The Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021 vs Riviera 505 SUV 2020 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Riviera 505 SUV 2020 measures 55,1 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 7,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021 at 47,9 feet (2021). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 tips the scales at 54 013 lbs — 20 983 lbs less than the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021 at 33 030 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 725 hp, the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 has a 285-hp advantage over the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021's 440-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 carries 872 gallons versus 528 gallons in the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Riviera 505 SUV 2020 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Riviera 505 SUV 2020 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 16 passengers and at 55,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Riviera 43 Open Flybridge 2021 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.