Description

SHEER ELEGANCE

If the legendary wooden boats of our past had kept evolving, how might they look today? Belize could well offer some insights.

We sense they may have stayed with a lower profile than many of today’s offerings. Not just for beauty’s sake, but because the more tall and top-heavy a boat, the more ungainly and susceptible to windage.

The trick is to have a sweet sheerline and profile without it stealing room below decks. On the Belize, the sheer remains fairly flat until gently rising toward the bow.

But in this case, even good looks can be deceiving; the Belize actually delivers greater space— in the sizing of beds, heads, showers, in fact all living areas— than similar-sized production counterparts.

It’s a testimony to very experienced thinking, artful computer-aided design and stronger, less bulky miracle materials. But there are more differences: Unusually for a motoryacht today, the Belize sheer is really the top edge of a substantial and shippy bulwark— instead of a token toerail— for more secure side access and drier passagemaking.

This bulwark is in turn capped with a shaped teak rail (left natural, but available with four coats of gloss, if desired).

Set atop the caprail is a beautifully electro-polished array of stainless stanchions (32mm rather than 25mm) carrying two horizontal rails that wrap right around the boat, to almost halfway along the cockpit.

The top rail isn’t the usual 25 or 30mm pipe, but a 60mm X 40mm elliptical shape that, as the hand falls upon it, feels as substantial as the reassuring traditional teak handrail of days gone by — without the vulnerability and maintenance.

External Features

IN ITS ELEMENTS

Time spent on a luxury machine such as the Belize 54 is as much an outdoors experience — maybe more so — than it is an indoor one.

A lot of attention has been devoted to making the most of that experience.

A huge sunpad sprawls along the centreline of the forward deck, drink holders and music controls right alongside.

Going aft, the swim platform’s centre section raises and lowers hydraulically (its teak decking standard, by the way).

This grants easy access to the transom’s electric ‘garage’ door and space for a three-metre tender and outboard that can be easily loaded by the built-in electric winch.

Above the garage, there’s another hatch that lifts to reveal the electric BBQ and sink, with helpful LED lighting in the raised hood overhead.

Backed up to that, in the cockpit is a rear lounge with good storage under, and a folding, multi-use hi-lo table.

More storage again (you can’t have too much) is provided by the wet bar with fridge and icemaker console and its adjacent mezzanine seat (replaced with the stair ladder on the 54 Flybridge).

To the port side, an unusual, and most welcome feature: a cosy corner breakfast bar with folding stools. By sunset, of course, it serves nicely as an ideal spot for drinking in the view.

HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY

The sense of any classical or retro references quickly disappear when we examine the technical side of the 54.

There’s nothing at all nostalgic or backward-glancing about resin-infused composite construction, double vinyl ester outer skin, or watertight, stepped collision bulkhead and independent foam-filled hull compartments. Or a deck both screwed and glued to the hull, with the final seam girded by a full-perimeter 60mm 316 stainless steel rub rail.

About the only backward-looking aspect in the engineering department is the twin aft-facing Cummins Zeus 3000 bronze pod drives, with through-hub underwater exhausts and very advanced lightweight, immensely strong carbon fibre drive shafts to reduce weight and horsepower loss.

Delivering all the 600 horsepower available are twin, highly-evolved Cummins QSC, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesels.

Mated to the highly-refined hull, you can look forward to a top speed of around 30 knots, a 25 knots cruise and a comfortable range, at 22 knots, of 400 nm, still leaving a safety margin of 10% reserve fuel.

Boating’s learned a lot in the many decades since the golden age of wood.

Like anti-vibration engine mountings on two-pack, white epoxy-coated I-beams.

And double layers of acoustic and thermal lagging that swathe the engine room — even on the ceiling — all faced with white perforated aluminium insulation panels.

No doubt the old world of analogue needle gauges would find it hard to believe a vessel entirely wired and monitored using BEP CZone digital switching, networked to an 8-inch touchscreen.

Or battery banks providing backups for the backups: four Mastervolt 24v sealed GEL batteries for engines alone, four more for domestic service, and even a dedicated 120AH GEL just for generator starting. As well as two battery chargers; plus an inverter to power the Bose sound system, some three LCD TV’s, and icemaker.

Would the old craftsmen think it overkill to install some four electric bilge pumps, have each ball valve in polished stainless, fit anti-siphon loops, Head Hunter odourless sanitary hoses and double hose clamps on every underwater fitting?

They wouldn’t. Nor do we.

But they might well shake their heads in wonder at the joystick controls for close quarters manoeuvring. To say nothing of Raymarine GPS connected to the Cummins autopilot/skyhook touch pad.

And old heads would certainly shake even more at the very posh, silent, fresh-water-flush Techma toilets, replete with high gloss teak seats and lids.

FEW AND FAR BETWEEN

As attractive as all these Belize benefits might be, desirability is no substitute for availability. The reality is, there will be a very finite number of Belize Motoryachts built each year.

Another upside is that it means you are not going to see another Belize in every anchorage or marina you drop into. You will own and command something quite different and unique.

So attaining your ideal might involve a waiting list as much as it might a wish list.

The Belize 54 Daybridge. All you could want, with something extra on top.

Having sung the praises of the completeness of the one-level Belize Sedan, it may seem almost contradictory to introduce a Daybridge sister.

But experience again informs the Belize designers of a demand that’s just as enthusiastic for this kind of variant.

Flybridge lovers aren’t necessarily an age group. Nor a psych-socio-graphic, they simply have different needs.

They may be more traditional boaters keen to embrace the outdoors and the weather in all its moods. They will relish the wind-in-the-hair and sun-on-the-face experience that a Flybridge affords.

They could just as easily be parents, or grandparents, who welcome an extension to the main entertaining area, or a separate fun space for children.

And those living in higher latitudes, where every warm moment of a very short season is seized upon, will find it an ideal way to make the most of it.

Both boats’ main decks are identical as far as saloon, galley and accommodation areas.

On the Daybridge, though, an elegantly curving deep-tread staircase leads up from the cockpit.

Every bit as sociable as the main saloon, the Daybridge area has a large L-shaped lounge and hi-lo table that can drop to create a second sun pad. Opposite is a wet bar with sink and fridge. And a second station acts as a day helm and offers the essential navigation aids.

Obviously a bimini can be added, but full clears are probably unnecessary. When weather becomes too hot, or cold, the Daybridge cover can be snapped on, the stair-ladder hatch closed and a retreat made to the cosy protection of the lower saloon and main helm.

Internal Features

A MORE GRACIOUS TIME AND PLACE

As the cradle of our civilisation, Europe still— quite deservedly— influences our design sensibility. Even so, we tend to take it with a grain of salt.

We try to cherry-pick and adapt ideas to suit different cruising distances, light levels and lifestyles, in many locations.

The Belize designers have struck a keen-eyed balance between European panache and Australian practicality.

Throughout any Belize yacht, fabric panel walls, leather, weatherproof leatherette and passages of woodgrain are used in a contemporary palette to create a warm and inviting ambiance, and to contribute to excellent acoustics.

Two pack polyurethane finishes accent and protect key surfaces in the galley, on door panels and other key joinery interludes.

High lustre is not, by any means, the answer to every décor decision; a number of Belize interior surfaces are quite muted. Satin varnish, for instance, is evident throughout the saloon, galley, helm, companionway and forward cabin threshold.

Galley bench tops offer a choice of natural solid surface materials.

The Miele name badges the induction cooktop, combination oven, and microwave.

The AC/DC Vitrifrigo system provides two capacious chiller drawers and a separate freezer drawer.

The dual bowl sink is served by award-winning German Grohe tapware.

Right across from the galley, on the starboard side is the true heart of the saloon; a large L-shaped seating area that does double duty as lounge and dinette. (Or triple duty, with its clever purpose-built storage for crockery, glassware and charts tucked under.)

The saloon’s opening side windows allow for natural ventilation, but when the temperature calls for it, you can waft a good 24,000 BTU’s of air conditioning through saloon, galley and helm areas.

Speaking of which: let’s take a closer look at the helm station.

Certainly no stock-standard ‘dash’; this seems like something from a Geneva Motor Show prototype— almost more automotive than maritime.

Centre stage is a joystick control, two 15-inch Raymarine multifunction glass screens flanked by a pair of Smartcraft digital tachometers, Wema fuel and water gauges, a chain counter for precision anchoring, electronic engine controls, automatic trim tabs (with manual override), electric steering with adjustable wheel, standard auto-pilot, and cockpit video cameras keeping you in the picture on boat extremities.

All this can be controlled from the Treben Italian electric leather helm seat, with a matching passenger seat that has a fore-and-aft chaise lounge lying alongside.

SUBSTANCE, STYLE AND PRACTICALITY ARE THE HALLMARKS OF A RIVIERA

Of course, style goes beyond looks in that it is functional as well as fashionable – the practicality of the high quality vinyl flooring is an example here. And style has a feel to it: the solid feeling you get when you step aboard, the diameter of the hand rails, the moulding of the transom locker, the extensive use of gas struts on hatches that makes for easier, safer operation.

Again and again you will find yourself saying, “That’s clever… that’s thoughtful… that’s well finished.” That’s why you will find yourself saying, “I want a Riviera Sport Yacht.”

The sense of light and space aboard the 3600SY is extraordinary (in fact the 3600SY is over 38 feet in overall length). The panoramic windows, uncluttered layout and the use of lighter timbers and innovative materials all contribute to an interior that’s just perfect for relaxed, fun-filled days and laid-back indulgent nights. All your creature comforts are catered for including a quality onboard entertainment system featuring a CD/ DVD player and a flat screen LCD television.

The feeling of being in control as you sit at the helm is magnificent. For a start, you have such clear, sweeping views – and the moulded dash, reminiscent of a luxury European car, displays all instruments and controls in the most ergonomic fashion. Even someone new to boating will find this a remarkably easy vessel to handle.

Accommodation consists of a master stateroom with a large island bed, generous headroom, cupboard and hanging space. The full beam guest cabin with a double and single bed is extremely well appointed and luxuriously comfortable.

Even the bathroom echoes the same interior style and finesse with its solid surface vanity top, sink, quality fittings and a shower stall with glass partition.

If ever there was a craft that epitomises Riviera’s pursuit of quality and represents our sheer creativity, this is it. If you are looking for an entirely new boating experience, we welcome you aboard the 3600 Sport Yacht.

BELOW DECKS, ABOVE STANDARD

But it is full-sized beds and roomy staterooms that fill the Belize down below. Rarely seen on a motoryacht of this style and size, the master stateroom extends the full beam of the boat.

Its large queen-size mattress a very cosseting eight inches thick, with storage under its baseboard.

Rising at your command is a 24-inch TV/DVD.

Either side of this cabin space are twin cedar-lined hanging and drawer spaces and, on each side, opening port lights for cross ventilation, backed up by 16,000 BTU’s of air conditioning— split with the ensuite head. In there, teak floors are satin varnished, with non-slip finish in the large frameless glass shower stall, with elegant Grohe fittings again providing the tapware and shower fittings.

The same high specification is shared by the VIP ensuite/dayhead forward: including semi-recessed porcelain sink, opening portlight and insect screen, round deck hatch overhead, plus cedar-lined timber storage lockers.

Every bit as opulent as the master, the VIP stateroom itself occupies the entire forward V-section: carpet to your choice, portlights to port and starboard, round hatch overhead, makeup drawer with folding seat and mirror, its own 24-inch TV/DVD and dedicated 12,000 BTU air conditioning.

The third, guest suite, is slightly less grand but no less highly specified.

Here there are twin upper and lower berths, hanging locker, bedside table and drawers, its own 4,000 BTU air conditioning and the benefit of an opening portlight, circular deck hatch above and plush carpeting below, fleecy between your toes.

This cabin is a great example of the Belize belief in “no second-class accommodation”.

Specifications

Length Overall (inc. swim platform & bow roller)
:
54′ 01″ / 16.50 meters
Beam (inc. gunwale)
:
16′ 06″ / 5.03 meters
Maximum Draft (inc. props)
:
3′ 6″ / 1.07 meters
Dry Weight (approx., depends on engines & options)
:
23,250 kg / 51,257 lbs
Fuel Capacity
:
634 US gal / 2400 liters
Water Capacity
:
700 US gal / 184 liters
Holding Tank Capacity
:
100 US gal / 380 liters
Sleeping Capacity
:
6 adults
Cabins
:
3
Bathrooms
:
2
Standard Engine x 2 – Cummins Zeus QSC 600 Pod Drive
:
442 Kw / 600 hp
Standard Engine x 2 – Volvo IPS 950
:
533 kW / 725 hp
Range
:
304 nm @ 21.1 knots
Generator Brand
:
Onan EQD
Generator Output
:
17.5 kva 60 Hz

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