7 minute read
Improving to the point of new. by Capt. Tom Serio
this 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,
Belize 54 Daybridge
Improving to the point of new.
BY CAPT. TOM SERIO
which was mounted on the aft centerline of the flybridge, taking away usable space.
With the new hardtop, the radar mast is mounted on top, not taking up valuable real estate, thus allowing for a grander layout on the flybridge deck. Benefits also include a larger port L-settee with split wood table, two Stidd helm seats and more moveable space. There’s a wetbar station to starboard, with a recessed self-draining chill/storage box, sink, wood accent top and fridge drawer. A nice touch is the grabrail that rings the unit.
Well designed and proportionately sized to the rest of the yacht, the hardtop has great features, including satin-finished teak ceiling panels offering a classic look, recessed lighting and an electric hatch for airflow. Extend the cruising season by enclosing the bridge with side curtains.
Of note are the stanchions that support the hardtop. Polished stainless posts forward and multiple side posts keep the hardtop secure and rattle free. Belize doesn’t just bolt them onto a flat surface, it form-fits the post ends to conform with the hardtop shape, allowing for multiple contact/ bolting points. Take a close look and it really is a thing of beauty. It also exemplifies the level of detail Belize puts into its yachts.
Details, details
That level of detail is also found in the main deck salon, as well as throughout every corner of the 54 Daybridge. Looking around, the quarter sawn walnut cabinetry, teak flooring and trim accents are only enhanced by the leather helm seats, direct and recessed lighting, a 12mm-thick three-pane windshield, an oversized aft door with split window setup and 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom. With the galley aft to port, those inside and out can be fed with the chef staying in the mix. An undercounter Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, Miele convection microwave oven, three fridge/freezer drawers and Miele three-burner cooktop allow prep for a party or fine dining for the cruising couple. Within the storage drawers are dedicated spots for the cups and dishware. Overhead port and starboard cabinets are deep but do not extend too far out where they could be a hazard.
The starboard L-settee is plush and can be used as a gathering point, as a lounge for the pop-up TV or for dining, thanks to the large, walnut fold-out coffee table. It really doubles as an island as it has three storage drawers below.
Both upper and lower helm stations have the same size dashboard with navigation equipment
and larger Garmin screens now standard. Sporting a Selto electric diamond-stitched captain seat with an optional joystick built into the left armrest, commanding the 54 Daybridge is easy and comfortable from below. The split helm has the steering and Volvo RPM analog/digital gauges on an Ultraleather-wrapped center pod, with consoles to the left and right housing the electronics. Each side has a 16-inch Garmin multifunction display, backlit buttons in the contoured dash, AC vents, Volvo Penta electronic throttles and more. Next to the helm seat is a double-wide leather companion bench seat, perfect for the extra set of eyes for the road or the charts. Another seat is under the windshield.
3 x 2
Below, the Belize 54 Daybridge boasts three staterooms and two heads, without compromising on form or function. Forward is the VIP suite, with centerline queen berth, side windows, overhead hatch, twin cedar-lined hanging lockers and a vanity with fold-out seat. There’s a second guest room, with over/under twin bunks, drawers and a locker. Both rooms share a common head, with an AXA basin sink, Tecma toilet and roomy glass shower stall with seat.
Midship is the owner’s cabin, with an off-center oversized queen berth to accommodate the starboard side ensuite head. A large basin sink and oversized shower stall with teak and holly deck and seat really display Belize’s attention to detail. A lounge seat is to port, as is the vanity.
Power up
Powered by twin Volvo Penta D11 950 engines rated at 725-hp each connect to IPS pods via jackshafts. This almost 50,000-pound (dry, plus full fuel and water for our test) yacht really has some go power. At 1800 RPM, we hit 19 knots, burning 27 gph with a range of 366 nm. Pull back to 1000 RPM and see 9.3 knots but a range of 776 nm at 8.5 gph. When needed, pin the throttles for a robust ride at 33 knots, 75 gph. Be assured that the speed is there when needed, as is the handling. It’s nice to see that the Belize-furnished sea trial specs matched my numbers almost exactly.
Built by Riviera Yachts, it has been shown how Belize can bring together craftsmanship and innovation into a manageable footprint that can handle bluewater cruising. Thanks to a few changes, the Belize 54 Daybridge with hardtop really does offer something new as well as improved. It’s a boater’s boat! ★
Belize 54 Daybridge
SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 54’2” Beam: 16’6” Draft: 4’5” Dry Weight: 48,281 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 792 gals. Water Capacity: 185 gals. Power (as tested): 2 x Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 725-hp MSRP: Contact dealer
BELIZEMOTORYACHTS.COM
DEALERS Bay Marine
BAYMARINE.NET Lake Michigan Yacht Sales
LAKEMICHIGANYACHTSALES.COM Onekama Marine
ONEKAMAMARINE.COM
Too many features to count, like the foredeck sunpad lounge and full 12” wide walkaround decks. Tender garage for 9’ dinghy. Grill station at transom with hot/cold water and lighting. CZone digital ship monitoring system. Onan 17.5 KVA generator.
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