When Don and Darinka Brooker found themselves empty nesters in 2012, they decided that their 45-foot motor yacht was more than they needed.
“The larger boat had been great to accommodate our growing family,” said Don. “With the children away from home, we wanted a motor yacht that would be easy for us to handle on our own and with plenty of room to entertain friends.”
They quickly found their ideal in a Riviera 36 Flybridge named Bindi.
We built a total of 167 Riviera 36 twin-cabin Flybridge models between 1992 and 2001 and she remains a firm favourite among owners around the world.
“Riviera has a great reputation in Western Australia and there are many Riviera motor yachts in the waterways and marinas here,” said Don.
“Bindi is a fantastic motor yacht for entertaining,” said Darinka. “She has a large cockpit and a comfortable saloon. I love the galley as I can cook and stay part of the conversation in the saloon. It is well equipped with everything I need, including an electric cooktop, a microwave and plenty of storage.”
Don said Bindi has a lower helm as well as the flybridge helm.
“We rarely use the lower helm,” he said. “The layout is fantastic because it takes up very little space in the entertainer’s saloon.”
Don and Darinka spend as much time as possible on board, taking day trips along the Swan River and to Carnac and Garden Islands.
“We usually take friends with us,” said Don. “We really enjoy cruising along the Swan River, being able to tie up to a dock on our own and welcome guests on board.”
Don has owned boats since he was just nine years old.
“My first was a little tinnie with an outboard. I used to terrorise the bigger boat owners on the Swan River. Today, young people have their jetskis!”
Bindi’s power comes from a pair of Cummins diesel engines.
“They are perfectly suited to the 36 Flybridge,” said Don. “They are incredibly reliable, with enough power for us to get to our destinations in comfort and great fuel economy.”
Our Classic Riviera Facebook post about the Riviera 36 Flybridge drew many comments, some from owners and some from aspiring motor yacht enthusiasts. Here are some of them.
Jenny Thistlethwaite commented: “We have one . . . awesome boat.”
Peter Chamberlain wrote: “36 twin, looking to buy one shortly.”
Scott Ellis asked: “Did they build that many 36 twin cabs?”
Tim Carey said: “Mine one day.”
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