Judging the New Riva Diva

All Images courtesy of Riva/Ferretti Group.

The ‘Diva’ Brings A New Look to Riva

This is either the most ingenious model-naming since Cigarette’s ‘Top Gun’, or a laughable tongue-twister that will soon require a rebrand. Regardless, let’s discuss the 82-foot Riva ‘Diva’, the newest addition to the Riva flybridge range made up of the Argo (90’), Corsaro Super (102’) and the Dolcevita (110’).

 

How Does the ‘Diva’ Fit INto the Riva Lineup?

The 88-foot Riva Folgore succeeded the Domino in September 2020.

Before the launch of the ‘Diva’ in September 2023 at the Cannes Yachting Festival, I felt Riva had a lineup hole. The sport line ranged from the Ribelle (66’) to the Folgore (88’ – previously the Domino), while the flybridge line started with the aforementioned Argo (90’). The trouble: lots of premium boaters want a flybridge well before they get to 90 feet. The 88-foot Folgore was priced excessively to competing comps and did not offer much more than its smaller sibling, the 76-foot Perseo Super. The Folgore became an expensive interim option for anyone willing to close, and the resale market agrees by having a surplus (7 current listings, 6 of which are older than 150 days).

Then, in walks the ‘Diva’. A hot new 82’ model (true 83’) attracting the eyes of all the existing and committed Folgore owners. I’m not saying all Folgore owners can easily convert to a ‘Diva’ (ex: if you deal with a fixed bridge), but the Diva has features the old Folgore just can’t muster up, like a massive flybridge under a sporty hardtop, and a 376 sq. ft. aft cockpit. I’d guess that inspiration came from the success of the Sanlorenzo SX line, built just 30 minutes down the road.

 
 

COmparing the ‘Diva’ to the Market

The Diva specifications align with the market’s expectation at the size: 82’ feet with 4 cabins including a full-beam master, a top speed of 31 knots on 1900HP, and a sizable salon leading to a main deck galley. This general specification aligns with with the Sanlorenzo SX88 & SX76, Princess Y85 & Y80, Sunseeker 86 & 88, and more. The eye-opening factor is Riva’s new willingness to leave more of the main deck outside when its not been a popular design feature in their sport or flybridge series’. The Corsaro Super is the only model to previously offer an expanded outdoor space, and even so, its extended swim platform is barely an attempt at matching the market’s interest in fresh outdoor air. The ‘Diva’ finally fills the void, but at a hefty price.

In the past 5 years, Riva may have lost fresh-air customers to the trendy Sanlorenzo (pictured), but I think the Diva may welcome a few back. Riva’s modern opulence is fulfilled by no other builder, and the customer journey is no longer hindered by the underwhelming Folgore.

The Diva swaps Riva’s experiential focus outdoors.

The SX line of Sanlorenzo was first to maximize the exterior swim platform space.

 

Key Features

Buying trends prove owners want to be closer to the water and the Diva delivers, with folding bulwarks and a deep swim platform as seen throughout market leaders. Now, you can make the moderate jump from a 76-foot Riva Perseo to an 82-foot Riva Diva and gain a massive amount of valuable outdoor and indoor square footage.

 

Pricing

At a USA MSRP of just over $10,000,000, the Diva is the tip-top of luxury. Can you get more for your money elsewhere? Yes. But a Riva owner is not seeking bang for their buck. They seek fine finishing, premium build quality and a name that spans over 120 years of yachting prominence.

Contact me via links below for further details on the Riva Diva, or competitive models at a better price and/or value.

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About the Author

Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has started and managed commercial charter operations, and managed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.

Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
201-264-6356 | Reed@RNMarine.com

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