Picture this: you're clearing Biscayne Bay at 28 knots, the Miami skyline shrinking behind you. Your guests are on the flybridge, drinks in hand, not a care in the world. You're headed to Bimini for lunch, and you'll be there in under two hours. The boat beneath you is a 93-footer, but it handles like something twenty feet shorter. This is the Riva 90' Argo—a flybridge that refuses to compromise between Italian design and real-world usability. It's rare to find both in one package, but Riva has managed to thread that needle.
Who It's For
The Argo is built for the owner who wants a proper flybridge but refuses to sacrifice speed or style. This is not a displacement cruiser. If you're planning to poke along at 10 knots and anchor for weeks at a time, look elsewhere. The Argo is for the operator who values mobility—the ability to run from Miami to the Keys for the weekend, or island-hop through the Bahamas without feeling like you're piloting a barge.
This boat makes sense for the experienced boater who has owned in the 60-to-80-foot range and is ready to step up without stepping into full-time crew territory. Yes, you can run it with a captain and mate, but the systems are intuitive enough that an owner-operator with solid experience can handle day trips and short cruises solo or with a partner. The Argo rewards competence, not just checkbooks.
It's also the right choice for someone who cares about how a boat looks. Riva's design language is unmistakable—low profile, aggressive lines, and a level of finish that stands out in any marina. If you're the type who winces at cookie-cutter production boats, the Argo will feel like home.
Design & Layout: Form Follows Function (Finally)
The Argo's layout is where Italian flair meets American practicality. The main deck is open and social, with a galley positioned forward on the main level—not buried below. This matters. It means the chef (or you) isn't isolated during meal prep, and service flows naturally to the dining area and aft cockpit. The salon is bright, with floor-to-ceiling glass that actually opens, not just tints.
Below deck, you get four guest cabins, including a full-beam owner's suite amidships. The VIP is forward, and two twin cabins round out the guest accommodations. All four cabins have ensuite heads, which is the baseline expectation at this price point. The crew quarters are aft, with two cabins and two heads—enough space to keep a professional team comfortable without encroaching on guest areas.
The flybridge is where the Argo earns its keep. It's massive, with a full wet bar, sun pads, and a dining table that seats eight. The helm is positioned forward, giving the captain clear sightlines without dominating the social space. This is a flybridge you'll actually use, not just a place to stash the tender.
Performance: Speed as Freedom
Let's talk engines. The Argo comes with three MTU options, but the one that matters is the twin MTU 16V 2000 M96 setup—2,435 horsepower per side. That's the configuration that delivers a 30-knot top speed and a 26-knot cruise, with 300 nautical miles of range at that cruise. Riva publishes the other two as well: the 12V 2000 M96X at 2,000 hp gives 26.5 knots, a 22.5-knot cruise and 320 miles, and the 16V 2000 M84 at 2,218 hp gives 28, 24 and 300.
For context, that's Miami to Bimini and back with reserves. Or Fort Lauderdale to Key West in a single shot. The Argo doesn't just move—it gives you options. Weather window closing? You can outrun it. Plans change? You can pivot without losing a day to transit.
The hull is a deep-V design, which means it cuts through chop rather than pounding over it. At speed, the ride is composed, not jarring. The boat feels planted, even in three-to-four-foot seas. This is not a lightweight planing hull that skips across the water. It's a yacht that weighs 216,053 pounds fully laden and uses power and engineering to deliver speed without sacrificing comfort.
Ownership Conversation: What It Actually Costs
Let's be direct: the Argo is expensive to own. Riva publishes no fuel-burn figure, so plan around its range instead — 300 nautical miles at a 26-knot cruise on the biggest engines — and get observed gallons-per-hour from the dealer in writing before you budget a season. Annual maintenance on engines, generators and systems will run $80,000 to $100,000 if you're diligent. Dockage in South Florida for a 93-footer is $4,000 to $6,000 per month, depending on location.
If you're running with crew, add another $150,000 to $200,000 per year for two full-time professionals. That's salary, benefits, and travel. If you're owner-operating, you'll save that cost, but you'll need to be realistic about your own skill level and availability.
The trade-off is capability. The Argo is a tool that expands your range and compresses your timeline. It's the difference between spending half your weekend in transit and spending it at anchor. For the right owner, that's worth the operating cost. For someone who uses the boat six times a year, it's not.
Resale is another consideration. Riva holds value better than most production builders, but the 90-footer market is thin. You're looking at a 12-to-18-month sales cycle when it's time to move on. Plan accordingly.
Where to Start
The Riva 90' Argo is a serious boat for serious operators. It's fast, well-built, and thoughtfully designed. It's also expensive to buy and expensive to run. If you're ready for that conversation, it's one of the best options in the 90-foot flybridge class.
Explore full specifications at YachtSpecsDirect.com
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