4600 Sport Yacht
The Riviera 48 Offshore Express is a 51-foot convertible sportfishing yacht that was produced by iconic Australian yacht firm Riviera Yachts between 2008 and 2014. Riviera sold over 30 of these models across the production run, with discerning clients the world over responding to the vessel’s artful, sleek form, swept-back cockpit, flared bow entry, rugged offshore hull and versatile fishing capabilities. As finely-finished as any other Riviera craft, the 48 Offshore Express doubles as a family cruiser with well-appointed surrounds in a range of lavish and luxurious materials.
Fitted with a curved hood over the upper-cockpit, dedicated fishers can also add a tall tower tuna to their boat to create the ultimate crossover fishing vessel. Alternatively, head into the teak-lined, self-draining aft-cockpit and discover enough room for a fighting chair, an in-sole fish box, optional padded coamings, rod-holders, a transom lift-gate that leads to a hydraulic swim platform, a transom livewell with a viewing chamber and a bait-prep center with a freezer. A mezzanine sofa back here provides the perfect setting for hardy fisherfolk who want to grab a quick beer, while an open aspect to the rear of the salon allows for a singular, breezy atmosphere across the main-deck. In the salon there is a large L-shaped leather sofa that surrounds a fiberglass dining table, while to starboard you will discover wet-bar facilities including an outdoor grill and a twin love-seat. Helm controls and a pair of piloting seats have been placed to port and navigational gear includes a Volvo QL trim-tab system, bow thruster controls, power-assisted steering, Garmin electronics, VHF radio, a mounted compass and plenty of fish-finding extras as optional upgrades.
This yacht comes into its own on the lower-deck, offering the sort of live-aboard feel most fishing vessels lack. An Amtico sole is joined by warm American cherry surrounds, teak accents, deluxe leather furnishings, atmospheric mood lighting and breathable dimensions. Immediately on entering the lower salon you will discover a plush L-shaped dining sofa with a table to port, while an open galley kitchen to starboard impresses with solid work surfaces, a multi-zone hob, a steel sink, an oven, fridge-freezer units and hand-crafted cabinets. There is a snug bunk berth to aft for a couple of guests and a main head with an open shower fixture, while to the bow there is a lavish and spacious master stateroom with a queen-sized bed, a timber-lined closet, two skylights and an en-suite bathroom with a sink, medicine cabinets and an enclosed shower stall.
Powered by twin 660HP Cummins QSM engines as standard, you can expect a cruising speed of 24 knots and a full-throttle maximum speed of over 28 knots. Optional upgrades include a beefy pair of Caterpillar C12 turbo diesels with over 1,000 points of raw horsepower, or two MTU Series 60 motors for extra power and overall higher speeds. A rugged hull has been created by naval architect Frank Mulder and will stand up to the swells as you head to fish-rich feeding grounds.
