The Riviera 34 Open Flybridge Platinum, is a compromise. It is frequently called upon to perform many duties, be it an offshore fishing trip with the boys, an inshore cruise with the family or perhaps a romantic weekend away with a loved one.

The Platinum provides an extensive list of high quality features as standard equipment.

When you step onboard the Riviera 34, you're given the impression you're boarding a much larger vessel.

Fitted with twin 315hp Cummins B330 Diamon, shaftdrives. The six-cylinder Cummins matched the 34 nicely. The boat felt very comfortable cruising at 20kt doing around 2100 revs, and top speed of 28kt at 2800rpm.

The cockpit is spacious enough to provide a great entertaining area, or platform for several keen anglers. On both sides of the cockpit are moulded steps and grabrails which assist access to the side decks. Storage lockers are incorporated in the port, starboard and transom bulkheads. Cockpit coamings feature non-skid covering boards and stainless steel hawse pipes leading to recessed heavy-duty cleats.

The cockpit is fitted with a moulded sink and hot and cold handheld freshwater shower. Adjacent to the sink on the port side is a built-in freezer. The cockpit also features a seawater deckwash, shore power inlet with circuit breaker protection and ample lighting. The engine room is accessed from this area. A walk-through transom door opens inwards enabling access to a large swim platform.

Stepping through the starboard door to the saloon it is hard to believe you are on a 34-footer.

Directly to port as you enter the saloon is a large U-shaped dinette which converts to a double berth in seconds. The rest of the saloon is open and spacious. A lower helm station is located on the starboard side in the forward part of the saloon which enables the helmsman to join the social activities or find relief from inclement weather conditions on the flybridge. The lower helm station is fitted with full instrumentation, with Morse electronic controls, compass and hydraulic steering. Located at mezzanine level on the port side forward of the dinette is a compact and functional galley. The galley well equipped with a four burner stove and oven, graincoat benchtop and sink with single-lever hot and cold faucet, duel voltage single door refrigerator, storage cabinets, drawers, exhaust fan and overhead lighting.

Stepping down from the galley is a spacious head located on the starboard side. The head can be accessed via the saloon or master stateroom. The colour coordinated en suite is complete with glass-paneled shower stall, Vacuflush toilet and vanity basin. Towel rail, toilet roll holder and storage space complete the inventory.

The forward master stateroom has been magnificently appointed. A double island bed with innerspring mattress is the centrepiece of the room. A clever use of space in the stateroom provides ample stowage, shelving and a hanging wardrobe.

Access to the flybridge is from the cockpit via a stainless steel ladder with handrails and fibreglass foot treads. The flybridge is large and once again, an intelligent use of space means that the helmsman and friends can be seated in comfort. The flybridge sports a moulded console which incorporates the upper helm station and forward bench seating.

The upper helm station features full instrumentation, compass, 12-volt lighting and hydraulic steering. A large area within the dash with GPS, radar, autopilot etc. Also incorporated in the helm console is a storage locker with shelving.

Helm and companion swivel seats are located directly behind the helm console. These seats are fully adjustable and very comfortable. The helm and companion seats are at a good height and provide excellent vision from bow to stern. Enough space has been left between the helm seat and the rear safety rails which means the helmsman does not have to leave his seat in order for a mate to access the companion seat. This Riviera 34 is also fitted with a bimini top.

Access to the foredeck is a breeze with wide sidedecks and handrails along the length of the flybridge. A high bowrail ensures you feel safe whilst cleating off ropes on the foredeck. The foredeck sports a large windlass with self-loading stainless steel bow roller. The anchor locker can be accessed by twin hatches. A 35lb anchor, 50m of 8mm galvanised chain.

The 34 would be an ideal boat for socialising with friends or weekends away with the family.