The helm deck is built around the centered helm station with a teak helm pod and tilt-steering, with the IPS binnacle and joystick located to the right of the wheel. Electronics are at arm's reach on a molded dash, and switches and circuit breakers are protected from the weather in molded compartments. There are also digital LCDs for monitoring AC/DC power, as well as fuel and water tank levels. A Pompanette helm chair and companion chair offer good visibility and comfort on long runs. Making for a very social and comfortable place to sit and ride, an L-shaped lounge with a molded self-draining storage locker underneath is behind the helm to port. Along the starboard side is a counter with a molded, insulated drink box, along with a wet bar, sink, undercounter refrigerator and trash bin, and ample counter space. There is a large engine-room access hatch in the helm deck companionway aft for daily inspections, and the whole cockpit sole lifts with electric rams for easy major service of the engines and drives.
The cockpit is loaded with all the gear necessary for most fishing adventures. A mezzanine seat with storage beneath it and a molded freezer in the footrest offers a great place to watch baits. On the starboard side is a sink with lid and limited tackle storage below. On the transom, there are two large in-deck fish boxes/storage lockers with pump-outs, and a livewell with a window. A transom gate and door lie to starboard of the livewell. Freshwater and saltwater washdowns and a pullout shower head with hot and cold water round out the cockpit area.
Our test boat had a molded fiberglass hardtop with a glass windshield and a molded composite frame. The boat comes standard with no top configuration, so you can choose between a soft top with radar arch, a hardtop or an optional tower.
If you like express designs and layouts, Riviera's new 43IPS Offshore Express is certainly worth a look. It has all the prerequisite elements combined with the added bonus of the IPS system.
Riviera 43IPS Offshore EX
LENGTH......45'3"
BEAM......15'5"
DRAFT......3'11"
DRY WEIGHT......27,600 lbs., approx.
FUEL......396 gals
WATER......122 gals
BRIDGE CLEARANCE......11'2"
PRICE......$658,787 - With twin 435 hp Volvo IPS 600 D6 diesels
Riviera Yachts 561-799-9590 www.hmyyachtsales.com
