Choosing between the Riviera 585 SUV vs. 505 SUV is less about deciding which yacht is objectively better and more about determining which one best matches the way you plan to spend your time on the water. Both models belong to Riviera’s SUV Collection, which blends the open cockpit and outdoor versatility of a sportfishing-inspired yacht with the comfort, protection, and single-level living associated with a luxury motor yacht. The 505 SUV offers impressive accommodations and cruising capability in a manageable package, while the larger 585 SUV gives owners more living space, capacity, and flexibility for extended adventures.
For buyers considering either yacht, the differences become clearer when you look beyond overall length. Guest capacity, outdoor entertaining space, fuel capacity, accommodations, handling, and intended cruising style can all affect which model makes more sense. Here is how the Riviera 585 SUV and Riviera 505 SUV compare.
Understanding Riviera’s SUV Concept
Riviera developed its SUV lineup for owners who do not want to choose between entertaining and adventure. These yachts are designed to transition naturally from comfortable cruising to fishing, swimming, diving, paddleboarding, and entertaining at anchor.
Both the 505 SUV and 585 SUV follow this philosophy with protected alfresco areas, spacious cockpits, aft galleys, comfortable saloons, and Volvo Penta IPS propulsion. Their layouts allow guests to move easily between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them particularly appealing for destinations such as Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
The biggest difference is scale. The 505 SUV provides many of the SUV Collection’s core features without moving into a significantly larger yacht, while the 585 SUV expands virtually every aspect of the experience.
Riviera 585 SUV vs. 505 SUV Specifications
The specifications provide an immediate sense of how differently these yachts occupy the water.
According to Riviera, the 505 SUV measures 55 feet 10 inches overall, including its swim platform and bow sprit. It has a 16-foot-3-inch beam, an approximate dry weight of 54,013 pounds, and a maximum draft of approximately 4 feet 6 inches. Fuel capacity is 872 gallons, and freshwater capacity is 164 gallons. Riviera lists sleeping capacity for six people.
The Riviera 585 SUV is substantially larger. It measures 65 feet overall, with an 18-foot-7-inch beam and an approximate dry weight of 70,107 pounds. Maximum draft is approximately 5 feet 5 inches depending on equipment, while fuel capacity increases to 1,189 gallons and freshwater capacity reaches 211 gallons. Riviera lists sleeping accommodations for seven people plus one crew member.
At a glance:
- Riviera 505 SUV: 55 feet 10 inches overall
- Riviera 585 SUV: 65 feet overall
- 505 SUV beam: 16 feet 3 inches
- 585 SUV beam: 18 feet 7 inches
- 505 SUV fuel capacity: 872 gallons
- 585 SUV fuel capacity: 1,189 gallons
- 505 SUV sleeping capacity: Six
- 585 SUV sleeping capacity: Seven, plus provision for one crew member
Those numbers translate into noticeably different ownership experiences.
The Riviera 505 SUV: Versatility Without Excess Size
The Riviera 505 SUV is an appealing choice for owners who want serious cruising capability while keeping the yacht relatively manageable. Its size provides generous accommodations, but it remains compact enough to suit owners who prefer operating their own yacht and regularly visiting marinas where larger slips may be more limited.
A major attraction is the balance between indoor comfort and outdoor usability. The yacht incorporates a protected alfresco area between the cockpit and saloon, creating a natural gathering place for meals, drinks, or relaxing while remaining connected to the water.
Riviera lists the cockpit at approximately 70 square feet and the alfresco deck at approximately 64 square feet. Together, these areas create more than 133 square feet of outdoor living and activity space.
That makes the 505 particularly well-suited for owners who envision:
- Weekend trips with family
- Bahamas cruising
- Fishing and diving excursions
- Entertaining several couples
- Owner-operated cruising
- Regular marina stays
- A combination of day boating and overnight travel
For many buyers, the 505 represents a sweet spot. It is large enough to feel like a genuine luxury cruising yacht without automatically requiring the logistical considerations that come with moving into a yacht approaching 65 feet overall.
Comfortable Accommodations for Family and Guests
Below deck, the Riviera 505 SUV provides accommodations designed for six. One of its standout features is the full-beam master suite, which includes a walk-around queen island bed, ensuite bathroom, hull windows, storage, and a walk-in wardrobe.
Additional guest accommodations allow families or groups of friends to spend several nights aboard comfortably. SYS Yacht Sales currently describes the 505 SUV as a three-stateroom yacht with two heads, reinforcing its suitability for family cruising and entertaining guests.
For couples who usually cruise alone but occasionally bring children, grandchildren, or friends, this layout offers considerable flexibility without creating unused space during most trips.
The Riviera 585 SUV: More Room for Bigger Adventures
The Riviera 585 SUV takes the same fundamental SUV formula and stretches it into a yacht designed for larger groups and potentially longer voyages. Its 65-foot overall length and wider beam create significantly more room throughout the yacht.
The difference will be most apparent to owners who spend extended periods aboard. Wider passageways, larger gathering areas, increased storage, greater tankage, and more flexible accommodations can become increasingly important as a weekend cruise turns into several weeks away from home.
Riviera describes the 585 as an especially spacious member of its SUV Collection and gives owners the ability to configure an additional area as either a utility room or crew cabin. When selected as a crew cabin, the space includes an adult-sized berth with access to a private adjacent day head.
That additional flexibility helps move the 585 into another category of cruising. Owners can remain hands-on operators while having the option to accommodate crew or use the extra space for laundry, equipment, supplies, and storage.
Outdoor Living Is a Major 585 Advantage
Both yachts excel outdoors, but buyers who prioritize cockpit space may lean toward the 585.
Riviera lists the 585 SUV’s cockpit at approximately 91.5 square feet. Its fixed swim platform adds about 60 square feet, while an optional hydraulic swim platform increases the platform area to roughly 82 square feet. The yacht also includes an approximately 73-square-foot alfresco deck.
That extra room can make a major difference when several people are preparing fishing equipment, entering the water, launching paddleboards, handling dive gear, or simply moving around the cockpit.
The 585’s sporting cockpit also includes storage designed around active use. Riviera highlights insulated storage, cockpit lockers, twin transom doors, and a self-draining deck. A barbecue center with a grill, refrigerator, and sink further enhances outdoor entertaining.
For owners imagining afternoon swimming followed by cocktails and dinner outdoors, the 585 offers the space to make that lifestyle especially comfortable.
Power and Handling
Both models use Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, giving owners joystick-assisted maneuverability and integrated helm technology.
The Riviera 505 SUV is powered by twin Volvo Penta D11 IPS 950 engines rated at 725 horsepower each. Riviera also equips the yacht with joystick control at the forward helm and cockpit, making close-quarters maneuvering more approachable for owner-operators.
The larger 585 requires considerably more power. Riviera currently offers twin Volvo Penta D13 IPS 1200 engines producing 900 horsepower each or optional IPS 1350 engines producing 1,000 horsepower each.
Both yachts therefore benefit from modern pod-drive maneuverability, but the 505’s smaller dimensions may still appeal to owners who frequently handle the boat themselves. The 585 adds more capability and volume, but owners must also consider the realities of docking, marina accommodations, maintenance, and operating a substantially larger yacht.
Which Yacht Is Better for Owner-Operators?
For many prospective buyers, this may be the deciding question.
The 505 SUV is likely to appeal strongly to experienced couples who want to operate their yacht without regular professional crew. Its dimensions provide considerable space while remaining closer to the traditional owner-operated cruising category.
Joystick controls and Volvo Penta’s integrated systems can help simplify docking and low-speed maneuvering. The single-level layout also makes onboard movement and communication easier while underway.
The 585 can certainly be operated by experienced owners, and its IPS system assists with handling. However, its larger dimensions may encourage some owners to bring additional help aboard, especially for more complicated trips or frequent entertaining. Riviera’s ability to configure a dedicated crew berth gives buyers that option without fundamentally changing the yacht’s layout.
Which Is Better for Extended Cruising?
Owners planning longer cruising seasons should look closely at the 585 SUV.
Its 1,189-gallon fuel capacity represents more than 300 additional gallons compared with the 505. Freshwater capacity also increases from 164 gallons aboard the 505 to 211 gallons aboard the 585.
Fuel capacity alone does not determine cruising range because speed, loading, weather, engine selection, and operating conditions all influence consumption. However, larger tankage provides greater flexibility when planning routes between fuel stops.
The additional storage and optional utility room aboard the 585 can also be valuable during longer voyages. Carrying provisions, water toys, spare parts, fishing equipment, laundry, luggage, and household supplies becomes much easier when the yacht has been designed around extended onboard living.
For frequent weekend excursions, the 505 should provide more than enough capability for many owners. For weeks aboard at a time, the advantages of the 585 become more compelling.
Which Is Better for Entertaining?
The answer depends largely on how many guests you expect.
The 505 SUV creates an intimate, social environment. Its aft galley connects the saloon with the alfresco deck, allowing the person preparing food or drinks to remain part of the conversation. Facing lounges and a folding table in the alfresco area make the space useful for casual entertaining throughout the day.
The 585 follows the same concept but provides more physical room. Wider spaces become particularly noticeable when entertaining a larger group, especially when people are moving between the cockpit, galley, saloon, and swim platform.
If you typically cruise with another couple or your immediate family, the 505 may provide all the entertaining space you need. If your yacht regularly becomes the meeting place for a large group, the 585 gives everyone more breathing room.
Which Is Better for Fishing and Watersports?
Both yachts are built around Riviera’s SUV concept, so neither requires owners to give up active boating in exchange for luxury.
The cockpit layouts support fishing, diving, paddleboarding, swimming, and other watersports. Optional hydraulic swim platforms can also make water access and tender handling easier depending on configuration.
The 505 earns points for combining these capabilities with smaller overall dimensions. It can be an excellent platform for owners who want to fish in the morning, swim in the afternoon, and entertain in the evening.
The 585 provides similar versatility on a larger scale. If you regularly carry substantial dive equipment, multiple paddleboards, fishing tackle, water toys, or a tender, its additional cockpit, platform, and storage space becomes increasingly useful.
Consider Marina Access and Ownership Costs
The 585’s additional size is an advantage on board, but buyers should think about where they plan to keep and cruise the yacht.
A 65-foot yacht with an 18-foot-7-inch beam requires more dock space than the 505. Slip availability and marina pricing can therefore become important considerations, particularly in popular cruising destinations.
The 585’s larger engines, greater displacement, larger systems, and increased overall size can also mean higher operating and maintenance expenses. Insurance, dockage, detailing, mechanical service, fuel, and other ownership costs should all be considered before moving up in size.
The 505 may be attractive to buyers who want Riviera quality and substantial cruising accommodations while keeping those considerations somewhat more manageable. The 585 is better suited to owners who know they will regularly take advantage of the additional space and capabilities.
Riviera 585 SUV vs. 505 SUV: Which Should You Choose?
The Riviera 505 SUV makes the most sense for buyers who value versatility, comfortable accommodations, easier owner operation, and a yacht that can move naturally between day trips and extended weekends.
The Riviera 585 SUV becomes more compelling when your cruising plans involve longer trips, larger groups, significantly more gear, greater outdoor entertaining space, or the possibility of having crew aboard.
Consider the 505 SUV if your priorities include:
- Easier owner operation
- Three-stateroom accommodations
- Weekend and regional cruising
- A spacious but manageable yacht
- Fishing and watersports
- Lower space requirements at marinas
Consider the 585 SUV if your priorities include:
- More interior volume
- Larger outdoor entertaining areas
- Greater fuel and freshwater capacity
- Longer cruising itineraries
- Additional storage
- Room for more overnight guests
- Optional crew or utility accommodations
- Greater flexibility for water toys and equipment
Neither model asks owners to choose between comfort and activity. The decision ultimately comes down to how much yacht you realistically need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bigger is the Riviera 585 SUV than the 505 SUV?
The 585 SUV measures 65 feet overall, while the 505 SUV measures 55 feet 10 inches overall. The 585 is also more than two feet wider.
How many people can sleep aboard the Riviera 505 SUV?
Riviera lists sleeping capacity for six people.
How many people can sleep aboard the Riviera 585 SUV?
Riviera lists sleeping capacity for seven people, with provision for one crew member.
Which Riviera SUV has more fuel capacity?
The 585 SUV. It carries 1,189 gallons compared with 872 gallons aboard the 505 SUV.
Can the Riviera 505 SUV be owner-operated?
Yes. Its Volvo Penta IPS propulsion and joystick controls are designed to make maneuvering easier for experienced owner-operators.
Does the Riviera 585 SUV have crew accommodations?
It can. Riviera offers an optional crew cabin configuration with an adult-sized berth and access to an adjacent day head.
Which Riviera SUV is better for extended cruising?
The 585 SUV generally offers greater flexibility for extended trips because of its larger tankage, additional storage, more living space, and optional utility or crew accommodations.
Which model is better for weekend cruising?
The 505 SUV may be the better fit for owners who primarily take weekend and regional trips and want substantial luxury without moving into a larger yacht.
Find Your Riviera SUV With SYS Yacht Sales
The best way to decide between the Riviera 505 SUV and Riviera 585 SUV is to evaluate each yacht around the way you actually intend to cruise. From the number of people you routinely bring aboard to your favorite destinations, marina preferences, watersports, and plans for extended travel, the right yacht should complement your lifestyle rather than simply provide more space.
SYS Yacht Sales can help you compare Riviera models, explore available inventory, and determine which yacht best suits your plans. Team SYS delivers comprehensive, personalized service across virtually every aspect of yachting, representing buyers and sellers throughout Florida and around the world.
SYS specializes in new and pre-owned boats and yachts ranging from approximately 30 to 200 feet and represents new yacht lines including Riviera, Belize, Hanse, Monte Carlo Yachts, and Vicem. The team can also assist with yacht sales, purchases, and luxury charter opportunities in some of the world’s most desirable cruising destinations.
Whether the versatile Riviera 505 SUV feels like your ideal owner-operated escape or the spacious Riviera 585 SUV better matches your ambitions for longer adventures, Team SYS is ready to help you move from comparison to ownership. Search the extensive SYS Yacht Sales inventory, connect with an experienced yacht professional, and discover why so many clients return when it is time for their next boat. Experience the SYS Difference.