BOAT TEST
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his story is not about a new boat. Or is it? Can it be a “new and improved” entry, or an “improved and new” offering? Well, it’s all of the above. The subject is the Belize 54 Daybridge by Riviera Yachts. This model has been out for a few years, with just over 30 hulls of this semi-custom yacht plying the oceans and rivers. It’s a proven model, based on the original Belize 54 Sedan hull design. Belize created the Daybridge by adding, you guessed it, a flybridge. This opened the opportunities for this length of yacht as the bridge offers enhanced cruising capabilities, additional social areas and a second helm in an open-air environment. Well, Belize just outdid themselves; the 54 Daybridge now comes with an optional hardtop, which really steps up its game. That may not sound like much, but it’s more than just tossing up a sheet of fiberglass over the top. It’s a significant change to the flybridge deck and overall usability that makes this a more valuable piece of real estate.
Maxing out
First and foremost, the 54 Daybridge is a study of how to maximize pleasure, comfort, sociability and space utilization in just 54 feet. Beginning in the cockpit, the high-gloss teak dining table folds in on each side, offering plenty of dining space when needed and folds out of the way when not. Guests have seating options such as the transom bench seat, extra chairs for the table or the two swing-out stools on the portside breakfast bar counter. To keep the cocktails cold, there’s a lower ice machine, as well as a fridge drawer across the cockpit. Belize has an interesting configuration for covering the aft deck. The flybridge deck extends about halfway, with a rigid-mounted framed awning extending all the way aft. It offers a unique style that protects from the elements, and the frame allows for lights to be fix-mounted for night use.
A whole new world
Climb up the starboard teak staircase and you can see how the hardtop truly enhances this model. With the standard soft Bimini top, Belize had to accommodate a beefy radar mast, 30
MAY 2022
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LAKELANDBOATING.COM
Belize 54 Daybridge
