43 Convertible

Introduced to the American market in 1997, the Riviera 43 quickly become one of the company’s most popular models thanks to her handsome, Bertram-like styling, solid construction, and a low price made possible by the favorable exchange rates of the 1990s. Built on a beamy, solid fiberglass hull with a forward collision bulkhead and a shallow keel for directional stability, the Riviera 43’s standard two-stateroom interior layout features two full heads (with stall showers) and twin beds in the guest stateroom. A huge storage bin is under the island berth in the master stateroom, and an L-shaped dinette is forward in the salon. An entertainment center is above the dinette, and solid teak cabinets and vinyl overheads highlight the interior. The Riviera’s roomy cockpit came with a freezer, storage cabinets, and sink as well as direct access to a spacious, well-arranged engine room. Topside, the flybridge is large for a 43-footer with an L-shaped lounge forward and a removable table. Among several diesel engine options, 420hp Cats (or 430hp Cummins) will cruise in the low 20s (26–28 knots top), and 610hp Volvos cruise in the mid 20s and reach a top speed of around 30 knots.