The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

JANUARY 2009

Length overall  49' 7" Beam  15'  Draft  3' 11" Displ.27,600 lb Fuel 396 gals/ Water122 gals Generator13.5 kW output Base Price  $692,244

Riviera's new 4400 Sport Yacht is the Australian company's first model to be built using resin infusion and designed around Volvo IPS drives. The hull is strong and light, with the added reinforcement of a forward collision bulkhead. There's a galley-up saloon layout and a door that opens to the large cockpit. The saloon's sliding windows and sunroof add to the airy feel. The cockpit has its own wet bar with refrigerator and grill. Steps and rails lead to a well equipped foredeck sunpad, while a hydraulic platform at the stern provides access to the water or the dinghy. Belowdecks are two staterooms and two full heads, both large because of the space-saving IPS drives. The 4400SY has the twin helm/companion seats and businesslike helm of a serious cruiser, and the IPS drives' joystick control makes handling in tight quarters a piece of cake. Riviera Yachts of the Americas, Stuart, Fla.; 772-403-1060; www.rivierayachtsinc.com