The construction site: history, construction philosophy, reputation
Roots in Sarnico since 1842
Riva was born in Sarnico (Lago d’Iseo) in 1842 and remains the “laboratory” identity of the brand, from the tradition of wooden motorboats to the development of current lines in composite from 8 to more than 50 meters (History Riva). With Carlo Riva, the brand becomes synonymous with nautical elegance and a culture of detail that still permeates processes, finishes and quality control (Riva Anniversary).
Author and group engineering design
The style is signed Italian Design workshop (Mauro Micheli, Sergio Beretta), exclusive partner of the brand until 2030, assisted by the Engineering Department of Ferretti Group (Renewal collaboration 2024–2030; Italian Design workshop). The approach integrates aesthetics, ergonomics and performance with a strong industrial standardization of the critical parts and an artisanal care in the finishes.
Shipbuilding: dimensions, famine, appendices
Measures and weights
- Length f.t. (LOA): 20,67 m
- Baglio max: 5,29 m
- Fishing: 1,78 m
- Vacuum Dislocation: 37,000 kg (full: 44,000 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 3.800 l
- Fresh water: 600 l
- People on board (RCD): 16; declared category A in press tests (MBY).
Official data: Riva 68’ Diable.
Curtain geometry and technical layout
The 68’ Diable adopts a composite planing hull with transmissions V-Drive on axis line, solution that preserves baricentre and longitudinal trim, with more “neutral” thrust in acceleration than pod-drive and a better efficiency at the typical high speeds of the segment (NauticExpo). On the stern surfaces are installed dynamic interceptors Humphree for the control of the installation, with benefits on the consumption and comfort in sea format (Asia-Pacific Boating).
Materials and construction
Exhaust and superstructure in GRP (composed) with layers and structural reinforcements on bulkheads and longherons; hard-top predominantly carbon with wide sunroof sliding that lightens high weights and lowers V, contributing to a more ready roll response (Yachting Magazine).
Covered completely welded, polished steel clasp and painted high gloss textures. The perceived quality of painting (typical “Riva shine”) and cromature is in line with the standards of brand positioning of the yard.
Interior with standard wengé “rigatino” or light oak, with optional rosewood with horizontal slats; curved joints and frames, glossy lacquers, solid laminated glass locks, hinges and custom hardware. The materials are selected to last and to preserve gloss under intense cycles of conditioning and humidity (Yachting Magazine).
Layout & space design
Main bridge and cockpit
The main bridge is the core 68’ Diable: large well protected by integral hard-top with spherical crystal windscreen (sign Riva) and sunroof openable; walled longitudinal dinette with lacquered table, mobile bar/fridge/ice-maker, stern sofa facing the sea, and solarium over the garage tender. The bathroom platform is hydraulic and acts as beach mode and from flight to tender (Yachting Magazine).
Prua and walks
In the bow, double sunbathing area and recessed sofas in the “coaming” protect from the wind; the walks are deep, continuous, safe even in lively navigation. Windscreen counter-curve favors natural ventilation of the well without annoying turbulence (Ferretti Group – Press).
Lower deck
Provision three cabins / three bathrooms for six guests: full-beam shipowning center boat, VIP bow, twin left; straight the bathroom day. In the center, disconnect e galley with dishwasher and electric stove. A technical/laundry room is available under-scale (Ferretti Group – Press).
Engines, propulsion and transmission
- Standard: 2 × MAN V12 1550 (1.550 mhp) — 37 kn max / 33 kn cruise; autonomy ~260 nm to 33 kn.
- Option: 2 × MAN V12 1650 (1.650 mhp) — up to 40 kn max / 34 kn cruise; autonomy ~250 nm to 34 kn.
- Transmission: v-Drive axis lines on ZF gearboxes, NiBrAl propellers; better high-flow efficiency than pods on planant hulls (Riva – Data; Press; NauticExpo).
The engine compartment is dimensioned for accessibility (filters, groups, pumps, separators) and for mitigating noise and vibration through elastic supports and sound-absorbing panels. The garage typically houses a Williams SportJet 345 more accessories (Seabob), with varo assisted by the hydraulic platform (Yachting Magazine).
Onboard systems: electronics, home automation, navigation
- Plan with twin MFD Simrad “Command” and motor display Boening; electro-hydraulic rudder Xenta (MBY).
- Joystick maneuver with Docking Mode e Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) holding the boat in place with GPS combining axles/propellers and thrusters — useful for refuel, waits or mobile bridges (Press).
- Interceptors Humphree dynamic control for automatic trim (APB).
- Stabilization (opz.): Seakeeper NG9, integrated on NMEA network and on MFD (Yachting Magazine; Seakeeper – integration).
- Autopilot, VHF DSC, radar and integrated cartographic suite (exemplary features on dealer boards: Jeff Brown Yachts).
Service and lighting management can be integrated into MFD via digital switching (ecosystems such as Naviop/CZone are supported in Simrad systems; technological reference: boats.com on Naviop). The precise implementation varies according to the specification.
Navigation performance: numbers and driving sensations
Official data
- With MAN V12 1550: 37 kn max / 33 kn cruise, ♪ of declared autonomy on a cruise (3,800 l) (Riva – Data).
- With MAN V12 1650: up to 40 kn max / 34 kn cruise, ♪ of autonomy to cruise (Ferretti Group – Press).
Independent sea tests
- Motor Boat & Yachting (1.650 hp): top 38.7 kn; 233 l/h to 20 kn (noise ~76 dB(A)); 118 l/h to 12,4 kn; fuel 3,800 l; water 600 l; cat RCD A (MBY – test).
- Yachting Magazine (1.650 hp): ~34 kn to ~2,000 rpm with ~132 gph (~500 l/h) and next autonomy ♪; reducing to 26 kn (+/-1.600 rpm) the flow extends to ~50 nm (Yachting Magazine).
Guide Feedback: xenta timoneria precise, excellent confidence of carena also to the traverse, rapid response of interceptors; with the joystick (and DPS) the maneuvers in narrow spaces become intuitive as an IPS system, maintaining the thrust and the “grip” typical of the axis line (MBY).
Innovation and safety
- Carbon hard-top with sunroof of great light for natural ventilation (Yachting Magazine).
- Humphree for auto-trim and reduction of beaking/consumption angles (APB).
- Seakeeper NG9 (optional) for anchor comfort; NMEA/MFD network integration (Seakeeper).
- DPS, VHF DSC, alarms and fire protection systems according to class practice (specifics depend on fit-out of the individual specimen; see dealer equipment: Jeff Brown Yachts).
Life on board and comfort
68’ Diable is a day-/week that holds high transfer speeds without sacrificing band habitability mini-superyacht: living bridge “all weather”, kitchen “true” at the bottom, three cabins with separate bathrooms, effective privacy thanks to unpackages and sliding doors. The zone A/C system, the acoustic insulation of the bulkheads and the filtration of the vibrations on elastic supports contribute to comfortable cruising sound levels ( MBY values mentioned above).
Market, price, segment and competition
Price position & residual value
The model on the primary and recent use is average between ~3,3 and 4.2 million USD depending on year, engines and optional (Seakeeper, electronics, special colors) (BoatTrader; ♪; YachtBuyer – average prices). In Europe, the order full-spec with 1.650 hp and stabilization tends to the high part of the range.
Direct Competitor (20–21 m open sport)
- Pershing 7X — 21 m, carbon-intensive, 2×MAN 1800; 50 kn max, 42 kn cruise, ~300 nm cruise range: reference for performance as well (Pershing 7X – data).
- Sunseeker Predator 65 — 20,5 m, 3,500 l fuel, top ~35 kn, strong internal volumes (Sunseeker – specs; MBY – review).
- Princess V65 — 19,34 m ( shorter but very capacious), 2×MAN V12 1400, 36–38 kn declared; strong focus on Olesinski hull efficiency (Princess – specs).
- Azimut S7 — 21,7 m, triple IPS 800, 35 kn max; 4 cabins and ranges that at economic speed can exceed 300 nm (Azimut – S7; Yachting – test).
Comparative analysis
- Benefits: 68’ Diable does not pursue top speed extreme of the Pershing 7X, but offers real cruises at 33–34 kn with acoustic comfort and beaking improved by Humphree and (at anchor) Seakeeper. Compared to Predator 65 and V65, it is positioned in the upper half for speed and sports “feel”.
- Construction & finishing: the “Standard recovery” in paint, chrome and carpentry, it moves the asticella at the top; in comparison many competitors prefer volume or price.
- Equipment: “analog-pura” guide on axes + joystick Xenta and DPS: it combines rudder loyalty and mooring ease, maintaining medium-high-range efficiency (advantage to IPS at 30+ kn).
- Ability: 3 cabins/3 bathrooms and large outdoor living room; some competitors offer 4 cabins but with compromises on technical spaces or storages.
Target customer
Private Mediterranean shipowners that run fast daily routes (isole, bays) and weekend aboard; luxury charter “boutique” with light crew, more rare but possible; company of representation using the unit as an event-centric relationship platform in premium locations. The value of the brand and the aesthetic impact make the model a strong “conversation piece”, with positive effects on image and surrender.
Results and awards
- World debut: Cannes Yachting Festival 2021 (Launch of Sarnico and debut).
- US debut: Miami International Boat Show 2022 (YachtBuyer).
- Finalist (a) Motor Boat Awards 2023 (category “Sportscruisers over 45ft”) (MBY – Awards 2023).
Segment trends and prospects
In the range 20–21 m “open hard-top” the question is moving towards dynamic comfort (stabilization, auto-trim, assisted rudders) and towards digitalization services (integrated switching on MFD). On the front “green”, Ferretti Group shows concrete trajectories on small Riva (Riva El-Iseo full-electric), while on 20+ m the most mature solution remains the optimisation of the hull and shaft (Humphree), combined with high-density motors that comply with current regulations.
68’ Diable embodies the consolidated stylistic direction of Italian Design workshop — stretched lines, spherical windshield, “black chrome” finishes — destined to remain formal Riva even in the coming years.
Image gallery and video
Video (tour & evidence)
Selection of video content useful to appreciate ergonomics, finishes and spaces:
The Boat Show – Riva 68’ Diable · Exclusive Yacht Tour (ENG)
Synthetic technical table (key values)
- Project/Design: Italian Design workshop; Ferretti Group Engineering (YachtBuyer)
- LOA/Larghezza/Pescaggio: 20,67 m / 5,29 m / 1,78 m (Riva)
- Dislocation: 37 t (empty) – 44 t (full) (Riva)
- Tanks: 3.800 l (fuel) · 600 l (water) (MBY)
- Engines: 2×MAN V12 1550 (std) · 2×MAN V12 1650 (opt) (Ferretti – Press)
- Declared benefits: 37–40 kn max · 33–34 kn cruise · 250–260 nm autonomy (Riva)
- Transmission: V-Drive on axis lines (NauticExpo)
- Interceptors: Humphree (auto-trim) (APB)
- Stabilization (opt): Seakeeper NG9 (Yachting Magazine)
- Electronics: MFD Simrad, Boening display; Xenta joystick with DPS (MBY; Press)
- Beds: 6 guests (3 cabins) + services
Comparison of detail with the main competitors
Riva 68’ Diable vs Pershing 7X
7: 50 kn max, 42 kn cruise, focus on extreme speed; inside 3 cabins, more “adrenaline” approach. Diable: 37–40 kn, acoustic comfort, top finishes and regular behaviour with axis line; more balanced choice for medium-range fast cruises with high aesthetic impact (Pershing 7X).
Riva 68’ Diable vs Sunseeker Predator 65
Predator 65: 20,5 m, 3,500 l fuel, 35 kn max, extra cabin in some versions; excellent balance price/volume. Diable: faster, more “bespoke” in the finishes; less “lord” volume, but strong sex appeal and premium perception (Sunseeker).
Riva 68’ Diable vs Princess V65
V: 36–38 kn, fuel 4.100 l, carena Olesinski very efficient, 4 optional cabins; strong value for family cruises. Diable aims to an audience that favors style and quality of construction “without compromises”, with more “mechanical” and sensory guide (Princess V65).
Riva 68’ Diable vs Azimut S7
S7: 35 kn max with triple IPS, 4 cabins, competitive range at economic speed; very advanced edge technology and strong domotic integration. Diable: greater “purism” of driving on axes and material quality of the finishes; average price higher than the same year (Azimut S7; Yachting – test).
Positioning and final synthesis
In two lines, very direct: riva 68’ Diable is the open hard-top reference for those who want 33–34 kn real cruise, iconic finishes “alla Riva” and simple maneuvers (Xenta + DPS) without switching to pods. It is not the fastest of the group, but it is probably the most desirable for product integrity: quality, design consistency, value seal.
For those who are: private shipowners with base in the Mediterranean, attentive to image and dynamic comfort; charter structures “experiential” that sell lifestyle in addition to the performance.
What to assess in priority order: (1) choice of engines 1.650 if you often travel over 32 kn; (2) Humphree always active; (3) Seakeeper NG9 if the use provides a lot of radius; (4) paint protections on “hot” moorings; (5) internal customization (essences/lighting) consistent with day/night use.