Site profile: history, construction philosophy, reputation
Riva is one of the longest and most recognizable signatures in the world. The yard of Sarnico, on Lake Iseo, was born in 1842 and remains the productive heart of the brand — from the season of the iconic woods to the current range in composite, from 8 to 50+ meters (Riva – History; Ferretti Group – Sarnico). Since 2000 Riva is part of the Ferretti Group, with a positioning of brand based on construction quality, style and design continuity entrusted exclusively to Italian Design workshop (Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta), renewed partnership until 2030 (Riva & Officina Italian Design).
Market output: the brand is synonymous with heritage with a consolidated image at the user high-net-worth and in the world of superyacht tender. The aesthetic choices (polished mahogany with 24 coats of paint, spinning silhouettes, polished steel details) collaborate with an industrial process evolved on the composite to combine timeless design and reliability (Ferretti Group – Riva).
Shipbuilding: dimensions, hull, trim
Main size
- LOA 8,24 m; L 7,08 m; Baglio max 2,49 m.
- Vacuum Dislocation 3.100 kg; full load 4.010 kg.
- Fuel tank 330 l; fresh water 80 l; people on board 6.
Official plate data Riva Iseo Super New.
Carena and hydrodynamic behaviour
Iseo Super New employs a planant hull in GRP (vetroresin) with moderate glare, optimized for fast transfers in indoor and coastal waters. The couple duoprop of the sterndrives guarantees “direct” traction and reduced tendency to prop, with benefits on acceleration and maintenance of route to the cruise routes.
The boat adopts a automatic control of the installation on the sterndrive and a interceptor Zipwake for the correction of trims, which reduce the angle of incidence during pre-plantation and stabilize the beaking at operating speeds (Riva – News Iseo Super; Yacht Style). The expected result is a trim more flat, minor corrections to the steering wheel and increased comfort on short / reflective wave typical of lakes and shaves.
Materials and processes: hull, superstructure, blanket, furniture
Structural composite
Exhaust and superstructure are in fiberglass with calibrated lamination and reinforcements to contain weights and increase torque stiffness, in line with the Iseo composite tradition (itBoat – Riva Iseo). The deck includes local reinforcements in correspondence of pulpit bases, sitting bases and electric table bases.
High finishing mahogany and metallic details
The blanket is covered in mahogany with finishing piano-lucid (striped mahogany) treated with 24 paint hands, with inserts and jokes polished steel (side grills, bottazzo, bitte) that recall the DNA. The new hull color is available Grey volcano (News Riva; Wallpaper).
Motors, propulsion and transmissions
Standard package (diesel)
- Volvo Penta D4-300A (300 hp @ 3.500 rpm) with Aquamatic duoprop e hydraulic change (silent shift) – 33 kn cruise, 38 kn maximum; autonomy cruise 240 nm (Riva – official data; Yacht Style).
Gasoline options (V8)
- Volvo Penta V8 350 CE (355 hp @ 5.800 rpm) with high performance sterndrive: 36 kn cruise, 41 kn maximum; autonomy cruise 160 nm.
- Volvo Penta V8 300 CE (305 hp) comply with the regulations Lake Constance: 33 kn cruise, 38 kn maximum; autonomy cruise 170 nm (Riva – official data; Motor Boat & Yachting).
The hydraulic change on the latest generation sterndrives significantly reduces noise/colpo in gear insertion (silent shift) and, together with the couple duoprop, improves manoeuvre and progression (Volvo Penta – Silent Shift).
The boat adopts auto-trim on the foot and Zipwake for trim correction and running stabilization (Yacht Style; News Riva).
Note on joysticks and active assistants
The platform EVC Volvo Penta allows on installations D evolved functions as silent shift, low-speed and up twins, Assisted Docking and joystick (BoatBlurb – Assisted Docking on DPI; MBY – D4/D6 EVC). On Iseo Super New (installation monopoly) remain central silent shift and auto-trim; joystick/docking functions are typically docking units with dual motorization.
Performance, autonomy, consumption (derived by official data)
From official autonomy data and tank capacity (330 l) average consumption is estimated at the cruise point:
- D4-300A (diesel): 330 l / 240 nm ≈ 1,38 l/nm; a 33 kn ⇒ 45 l/h.
- V8 350 CE (355 hp): 330 l / 160 nm ≈ 2,06 l/m; to 36 kn ⇒ 74 l/h.
- V8 300 CE (305 hp): 330 l / 170 nm ≈ 1,94 l/nm; a 33 kn ⇒ 64 l/h.
The estimates are consistent with the size/exhaust and with the push of a sterndrive duoprop. The combination duoprop + auto-trim + Zipwake helps maintain the setup, reducing the power needed at equal speed (less induced resistance during transition).
Onboard systems: electronics, light automation, navigation
Man-machine steering and interface
The bridge is analogue-digit hybrid: standard a chartplotter Volvo Penta 9” centrally located; on request digital dashboard with display Böning 12” (Riva – News; Top Yacht Design). The left section integrates uSB socket, sD player e audio panel, with drawer fridge immediately below; straight remains the analog instrumentation and the wheel. Some dealer settings report TimeZero as installed cartography (YachtWorld – Iseo Super 2025).
Stabilization and thirst
Dynamic stability is ensured by auto-trim on the sterndrive and Zipwake to correct pitch e roll in navigation (Yacht Style). On 27’ the choice of interceptor is rational: quick response, low weight, modest absorption and clean integration on the mirror.
Design and architecture of spaces
Stylistic signature
I do styling it is Italian Design workshop in collaboration with the Strategic Product Committee Ferretti chaired by Piero Ferrari and Engineering Group (Yacht Style). Spiccano: clean and tapered line, sheer classic, waterline, mahogany lined with 24 paint hands, new chromes (Vulcan Grey) (Wallpaper).
Cover and cockpit
- Dinette to U redesigned, wider, with electric folding table.
- Manual Tent hidden behind the back.
- Feet of stern above the engine compartment, padding in Sky waterproof coordinates hull.
These solutions result from optimisation of the back rudder spaces and are confirmed in official communications (Riva – News; Sail-World).
Life on board and comfort
Iseo Super New remains one day-boat premium 6 seats designed for quick and use transfers leisure in internal and coastal waters. Undercover is a bow storage compartment that in some dealer settings includes TOILET (toilet) and external shower aft (Ray White Marine – Iseo). Optional reported: bower thruster e böning 12 display (♪).
Innovation and research: efficiency, electrical, safety
Reduction in consumption/emissions
The combination D4-300A + EVC + duoprop + auto-trim + Zipwake maximizes drive performance and limits manual corrections, with benefits on consumption and ease of use. The hydraulic change (silent shift) cut noise and mechanical shock (Volvo Penta).
The electric road: Riva El-Iseo as a technological platform
In parallel, Riva has industrialized the version full-electric El-Iseo (27’), with engine Parker GVM310 250 kW (peak 300 kW), batteries 150 kWh / 800 V, 40 kn of tip and 25 nm to 25 kn (MBY – El-Iseo; Powerboat/World – El-Iseo). The bridge is totally digital with Simrad 9/12” + Böning 12” and modal traction management (Powerboat/World). The existence of the electric twin (E-Luxury) directs the technological trajectory and on-board choices of the Super, which incorporates layout, materials and control solutions.
Stabilization and assistance
Iseo Super New is central “light active” stabilization (auto-trim + Zipwake). Functions Assisted Docking on DPI sterndrives are available on twin installations (general condition Volvo Penta) and are not the typical use of a 27’ mono (BoatBlurb).
Mooring protection
Interesting cover “automotive-inspired” on double technical layer (exterior waterproof + breathable wool interior) that protects the hull and mitiga condensate in mooring (Yacht Style).
Tests in navigation and feedback
The first press releases confirm what is expected from the mechanical package: shift soft, light rudder, clean accelerations and a very composed cruising trim. The diesel D4-300 is described as the most efficient choice; the V8 355 hp returns the maximum speed tips, with a more “sporty” sound stamp (Motor Boat & Yachting; Wallpaper).
Market, competition, positioning
Segment and prices
Iseo Super New takes over the segment luxury day-boat 8–9 m high-end. Riva does not publish lists; ads 2025 place specimens around € 488,000 (excluding VAT) (~US$ 570k)♪). The electric sister El-Iseo is reported by the press in the area ♪ (MBY). For comparison:
- Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT – 8.8 m, USA price from ~US$ 270k (Chris-Craft).
- Frauscher 858 Phantom – 8,67 m, up to 48 kn; base ~€ 357k (itBoat – Frauscher 858).
- Boesch 710 Costa Brava de Luxe – 7,10 m, wood, up to 40 kn; ~€ 313k (itBoat – Boesch 710).
- Hacker-Craft 27’ – 27’ wood, 42 kn (indicative); pricing on request (Power & Motoryacht).
The price by Riva is supported by brand equity, finishing level and value seal, with a look & feel without time hardly replicable in large series.
Target customer
- Private owners looking for an iconic day-boat for lacual use / coastal sea and style tender.
- Luxury Charter e brand hospitality (resort, real estate, automotive) where the image value is decisive.
- Representative companies and dealer of superyacht for guest-tender premium.
Trend
- Electricity (sing) El-Iseo already in range) and reduction NVH (silent shift, insulation, refined components).
- Digital UI (native plane, 9–12”), auto-trim/interceptor and active assistants in circulation.
Results and awards
- World Premiere: booting Düsseldorf 2025 (Ferretti Group).
- Nomination: Yacht Style Awards 2025 – Motoryacht under 10 m (Yacht Style Awards).
- Private World Première Sarnico 2025 (Riva – Private Première).
Final evaluation and competitive positioning
The Riva Iseo Super New is a deep and consistent update: it does not distort the icon, but makes it more usable e more efficient. The diesel package D4-300 is theall-rounder optimal for consumption / autonomy v8 options respond to those seeking performance peaks or compliance with local requirements (e.g. Lake Constance). Theinterceptor Zipwake and theauto-trim i am value-add concrete on a 27’: they simplify the guide and keep the boat composed. The hybrid bridge (or digital 12”) and the U dinette with electric table improve ergonomics and viability.
In a comparison with the main competitors (Chris-Craft, Frauscher, Boesch, Hacker-Craft), Iseo Super New remains the most “iconic” proposal and finished, with price consistent with brand positioning. For shipowners attentive to style, perceived quality and value in time, is today one of the most complete choices of the segment. For those who prefer zero emissions innovation, the road is theEl-Iseo, already industrialized and technically mature.
Summary
- Project: Officina Italiana Design (M. Micheli, S. Beretta) with SPC Ferretti (P. Ferrari) and Engineering Ferretti (source)
- Scafo/Sovrastructure: GRP; polished mahogany blanket (24 hands) (source)
- Dimensions: LOA 8,24 m; LWL 7,08 m; Bmax 2,49 m (source)
- Dislocation: 3,100 kg (empty) – 4.010 kg (full) (full)source)
- Tanks: Fuel 330 l; Water 80 l (source)
- Engines: D4-300A (300 hp) or V8 350 CE (355 hp) or V8 300 CE (305 hp)source)
- Benefits (prelim.): 33–36 kn cruise; 38–41 kn max; Autonomy 160–240 nm cruise (source)
- Stabilization: auto-trim sterndrive + interceptor Zipwake (source)
- Persons: 6 (source)
Image gallery
Official Video
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Comparison with competitors
Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT
Runabout 28’9’’ (8.8 m) with wide spread in USA; starting price ~US$ 270k, GRP construction, wide gasoline engine offering. Very well-kept finishes, but without the tradition of the painted mahogany of Riva (Chris-Craft).
Frauscher 858 Phantom
Day-boat 8,67 m high performance (up to 48 kn) with minimalist aesthetics and very sporty trim; basic pricing ~€ 357k (itBoat). Less “classic” in the finishes, more oriented to the guide.
Boesch 710 Costa Brava
Craftsmanship in wood (7,10 m), lacustre soul, classic lines; up to 40 kn, price ~€ 313k depending on the specifications (itBoat). Very strong “heritage” content, but lower dimensions and different usage setting.
Hacker-Craft 27’
Icon made in USA made of wood (27’), timeless look, speed declared around 40–42 kn depending on the engines (Power & Motoryacht). Maintenance of the wood more challenging than GRP + mahogany covered by Riva.
Future prospects
Iseo Super New traghetta the language Riva in the segment below 9 m integrating already today solutions of active stabilization e digital interfaces. Parallel, the version El-Iseo represents the trajectory zero-emission for internal waters subject to restrictions. The continuity with Officina Italiana Design (exclusive collaboration extended to 2030) guarantees stylistic coherence and industrialization “family” on components, material palettes and processes (source).