Riva Relaunches Iconic Aquariva with Modern Makeover

Italian yacht builder Riva has unveiled the latest evolution of its legendary model, the Aquariva Special, marking a new chapter for one of the most renowned European runabouts ever built. The boutique brand has produced over 300 units of the small-but-mighty boat over two decades, and despite being known for larger yachts in recent years, the 33-foot 10.07 m) dayboat will adopt the company's latest blend of heritage and sleek contemporary design.

The company has focused on both ends of the spectrum in recent years, having launched a new flagship 68 Diable in 2022, not to mention the smaller size Iseo Super dayboat in early 2025. Riva has even crossed over into real estate, unveiling the epic Riva Revidenze, a yachting-inspired luxury condo building in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in May of 2025.

A Heritage Reimagined

The new model will keep the proportions and silhouette of the original with a 33' (10.07 m) LOA with a beam of 9'2" (2.80 m). The revamp is the result of a collaboration between design studio Officina Italiana Design — founded by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta and long-standing design partner of Riva — plus Piero Ferrari and the engineering team from the parent company Ferretti Group.

Refined Design Details

Her new standout features will include a fully redesigned windscreen which offers a more modern and streamlined appearance, plus a wider, more ergonomic swim platform at the stern featuring curved steps to simplify boarding and water-access. The mahogany fascia of former models has been replaced with glass-fibre in the same colour as the hull, marking a clever way to blend the boat's original aesthetic with modern materials. The navigation lights and casing will be the same as those found on the 2022 limited-edition Riva Anniversario -- a model designed to commemorate the company's 180th anniversary -- while the deck now foregoes the skylights to recreate the original Aquarama for a smoother, more contemporary finish.

Interior Comfort & Tech Upgrades

The cockpit has been re-imagined as a lounge space featuring a U-shaped sofa upholstered in "Sky-colour" fabric to match the hull. A centrally positioned table with a lift-and-lower mechanism allows the space to be converted from dining for eight into an expansive sunpad. A powered bimini top operated by an electro-hydraulic motor behind the sofa backrest provides protection from the sun. The helm is placed on the port side, and is joined by a service cabinet to starboard equipped with a sink, fridge and worktop — ideal for entertaining. Dashboard options include a traditional analogue layout, or a digital version supporting up to two displays and an integrated navigation system. A joystick control option is also available for precise maneuvering when docking.

Performance and Stability

Below the waterline, Riva has swapped the previous manual hull-lamination process for modern infusion, which reduces weight and improves structural rigidity. In doing so, the new hull material allows for the installation of an advanced gyro stabilizer Seakeeper NG6. The boat is also now fitted with interceptors by Humphree in place of traditional flaps, improving stability while cruising in bigger water. Power will come via twin Yanmar 8LV engines producing 370 hp each, coupled with two-speed gearboxes, to produce a top speed of 40.5 knots (46 mph) and a cruising speed of 36 knots (41 mph).

The Aquariva Special recently made its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival and is now available to order through Riva's exclusive dealer network. #news #products #riva