Riva is a legendary brand whose roots go back to the mid-19th century at Sarnico on Italy's Lake Iseo.
1. Getting to Know Riva
With the mahogany Aquarama it became the symbol of elegance in powerboats; today, as part of Ferretti Group, it carries both the classic spirit and modern yachts.
A Riva is often seen not only as a boat but as a collector's piece.
2. Varnish, wood and gloss finishes
The varnished wood and glossy finishes that define Riva call for special care on survey. On classic wooden boats: the timber, seams and finish; on modern Rivas: surface quality, stainless fittings and glazing joints.
On a classic Riva, the restoration history and materials used directly affect value, so records are especially asked for.
3. Points We Pay Attention To
These are not claims of defects. They are the places we spend extra time on boats of this make; every boat is judged on its own use and maintenance history.
Classic wooden Rivas
- Hull timber, seams and condition beneath the varnish.
- Restoration records and materials used.
- Machinery and fuel system.
Modern Riva motor yachts
- Gloss surfaces, stainless fittings and glazing joints.
- Drive system, by model.
- Generator, air-conditioning and hydraulics.
4. Owning One in Turkey
Classic models need a specialist wooden-boat craftsman; on modern models, Ferretti Group's service network is the starting point.
Ask for the service records, invoices and any earlier survey report before the survey; work without records is noted as "could not be verified".
5. Sea trial on a classic and a modern Riva
On a classic Riva the sea trial shows how the hull works afloat: after launch we watch how much water reaches the bilge and whether it reduces over time. A wooden hull takes up and closes its seams; this is recorded.
- Classic models: bilge water ingress, engine temperatures, shaft and stern gland.
- Modern models: full-load rpm, drives, trim tabs and systems under load.
- Both: play in the steering and response of the controls.
6. The restoration file
A classic Riva's value depends heavily on its restoration file. Ask the seller for:
- The yard or craftsman who restored it, and the dates.
- A list of replaced planks and frames, timber species and adhesive used.
- Records of varnish coats and maintenance intervals.
- The build number in Riva's records and any certificate of originality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scope: The survey is non-destructive and nothing is dismantled; details on the survey types page.
Related Pages
Send the model, year and where the boat lies; we reply with an itemised written quote.
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