A compact yet functional family boat at a price that won’t scare your accountant.

Preloved: Riviera 37 Open

USED RIVIERA 37 OPEN

Sporting more curved lines and rounded deck hatches than expected — yet continuing with the ocean-ready monolithic hulls that Riviera are famous for — our review boat Dreamtime is a classic Australian-made motor cruiser. Yet at only 37ft, this Western Australia-based open flybridge is not imposing for the newbie skipper, who can enjoy clear views from the high steering console. I can imagine it being perfect for a blast from Freo to Rottnest Island (one of my favourite boating spots in all of Australia).


Conning this 2004 model among the shallows for a relaxed lunch is what life is all about out west where broker Oceaneer knows all the best spots. This hull, named Dreamtime, is fitted out for keen fishos: it has outriggers and a vast aft deck ready for a game chair should you be inclined. Another plus is the flip-down composite marlin board which is a good swim platform as well, with a large transom door for easy water access or to pull in the game fish.


Topside on the Riviera is surprisingly spacious for only a 37-footer. So, you have lounge space on the flybridge ahead of the central console (for six guests) with fridge. At the flybridge console, a traditional and robust analogue gauge layout gives the skipper engine information, while Raymarine supplies the smarts and large hydraulic throttles give precise control of the Cummins 370hp shaft drives (1,315 engine hours). Handily, there is a remote autopilot control below in the cockpit as well.

All-round clears give weather protection around the hardtop bimini that also houses radar and aerials. This leaves the rest of the boat for relaxation once you climb down the stairs, where a wetbar is housed under the canvas bimini. This is where you’ll find the engine hatch for servicing the six-cylinder Cummins, Onan generator and air-conditioner.


Moving around is also easy on this 37 flybridge, thanks to Riveria’s typically-wide sidedecks and high guard rails that guide you safely to the bow. Here, there’s a quality Australian-made Muir windlass and plough anchor and deep chain locker to avoid fouls. The flared hull creates ample deck space to stretch out on sunpads or to house the rubber ducky (with an optional davit).

TWO CABINS

The interior is fuss-free with saloon lounge aft, a sunken galley midships and two double cabins below that are serviced by a single bathroom. The broker says this particular hull was highly specified from the factory and so it comes with three fridges, an icemaker and a twin ring ceramic hob for cooking (plus convection microwave). Other essentials in the galley are a deep sink and worktop spaces for food preparation. At rest, the owner has the bow cabin with island double bed and ensuite bathroom access. The bathroom is spacious for a 37ft craft, with separate shower cubicle and those large oval deck hatches for good ventilation. It has an electric head and moulded bulkheads for easy cleaning.


Dreamtime has two bunks in the second cabin — perfect for teenagers, and better yet they are adult-sized. Upstairs the saloon settee is also a day bed (or indeed a bunk when visitors stay overnight). Other pluses on Dreamtime include Riviera’s premium linen pack, and a TV in the master cabin.


Overall, a compact yet functional family boat at a price that won’t scare your accountant. According to Oceaneer broker Tom Lovelady, you can expect 24kt cruising speeds, which is just about ideal for comfortable and economical voyaging.

QUICK SPECS

Price $289,000
Year 2004
Location Perth WA
LOA 11.3m
Draft 1.07m
Beam 4.0m
Engine 2 x 370hp Cummins
Engine Hours P: 1315 S: 1329
Generator Onan
Fuel 1100L
Water 450L
Max Speed 28kt
Design Riviera


The full review featured in issue #507 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.