Riva Aquariva Super - The elite runabout boat

There's something very special about runabout boats. These small motorboats, frequently finished in polished mahogany, never fail to draw attention wherever they're docked or while cruising through a lake.

The Aquariva Super, envisioned by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, is a contemporary reinterpretation of a maritime icon. Its forerunner, the Riva Aquarama, might be more familiar than one realizes, often gracing the backdrop of luxurious seascapes and appearing in popular movies and commercials. The Aquariva Super, as its direct descendant, proudly upholds this esteemed heritage with a similar design and an unmatchable allure. A closer look at the somewhat legendary Aquarama is essential to fully appreciate the Aquariva Super's heritage.

Aquarama

The Riva Aquarama, designed and constructed by Carlo Riva in 1962, swiftly became renowned as a high-speed, luxurious runabout. Inspired by the Cinerama widescreen film process prevalent in the 1960s, its name reflected its expansive and glamorous appeal. The boat's sleek, varnished mahogany hull made it a coveted item, frequently appearing in movies and commercials.

Among its notable appearances in films, it featured in the James Bond movie GoldenEye and the glamorous world of Ocean's Twelve. It also appeared in commercials, including a Martini & Rossi commercial with actress Charlize Theron and a 2011 Dior campaign featuring Jude Law.

With a design featuring an open socializing space, a sunbathing area at the stern, and a central gangway for easy water access, the Aquarama was both stylish and practical. Over its production run until 1996, five iterations of the Aquarama were built, each equipped with twin engines ranging from 185 hp to 400 hp, achieving top speeds between 45 to 50 knots.

Today, the Aquarama remains a favorite in scenic locales such as Venice and Lake Como, renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. These luxury runabouts are a popular choice for private tours, offering a blend of exhilarating speed and serene cruising experiences.

Aquariva Super

Launched in 2000, the Aquariva Super is the heir to the Aquarama, retaining its timeless elegance while introducing contemporary design elements and advanced technology. Though slightly longer at 33 feet, the Aquariva offers enhanced spaciousness, blending modernity with luxurious comfort in its well-utilized interior. It boasts a meticulously crafted fiberglass hull with high-quality mahogany decks inlaid with maple and finished with up to 20 coats of varnish.

Twin YANMAR 8LV engines power the Aquariva Super, each producing 370 hp. Its cruising speed of 36 knots and top speed of 41.5 knots offer power and grace on the water. The boat features a single cabin and dayhead optimized for comfort and luxury.

The cockpit and interior spaces are adorned with hand-stitched upholstery, classic instruments and switches, and leather trimmings, all reflecting Riva's commitment to refinement and high-end craftsmanship. The spacious U-shaped seating area dominates the cockpit, providing a perfect setting for socializing and relaxation.

While it's certainly not the most prominent company by market share for runabouts, Riva is a major player and maker of some of the most prestigious boats in the runabout segment. Carlo Riva was not just a brilliant boat designer. He was also a savvy marketer who understood the allure of elegance in every contour of his designs.

His boats became symbols of Italian design and luxury, often referred to as the "Ferrari of the boat world." Today, Riva continues to be a leader in this market, with models like the Aquariva embodying the brand's commitment to elegance, style, and superior craftsmanship.