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Riviera 43 Open Flybridge

The 43 Open Flybridge will appeal to both cruisers and anglers.

Click here for a gallery of the 43 Open Flybridge in action.

We Say: The foldout bulkhead window aboard Riviera’s 43 Open Flybridge gives this bridge boat the open feel of an express. Cockpit features like the grill, refrigerator and mezzanine seating appeal to cruisers, while washdowns, rod holders, fish boxes and a cockpit coaming I found forgiving of thighs impress anglers. The helm is on the bridge, placed aft, making room for an expansive forward lounge. A wet bar pampers the guests.

In the salon, one of the two settees becomes two movable chairs that can be used for additional seating. The galley’s fully equipped, from convection oven to drawer-style refrigeration.

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My tester boasted twin 435 hp Volvo Penta IPS 600s beneath an electric hatch. IPS’s aft placement gave Riviera room for a full-beam amidships stateroom that sleeps three. Optional opening portholes provide gobs of air and light. The day head is to starboard. The master stateroom is forward, with its island berth, cedar-lined lockers, overhead hatch and en suite head.

In four-foot swells, the 43 Open Flybridge lifted gradually and gently settled into the troughs, and I deemed the ride dry, enjoying a fast cruise of 31.4 mph. It’s quiet too, peaking at a hushed 70 decibels.

Who’d Want One: Cruisers seeking luxe amenity plus the seakeeping and space of a convertible.

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Another Choice: Sabre’s 40 Sedan ($598,000 with twin 380 hp Cummins MerCruiser Zeus pods) offers a more compact luxury sedan without the high vantage and extra socializing space of a flying bridge.

Bottom Line: $810,000 (with twin 370 hp Volvo Penta IPS 600 pods); riviera.com.au

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