Riviera 38 - 1990

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5teve

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Hi Guys

This may be very pointed at the few Aussie boaters we have on here, however.. I'm looking for info..

Possibly looking at a 38ft Riviera Bluewater at the weekend. Its a 1990 built boat - and is the later stepped hull (High bow, sloping down to a lower but level with water stern) I have a number of opinions from locals varying from great sea boat, to a "wet boat' , to a poofters boat (old boy - his words not mine - don't judge me :) )

Looks to be well maintained and is twin 300hp cummins 6BTA powered with ZF boxes (I think) Motor is covered in earlier thread (which I must respond to) 2000+ hours

Is there anything I should know about the hulls - or any gotchas that I need to be aware of? It looks well maintained and have spoken to the owner (friend of a friend who speaks very highly of the owner)

Also anyone know the 'actual' specs - it may be 38ft but is it? Marinas charge on LOA here - Beam? info seems varied - also approx weight? i'm thinking around 11t?

TIA

Steve
 
You will not get much info on Riviera's here. But what I can tell you is that 90s Riviera are renowned for being a strong build boat, nearly as strong as a Hatteras and Bertram of the same period.

For LoA I would also send an e-mail to Riviera themselves. Non the less nice boats.
 
Thanks PYB

I know my chances are slim.. but there are a few Aussies on here as I have found recently :)

Appreciate your info re build - I was of the same understanding - but not the case for the later 2000's models.. We had locally (AUS) build Bertrams also - and they were / are renowned for their ability - unfortunately that legend equates to $$ and they are far too much money for far too little care and maintenance now.

Steve
 
5teve said:
Thanks PYB

I know my chances are slim.. but there are a few Aussies on here as I have found recently :)

Appreciate your info re build - I was of the same understanding - but not the case for the later 2000's models.. We had locally (AUS) build Bertrams also - and they were / are renowned for their ability - unfortunately that legend equates to $$ and they are far too much money for far too little care and maintenance now.

Steve
Click to expand...

I agree with PYB Steve, check with factory directly, I've never found any Oz boat manufacturers difficult to deal with in regard to direct questions about a vessel, very obliging.

Riviera were still being made by Bill Barry-Cotter until 2002, so even if Riviera themselves couldn't/wouldn't answer the questions, try the guys at Maritimo.

like I've said before, get a thorough survey of the hull and all machinery before committing.

Happy boat hunting!
 
Thanks Andy

I hadnt thought of the suggestion from both of you about contacting the factory as I knew they had been in and out of admin... so didnt know what info would be available - but thinking about the amount of Riviera cruises etc we have seen in the last few years they have a strong following and history - thanks both i'll see what I can find - although I may run a laser measure over it at the weekend if we get there.

The owner is a mechanic so it seems to have been looked after, up to having a shaft replaced last year due to fatigue at the prop end?? not damage from hitting something.

A survey is a must so yes... i'll be doing that - not expensive for piece of mind - not a lot seems to be selling at the moment (nor coming on the market) so I guess it is a buyers market but limited to whats out there - Boat hunting isnt much fun with a limited budget and limited number of boats around that arent big steaming piles of overpriced dung :)

If I had 250-300k I'd be spoiled for choice!

Steve

EDIT:- Sorry Andy I hadnt noticed your edit on the other thread re fuel consumption etc.. so thanks for that
 
Last edited:
I'm from Australia and know of couple of these models at our marina. Unfortunately, I haven't spent any time on them but they do seem to get a fair bit of use and I haven't heard many bad reports about any of the Rivieras of that era. A good friend had a similar age Riviera 32 and it was certainly a solid boat that lasted well. I'd just check that the exhaust system was well designed and in good condition because I have heard of a few turbos being replaced thanks to salt water washing back up the exhaust. Other than that just the usual checks would be advisable.

Paul
 
Thanks Paul

I believe the exhaust systems have recently been rebuilt by the owner so will check them out carefully. I know there is a few around - and no bad things on the internet (other than newer Rivieras)

I contacted Riviera and received a response in a couple of hours - very impressed! They sent 2 brochures from the era - the older Riviera 38 and the newer Riviera 38 'convertible' which is what the one I am looking is.

Documents to read for those interested.
Brochure for the convertible https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4eq2xDa-q3JSGZRYzh3ekhMMnc
Specs for the earlier model https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4eq2xDa-q3JdW5MMjJUMXFsdW8

Looks like the later model had around 1.8t shaved off its weight too! I know its narrower than the previous one.. but the one I am looking at has a completely differently laid out bathroom to either of these and any others I have seen..

Steve
 
Everybody will have their own opinion on whatever boat you want to buy Steve, the bloke that called it a poofters boat would no doubt come from a commercial background, etc.
It's all a compromise, if the boat will do what you need it to do and you still have "something to sell" when it's all over investment wise, it's got to be a good start.
Call the different R Marine or bigger east coast dealerships to establish a realistic value of the proposed boat so you are prepared to talk business after the survey report comes back.
 
Thanks Andy

How did you guess he was commercial based :)

Yep been around boaties for the last 9 years so had it pumped into me that everything is a compromise. Also you can never have too many boats, you boat cannot be too big and you can never have too many sheds.. Excellent advice indeed.

Feedback from my boaty friends seems positive saying 90's era rivs are as good at the Bertram's, a good sea boat and handle the rough well too.. As long as we can afford to run it its a fun way of losing money :)

It's listed with a broker too. But as with everything it's only worth what someone will pay and he has already come down a fair way.

Hopefully going out on it on Monday so will report back.

Steve
 
Hi Guys

An update - Went to see the boat today - Lots of good and some bad too..

Pictures are here https://goo.gl/photos/NDweBvjRJHWwWQFB8 including the Cummins ID plate (I think) its 1990 built engines and they have a cast cooler not welded.

Good - Packed full of equipment - 6.5kva Onan genset - Aircon (heat and cool - dual zone), Xantrex 40A charge system - dual station - big boat compared to what we have been looking at - seems to have been maintained engine wise by the owner - who is a mechanic / fitter. Redone Exhaust System - (this could be bad too)

Bad - Needs a damn good clean, Cracks in deck - shown in photos including split in bathroom - not sure if this is normal type of 'wear'? - I'd be guessing repairable though. Few more cracks on the side deck. Worst on is right at the rear where a hatch is - looks like its cracked through - owner has put support under but not repaired - possibly needs cutting out and starting again - Lots of cosmetics such as oven, cupboard doors, Covers etc. No tender or BBQ included in the current price.

It has a single tank toward the rear - apparently 1200l - a lot of weight at the back. also holds 600l of water - and apparently 600l of black water - but i'm not convinced of this. Rear bilge compartment is very dirty too.. These Rivs normally came with multiple tanks (stainless I think) this one is fibreglass.

Access to engine is good - Engines hadnt been started (apparently) for 5 weeks - started nicely - puff of smoke then pretty clear - not much smoke under way - picks up well - travels well too - 2500 hours each. Some mis-matched gauges upstairs, one voltage gauge not working .. but seemed to be ok. Gearbox seems to have small couplings compared to others we have seen - but I guess are normal - and custom shaft seals.. I only got one of the rating / build plates pictures as the other wasnt easy accessible.

Exhausts have been rebuilt - but - Port side engine exhaust seems to hang too low on the elbow to the muffler - I would imagine water would pool there - not sure if this is an issue? Lots of rusty bolts on the engine too - but i'm sure nothing a lick of paint couldnt sort out :)

Everything seems to be bonded - but it looks like by a solid single wire - no sheath - not quite sure what its made from but looks like stainless wire.

Hull looks to have been patched internally under the tank - no idea why and the owner does not know why - he has had it for about 3.5 years.

Certainly got some potential with a fair bit of work - but running costs, repair costs etc will need to be thought about carefully compared to the 12 year newer single engined boat we are interested in that is a couple of foot smaller in each direction and far less maneuverable that a twin..

Any thoughts - or comments no matter good or bad are welcomed..

Steve
 
Hi Steve

Personally the fibreglass cracks would not worry me to much if (as they appear) they are just in the interior moldings, i.e. not cracks in the hull just in the corners of the shells that make up the inside. The bathroom one looks like it may reasonable access to it via the inspection hatch, maybe try to get a look in their with a mirror / video recording on phone / cheap USB inspection camera etc to see if where the interior molding joins the hull there is any separation or weakness that could have allowed movement causing the damage, the alternative it that they just didn't put enough laminate over the corners and x years of people standing in those areas have flexed them to the point of breaking. Biggest concern would be that these areas sit on stringers and the stringers have deformed but I think that is unlikely but worth a closer look underneath the damaged area if you can. How easy it is to repair depends on the access, given a choice I wouldn't be cutting it out but rather laying extra laminate from behind then gelcoat repair to the front once all solid, if you cut the area out you have a weakness where it is cut then have to get behind it to bond that back in but hard to know whats best without seeing the area. Can be repaired from the front but much better to build up layers behind it if access allows.

I have the same AC system (Cruisair) and I find it works well, however it can be a little noisy if the unit is located near the living area. If you have not already then just check it all works as the parts are not cheap. Check all the controls on the remote panel do things, that there is good flow of water etc, I can send you a manual if you want. Likewise the generator, did you get a chance to start that up, apply a heavy load and then off again back to idle to see how it sounds and how much the voltage and frequency fluctuate?

The engine has clearly had a few cans of spray paint put on it, from the photos it looks like most of the rusted bolts are the turbo, which makes sense as standard spray can paint will not withstand the temps, need some very high temp paint on that.

Is it possible that the patch under the tank is from an old mounting point if as you suggest the current tank may not be original to the hull? If not I guess thats an area that would be worth scraping the antifoul back on when she is out the water to see if there is any external repair to that area. Maybe even an old skin fitting?

From the few interior shots it certainly look spacious, did the layout of the bunks and difference in height in different area etc work for you, do you feel it would work for your planned trips?

Thats a lot of fuel and water, do other boats of this model have the same spec? What condition is the fuel in after the issues you found on the other boat?

Being dirty wouldn't worry me at all, especially if kept out on a mooring (which I think you said it was), may just help indicate he is over it and wants rid. The price already look pretty competitive.

Bonding is a maintenance job I wouldn't worry to much, just as long as noting is corroded at the moment then it can easily be tested with a multimeter and made good.

Not much knowledge about the exhaust or those specific engines so I'll let others comment on those.

Anthony
 
Anthony said:
Hi Steve

Personally the fibreglass cracks would not worry me to much if (as they appear) they are just in the interior moldings, i.e. not cracks in the hull just in the corners of the shells that make up the inside. The bathroom one looks like it may reasonable access to it via the inspection hatch, maybe try to get a look in their with a mirror / video recording on phone / cheap USB inspection camera etc to see if where the interior molding joins the hull there is any separation or weakness that could have allowed movement causing the damage, the alternative it that they just didn't put enough laminate over the corners and x years of people standing in those areas have flexed them to the point of breaking. Biggest concern would be that these areas sit on stringers and the stringers have deformed but I think that is unlikely but worth a closer look underneath the damaged area if you can. How easy it is to repair depends on the access, given a choice I wouldn't be cutting it out but rather laying extra laminate from behind then gelcoat repair to the front once all solid, if you cut the area out you have a weakness where it is cut then have to get behind it to bond that back in but hard to know whats best without seeing the area. Can be repaired from the front but much better to build up layers behind it if access allows.

I have the same AC system (Cruisair) and I find it works well, however it can be a little noisy if the unit is located near the living area. If you have not already then just check it all works as the parts are not cheap. Check all the controls on the remote panel do things, that there is good flow of water etc, I can send you a manual if you want. Likewise the generator, did you get a chance to start that up, apply a heavy load and then off again back to idle to see how it sounds and how much the voltage and frequency fluctuate?

The engine has clearly had a few cans of spray paint put on it, from the photos it looks like most of the rusted bolts are the turbo, which makes sense as standard spray can paint will not withstand the temps, need some very high temp paint on that.

Is it possible that the patch under the tank is from an old mounting point if as you suggest the current tank may not be original to the hull? If not I guess thats an area that would be worth scraping the antifoul back on when she is out the water to see if there is any external repair to that area. Maybe even an old skin fitting?

From the few interior shots it certainly look spacious, did the layout of the bunks and difference in height in different area etc work for you, do you feel it would work for your planned trips?

Thats a lot of fuel and water, do other boats of this model have the same spec? What condition is the fuel in after the issues you found on the other boat?

Being dirty wouldn't worry me at all, especially if kept out on a mooring (which I think you said it was), may just help indicate he is over it and wants rid. The price already look pretty competitive.

Bonding is a maintenance job I wouldn't worry to much, just as long as noting is corroded at the moment then it can easily be tested with a multimeter and made good.

Not much knowledge about the exhaust or those specific engines so I'll let others comment on those.

Anthony
Click to expand...

Thanks Anthony

Yep most of the cracks dont worry me much - most of it appears to be gelcoat cracks - but then the bathroom and rear deck ones are more severe. The bathroom as you suggest is not structural from initial looking, but the rear deck, although not structural, is a big crack about 2ft wide right through and is the lip that supports the rear hatch - the whole rear deck apparently lifts out once the ladder is out. so access should be easy to repair - but its time and money..

The AC system works - except the saloon fan doesnt - the owner told me - but is waiting for a buyer before repair - could be simple or expensive - who knows! The genset started up, apparently had a new motor about 4 years ago, was quiet and smooth but we didnt stress it - we were running out of time. Again something to be tested more in depth.

Yeah the engines were a bit strange - the starboard one looked older condition wise and the port one had reasonable paint around it. But yes certainly been hammered with the cans over time.

No issue with the layout other than more seating could be added - flybridge is big - seats about 10 easily - but side covers and seat covers need repair. Sleeping accommodation is good although the 1/4 berths are a bit of a wast of time. Bathrooom is well sized with a separate shower room - not quite sure how the shower sump works as there was water sloshing about under the wooden drainers.

Dirt isnt a concern just another job.. no idea on the fuel as the filter bowls were quite dark - but would check it out of course - fuel lines looked a bit ropey. Price is ok but it comes with very little extras wise - eg tender BBQ etc - so all need taking into account. Its been on the market for 18 months.

As standard they had 2x 541L tanks and 363l of water - so not outside the bounds of normal - there was an option for 2x 690L fuel tanks too. No details on black water though - but 600l sounds too much.

I'd be interested to hear on the exhausts too from the experts on here

AndieMac said:
Can any of you West Oz's recommend a good reputable surveyor for Steve to use?

See if the surveyor can also go for a water test as well.
Click to expand...

Hi Andy

I know of a shipwright and also have made contact with a few surveyors - with the Riv - if we decide to go down this route, i would want a good survey as the cracks (mainly at the transom end) worry me as its right the way through - its a drain area also so could have rotted - I'm sure a glass person could repair it back to original or stronger.. I'd like to find out more about the apparent repair - although it could be as mentioned a mounting point / skin fitting. Hard choice between a larger older boat or a younger smaller one.. or of course waiting longer :)

Steve
 
5teve said:
Hi Guys

An update - Went to see the boat today - Lots of good and some bad too..

Pictures are here Riviera 38 including the Cummins ID plate (I think) its 1990 built engines and they have a cast cooler not welded.

Good - Packed full of equipment - 6.5kva Onan genset - Aircon (heat and cool - dual zone), Xantrex 40A charge system - dual station - big boat compared to what we have been looking at - seems to have been maintained engine wise by the owner - who is a mechanic / fitter. Redone Exhaust System - (this could be bad too)

Bad - Needs a damn good clean, Cracks in deck - shown in photos including split in bathroom - not sure if this is normal type of 'wear'? - I'd be guessing repairable though. Few more cracks on the side deck. Worst on is right at the rear where a hatch is - looks like its cracked through - owner has put support under but not repaired - possibly needs cutting out and starting again - Lots of cosmetics such as oven, cupboard doors, Covers etc. No tender or BBQ included in the current price.

It has a single tank toward the rear - apparently 1200l - a lot of weight at the back. also holds 600l of water - and apparently 600l of black water - but i'm not convinced of this. Rear bilge compartment is very dirty too.. These Rivs normally came with multiple tanks (stainless I think) this one is fibreglass.

Access to engine is good - Engines hadnt been started (apparently) for 5 weeks - started nicely - puff of smoke then pretty clear - not much smoke under way - picks up well - travels well too - 2500 hours each. Some mis-matched gauges upstairs, one voltage gauge not working .. but seemed to be ok. Gearbox seems to have small couplings compared to others we have seen - but I guess are normal - and custom shaft seals.. I only got one of the rating / build plates pictures as the other wasnt easy accessible.

Exhausts have been rebuilt - but - Port side engine exhaust seems to hang too low on the elbow to the muffler - I would imagine water would pool there - not sure if this is an issue? Lots of rusty bolts on the engine too - but i'm sure nothing a lick of paint couldnt sort out :)

Everything seems to be bonded - but it looks like by a solid single wire - no sheath - not quite sure what its made from but looks like stainless wire.

Hull looks to have been patched internally under the tank - no idea why and the owner does not know why - he has had it for about 3.5 years.

Certainly got some potential with a fair bit of work - but running costs, repair costs etc will need to be thought about carefully compared to the 12 year newer single engined boat we are interested in that is a couple of foot smaller in each direction and far less maneuverable that a twin..

Any thoughts - or comments no matter good or bad are welcomed..

Steve
Click to expand...
Hi Steve I’m the current owner of this boat now, would love to get your number and have a chat. Thanks
 
Hey Steve I was trying to figure out how to pm you on here I only joined yesterday after I read this, any tips or could you pm me 🤣. Thanks
 
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