Revolutionary IPS technology has been announced as a new option for the popular Riviera 41 Flybridge, with its superior handling, improved engine access and fuel efficiency.

The Volvo Penta IPS, Inboard Performance System, offers fast acceleration, quiet running and significantly reduced fuel consumption.

The Riviera 41 Flybridge with twin IPS600 has a main amidships fuel tank capacity of 1800 litres with an additional 300 litre tank underneath the bunk in the aft cabin. Although about 400 litres less than the shaft drive 41, fitted with an optional Long Range Tank, the range is nearly the same and the maximum speed is higher with the IPS system.

The 41 IPS has a cruising range of 340 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 28 knots. Maximum speed for the boat at a half load condition of 16.5 tonnes is 32 knots.

The new 41 Flybridge IPS model will feature a new cockpit floor with electronic lift system enabling quick and easy access to the engine room and drive pods.

Riviera’s New product development (NPD) design manager Alan Dowd said the Volvo IPS system had proved popular with Riviera owners in the 4400 Sport Yacht, 43 Offshore Express and very recently in the 5800 Sport Yacht.

The IPS technology gives better fuel consumption and easy manoeuvrability courtesy of the joystick function. The IPS drive units are mounted aft under the hull, and feature counter rotating forward facing propellers that pull rather than push the boat through the water, which results in an extraordinarily tight turning circle. The system’s joystick control provides outstanding handling in close quarters.

“The 41 Flybridge is a very popular size model, with over 50 boats already built and sold internationally since the model’s release,” said Alan.

The option of IPS in the Riviera 41 will no doubt be very attractive to many, especially those boat owners looking to move up in size from a Sport Cruiser to a Flybridge boat or people looking for a good mid-sized boat to start their boating lifestyle.

Concept design manager at Riviera, Neil McCabe said there would be a day access hatch into the engine room and the option of a fish bin in the cockpit floor.

Neil said the amidships fuel tank provided multiple benefits, it kept weight central in the vessel and provided sound insulation between the accommodation area and the engine room.

The forward cabin includes a queen size island berth and port side ensuite. To starboard is the second/day head, while the new aft cabin is fitted with high quality timber cabinetry with storage drawers and a hanging locker.

“We have brought the engines back into the lazarette area which gives the boat larger accommodation creating a new full beam aft cabin comprising a double and two single berths,” he said.

The introduction of large fixed port and starboard windows to the aft cabin provides greater visibility, while two opening portholes offer cross ventilation.

“Increased head room and luxurious Cherry gloss and timber accents with down lights combine in the 41 to create a contemporary, relaxed ambience,” said Neil.

The Riviera 41 Flybridge also includes a wrap-around tinted windscreen, low profile hard top, solid surface bench tops, Amtico timber look flooring in the bathrooms and a huge storage space under galley