a large sunpad and forward-facing lounge seating. The foredeck area can serve as a fun place to romp, read, or relax in the sun or a great spot when underway to ride with the wind in your hair. Numerous drink holders, cubbies, and speakers enhance the ambiance. A windlass, ground tackle, wash downs, fender, and line storage, provide necessary utility forward but are conveniently hidden away from view when recreating.
Large open connected areas make the Riviera 4300 feel like a runabout on steroids. It has that easy-going dayboat feel but with more, bigger, and better places to enjoy the day. But this is not just a dayboat. From the sports deck near the helm a companionway leads to an extensive private interior with two sleeping cabins. Inside there is full galley with microwave/convection oven, twin electric burners, and drawer style refrigerator/freezers. There is also a comfortable upholstered lounge with a flatscreen and a head with separate shower compartment. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, hull side windows, overhead lights and hatches bring in the ambient light. Forward a queen island bed is just ahead of the lounge. This arrangement makes the interior one big open cabin which is ideal for a couple, but what about privacy when others are aboard? At the back of the lounge a varnished timber panel slides out easily on a track and a recessed door closes to completely separate this forward cabin. This is a lovely set up that allows owners to utilize the whole interior space when they want or easily close off the forward section into a cozy cabin for more intimacy.
But wait, there is more. Beneath the stairs there is access to an additional sleeping cabin that runs the full beam of the boat beneath the sport deck above. There are two beds here: a twin to one side and a queen on the other with a respectable 4’3” ceiling height in between. Adults are not going to stand up in here but there is plenty of room to access the cabin. A little under 3’ of space above the beds allows you to sit up fully and read in bed, or sit on the edge to take your shoes off and slide under the covers. There is nightstand with charging ports in the middle, indirect, overhead and reading lights, as well as side windows with opening portholes keep it lively and there is a curtain for privacy. This cabin is plenty adequate when there is a second couple aboard and kids of all ages will love it.
The Riviera 4300 Sport Express delivers versatility, comfort, and an abundance of space both inside and out. Multiple entertaining areas literally stretch from the transom to the bow with serving counters and amenities mixed throughout. Lounging and dining options range from completely open to the air and sun, under cover, or in the complete climate control and privacy of the cabin. With all the different connected spaces the 4300 feels like a big day boat but also has everything you need for weekend or even extended cruising. The 4300 Sport Express has the refinements and robust construction Riviera is known for while exuberating fun, enjoying the sea breeze, and frolicking in the sun.
For more information and to see Riviera’s digital walk through and professional photography and videos: Riviera 4300 Sports Express
Click here for Riviera’s performance data, (Link to performance data PDF)
Riviera 4300 Sports Express Specifications
Length Overall (inc. swim platform and bow roller) 45’ 6” (13.88 m)
Hull Length 43’ 5”(13.24 m)
Beam (inc. gunwale) 14’ 7” (4.45 m)
Maximum Draft (inc. props) 4’ 2” (1.27 m)
Dry Weight 34,167 lbs (15,498 kg)
Fuel Capacity 316 US gal (1,200 l)
Water Capacity 105 US gal (400 l)
Holding Tank Capacity 21 US gal (80 l)
Sleeping Capacity 5 persons
Cockpit Area 149.60 ft² (13.90 m²)
Bridge Clearance 15’ 4” (4.67 m)
Engine Option Volvo Penta D6 IPS 600 x 2 (440 hp) each
Engine Option Volvo Penta D6 IPS 650 x 2 (480 hp) each
For pricing check with your local Riviera dealer.
