“Voodoo” Riviera Yachts 4000 Offshore – Up to 16 people capacity. A great deep see luxury fishing vessel with a large entertainment space for guests .
The 4000 Offshore was a popular model offered in three versions: an enclosed cockpit, a hardtop and open with a radar arch. An enclosed model, our 2001 test boat had an appealing profile with flowing lines and soft curves. The Riviera also being a shaft driven boat offers lower maintenance costs compared to stern drive vessels. make it ideal for club use.
Starting at the transom, this Riviera sports a Tend’R Roller system mounted to the swim platform to handle the dinghy. Designed for fishing, the large cockpit has a teak sole that has been left natural for low maintenance. A canvas top extends from the hardtop, shading the cockpit so you can enjoy a drink or a snack in comfort. Space meant to handle fishing duties doubles nicely as storage and a cooler. Hatches in the deck open to reveal storage and a fish box. Amenities also include an AC/DC refrigerator/freezer and a sink with hot and cold water.
The upper cockpit powers up to reveal the engine room, where access to the Twin Volvo diesels, the enclosed 9kW Kohler generator and other systems is first rate. A hatch in the upper cockpit sole provides quick access for daily checks.
Serious railings with safety lines and wide decks provide security moving forward while underway. The foredeck also has plenty of space for relaxing in the sun, especially on the double sun pads. Forward there’s a massive anchor locker, windlass with pedals and a remote control. Twin anchor rollers allow for serious cruising anchors.
Two steps lead from the open cockpit to the enclosed upper cockpit. One of the really great features of the 4000 Offshore is its wide open space on deck. This is where you are really going to spend your time. You can be under the hardtop with the canvas on the back enjoying the air conditioning, then simply remove it if you want to spread out into the spacious cockpit. The L-shaped seating and facing settee provide ample room for guests, while the removable pedestal table opens up for dining. Under the seating there’s storage and an icemaker is located under the helm seat.
A centre companionway leads below to the salon, where the design, layout and finishes are clean “ almost minimalist resulting in a pleasant, easy-to-care-for interior.
To starboard is the modern functional galley with ample cabinet space, solid surface counter and moulded sink. Appliances include a Sharp microwave, Princess two-burner cooktop and a second AC/DC fridge/freezer. Under the counter there are several drawers and a large locker.
To starboard, the comfortable Ultraleather L-shaped sofa converts to a lower double bunk and an upper single. Shelving, lockers and drawers provide display space and storage. On the aft bulkhead there are the entertainment systems, climate controls and the electrical panels. The television has been upgraded to an LCD flat screen with TracVision satellite TV.
When you open the stateroom door and fold back the bulkhead, you can watch your favourite TV program while relaxing in the island queen berth. For extended cruising, there are clothing drawers under the berth and a hanging locker with auto lighting.
The head has private access from the state room and day access from the salon. Features include a shower stall and Vacu Flush head, along with a solid surfacemoulded sink and vanity.
Back up top, I checked out the helm. Featuring triple wipers, themassive windshield will shed water readily in open water. Underway, standing or sitting will be comfortable with great sightlines. The instruments are both comprehensive and ideally positioned.
A cruiser’s dream, the navigation suite consists of chart plotters, radar, Raymarine sonar/fishfinder, Raytheon speed/depth, Simrad auto pilot and Icom VHF. Getting underway, it was easy working my way out of the marina with the fingertip control of the digital shifters and throttles. The twin 435-hp Cats helped the 4000 cruise comfortably at 21 knots at 2200 rpm. If you want maximum range, knock the rpm to 1700 and increase the to range of 422 nautical miles.
The Riviera 4000 Offshore is a bit of a unique boat in North America as Riviera did not import a high volume of them here. If you do happen find one on the used market, like this 2001 model, it makes a great long-range cruiser for a couple with its comfortable stateroom, efficient diesels and great sea-keeping abilities. For a weekend, a second couple can utilize the convertible berth in the salon and, of course, it has plenty of space to handle a gang in the cockpit for short-term entertaining.
CRUISING SPEED (kts/rpm)
21 / 2200
TOP SPEED (kts/rpm)
30 / 2800
Make: Riviera Yachts
Model: 4000 Offshore
Category: Express
Length: 44ft 7in / 13.59 m
Beam: 14ft 8in / 4.47 m
Hull Type: Fiberglass
Engine Type: Inboard
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel Capacity: 1400 liters
Engine Model:Volvo
Engine Horsepower: 435
Engines: 2
