Riva 82’ Diva Review: Italian Flybridge with Express Credentials

“The 82’ Diva is Riva’s answer to buyers who want flybridge space but refuse to drive something that looks like a floating apartment building. The hull is new, the V12 package is proven, and the 28-knot cruise speed is real. Build quality is where Riva separates from the pack—65 dB(A) at 22 knots in the master cabin tells you everything about how this boat is put together. The Officina Italiana Design team delivered a profile that reads more express than flybridge, and the fold-down quarter platforms add function without compromising the lines. This is a serious boat with serious performance.

This boat makes sense for owners who plan to keep a captain but want to stay involved in the driving. The single-seat lower helm and crew quarters with side-deck access support a professional operation without turning the boat into a charter yacht. If you’re coming from a 60-foot sportfish or a 70-foot express and you need more guest space, the Diva gives you four cabins and a flybridge without asking you to give up speed. If you’re looking for 400-mile range or offshore capability in rough water, this isn’t your boat. The 300-nautical-mile range at 26 knots is honest but not generous, and the minimal handholds tell you this was designed for calm water and short hops.

Resale on the 82’ Diva will track with the broader Riva range, which means strong but not exceptional. The brand has a loyal following in South Florida and the Med, and the build quality supports long-term value better than Azimut or Ferretti at this price point. Expect 20–30 percent depreciation in the first three years, then slower decline. Operating costs will run $200K–$300K annually with crew, and fuel burn at 27 knots is roughly 120 gallons per hour. If you’re planning to run this boat hard, budget for it. The market for 80-foot flybridges is competitive, but the Diva’s performance and design give it an edge with buyers who care about how their boat looks at speed.”