Australia?s most awarded luxury boat builder, Riviera, will unveil its innovative new 45 Flybridge Convertible at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2007. The Riviera 45 Flybridge Convertible brings many exciting innovations to Riviera?s flybridge range, especially a fully moulded external staircase featuring teak treads at the starboard forward quarter of the cockpit leading to the flybridge in place of a ladder. As well as providing easier access to the flybridge, this design also allowed designers to incorporate a hinge-up hopper window in the saloon aft bulkhead, opening the saloon up to the cockpit. Beneath the window is a large refrigerated cool box. Another exciting innovation is the development of a dedicated machinery room, housing many of the important systems on board. The machinery room improves access within the engine room by removing many of the ancillary systems to a space forward of the midships fuel tank. These include the water heater, air conditioning handlers and compressors, bilge pump, shower box and pump, battery chargers, inverter and fresh water system manifolds. Access to the machinery room is via the galley floor or a door in the port cabin insulated to minimise noise. The Riviera 45 Flybridge Convertible is a three cabin, two bathroom boat with the master stateroom forward, a bunk cabin to starboard and twin cabin (with infill) to port. The running surface and chines, designed in consultation with internationally renowned naval architect Frank Mulder, have been optimised for a soft and dry ride. Tunnels incorporated into the aft running surface provide reduced draft and propeller shaft angle for better performance while an underwater exhaust system helps to reduce fumes and engine noise. Engine room air vents in the hull are fully integrated into the hull for a clean look while reducing routine maintenance. Exterior styling has been enhanced with revised flybridge style lines, a new low-profile hardtop and portholes in the hull amidships. An angler-friendly cockpit includes a new non-skid dot pattern on the floor, innovative recessed toe-kicks, and an optional live bait well. Large removable storage bins (starboard and port) are under the cockpit floor. Wide, curved side deck steps are moulded into the coaming, maximising cockpit area. In the flybridge, an ergonomically designed slimline helm station provides extra space for the forward area which features seating for up to six adults on an L-shaped lounge to port, upholstered in white vinyl with moulded, self-draining storage lockers underneath and a second lounge on the starboard side. A table with drink holders stands on a high/low pedestal for conversion to a day bed. No aspect of design functionality or safety, from the trim tabs to the anchor safety strap, have been overlooked in the creation of this totally new vessel. Standard engines are two Caterpillar C9s rated at 575hp/423kW each.