The Riva 88' Folgore: When Italian Design Meets 38-Knot Reality
Riva's 88' Folgore redefines the sportfly: twin MTU 16V 2000s for a 38 kt top and a 32 kt cruise, full-beam owner's suite, hydraulic transom…
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Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 88' 4" (26.92 m) |
| Beam | 20' 8" (6.31 m) |
| Draft | 6' 6" (1.97 m) |
| Displacement | 154,324 lbs unladen (70,000 kg); 180,779 lbs laden (82,000 kg) |
| Engines | Twin MTU 16V 2000 M96, 2,435 hp each; or twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L, 2,638 hp each — V-drive |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,113 US gallons (8,000 L) |
| Water Capacity | 317 US gallons (1,200 L) |
| Cabins / Heads | 4 cabins + 2 crew cabins; 20 people on board |
| Max Speed | 36 knots (MTU 16V 2000 M96); 38 knots (MTU 16V 2000 M96L) |
| Cruise Speed | 30 knots, 350 nm range (M96); 32 knots, 340 nm range (M96L) |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Riva. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 11, 2026.
Part of the Riva Sportfly series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- Twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L diesels delivering Riva's published 38 knots top speed and a 32-knot cruise with 340 nm of range, outpacing most flybridge yachts in this size range without sacrificing interior volume
- Redesigned stern concept with hydraulic transom door and proper tender garage, solving the beach-club problem that plagues most sportfly layouts under 90 feet
- Full-beam owner's suite positioned amidships with four guest cabins and separate crew quarters, offering true liveaboard capability without the compromises typical of performance-oriented hulls
Our Take
The Folgore represents Riva's most successful attempt at balancing performance with livability in the sub-90-foot sportfly segment. The build quality is excellent, with carbon fiber reinforcement in high-stress areas and a hull layup that prioritizes stiffness over weight savings. The MTU M96 engines are proven, and the V-drive configuration lowers the center of gravity enough to make a difference in following seas. The helm ergonomics are well thought out for long-distance running, though the exposed flybridge limits all-weather capability compared to enclosed designs.
This boat makes sense for a specific buyer: the experienced owner-operator who values speed and range over crew quarters and formal entertaining space. If you're running Miami to the Bahamas regularly and want the option to make the trip in three hours instead of five, the Folgore delivers. If you're planning to keep a full-time crew and rarely touch the helm yourself, the layout and operating costs don't justify the purchase. The four-cabin configuration works for families, but the twin guest cabins limit flexibility for couples-only trips.
Resale data shows the Folgore holding value better than most Italian sportflies, largely due to limited production numbers and strong brand recognition. Maintenance costs are high but predictable if you stay on top of the MTU service schedule. The real cost is fuel—at 160 gallons per hour at cruise, you need to be comfortable with five-figure fuel bills for extended trips. The market for this boat is narrow, but for the right buyer, it's one of the best-executed sportflies in the 85 to 90-foot range..
Watch Our Riva 88' Folgore Reviews
Official Riva Premiere: Inside the Riva 88' Folgore
Video courtesy of Riva.
Riva 88' Folgore Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Riva.
Riva 88' Folgore Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Riva 88' Folgore have crew accommodation?
Yes — two crew cabins alongside four guest cabins, with twenty people aboard. Two crew cabins is what separates the Folgore from the two smaller Sportfly boats, which carry one each. If you are stepping up from a 76' Perseo Super, the crew provision is the operational change that matters more than the twelve extra feet.
How fast is the Riva 88' Folgore?
36 knots on twin MTU 16V 2000 M96s at 2,435 hp a side, and 38 knots on the M96L at 2,638 hp. Cruise is 30 or 32 knots, with 350 and 340 nautical miles of range respectively. At 38 knots the Folgore is the fastest boat over 80 feet that Riva builds, and one of very few 88-footers anywhere that will run those numbers with four cabins aboard.
What is the range of the Riva 88' Folgore?
350 nautical miles at a 30-knot cruise on the MTU 16V 2000 M96, or 340 nautical miles at 32 knots on the M96L, from 2,113 gallons of fuel. That is Miami to the Abacos in one shot, or Fort Lauderdale to Key West and back without refuelling. Budget from the published range, and ask your dealer for observed gallons-per-hour at cruise in writing.