Long-time Riviera dealer representatives the Dillon family are back to where it all began with the opening of their expanded new R Marine Pittwater sales and service centre at Newport. The remodeled facility in Princes Street Marina returns Lee Dillon to where his Riviera journey started as a school leaver working for the first Riviera dealership on the site in 1980.
That was the year Riviera was founded and it defines the long-term ties of father-and-son team Lee and Scott Dillon to the Riviera Family. They have an intimate knowledge of Riviera that owners appreciate. Additionally, Lee’s youngest son Matthew, who is a shipwright, leads the dealership’s service and warranty team.
Princes Street Marina in Newport is the new home for R Marine Pittwater
R Marine Pittwater, which has been headed for the past three years by Scott as dealer principal, has relocated from nearby Sirsi Marina in Newport.
“Of course, many of our long-time Riviera owners are happy to see us back here and it’s very much like old times,” says Lee.
“But compared with the dealerships I’ve been associated with over the past 40 years, this is the best ever.
“It’s a very large office with a lovely outlook on the second floor. The marina itself is maintained beautifully, and it’s a pleasure to drive into. There’s a big carpark and a sheltered marina with our boats for sale right in front of us on one arm.”
“It’s great to be back here and to get the positive feedback from the clients who have been with us for so long”
Scott Dillon
Plenty of room to expand
R Marine Pittwater offers a central meeting room where prospective owners can comfortably spend time being educated on everything they need to know about the Riviera and Belize collections from the experienced staff. There is dedicated space to view video of the entire collection, from Riviera’s Open Flybridge, Enclosed Flybridge, Sport Yacht, SUV and Sports Motor Yacht range from 39 to 72 feet.
“More importantly, we’ve got room to expand now as well,” says Scott. “As the market moves ahead, we have the capacity to bolster our service and sales team even further.”
Scott’s knowledge of Riviera and the marine industry is extensive and since his appointment as dealer principal of R Marine Pittwater in 2017 he had been looking to move back to Princes Street for some time.
The R Marine Pittwater team, from left to right – Josh Nash (Sales and Service Advisor), Scott Dillon (Dealer Principal), Lee Dillon (Administration), Kane Whitehead (Sales and Service Advisor), Matt Dillon (Service and Warranty Manager) and Jacqui Rawson (Events and Marketing Manager).
“Pittwater and the Hawkesbury are immensely popular cruising grounds with Riviera owners and historically this is the location of the first Riviera dealership in Australia,” he says.
“We now have a bigger office, a better space for our clients and staff. For people who are new to boating it’s a great environment for them to look at a variety of different models.”
Support from an experienced team
R Marine Pittwater has retained its existing dedicated team including Kane Whitehead and Josh Nash in sales and customer service, and events manager Jacqui Rawson.
The new Princes Street location offers extended capacity for its service team as well.
“It’s great to be back here and to get the positive feedback from the clients who have been with us for so long,” says Scott.
“We’ve had a genuine increase in inquiries since the move. As overseas holiday travel has been restricted, owning a Riviera is definitely the next best thing.”
R Marine Pittwater is located at 16 Princes Street, Newport, and is opened Monday to Saturday and Sundays by appointment. You can also discover more at the R Marine Pittwater website.
