The Riva 90' Argo Review: Italian Speed Meets Flybridge Practicality
Riva's 90' Argo marries Italian design and flybridge practicality with sportboat performance—30-knot top speed, 300-mile range, main-deck ga…
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Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 93' 6" (28.49 m) |
| Beam | 21' 4" (6.50 m) |
| Draft | 7' 1" (2.15 m) |
| Displacement | 187,393 lbs unladen (85,000 kg); 216,053 lbs laden (98,000 kg) |
| Engines | Twin MTU 12V 2000 M96X, 2,000 hp each; twin MTU 16V 2000 M84, 2,218 hp each; or twin MTU 16V 2000 M96, 2,435 hp each |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,298 US gallons (8,700 L) |
| Water Capacity | 349 US gallons (1,320 L) |
| Cabins / Heads | 4 cabins + 2 crew cabins; 5 bathrooms + 2 crew bathrooms; 20 people on board |
| Max Speed | 26.5 knots (12V 2000 M96X); 28 knots (16V 2000 M84); 30 knots (16V 2000 M96) |
| Cruise Speed | 22.5 knots, 320 nm range (M96X); 24 knots, 300 nm range (M84); 26 knots, 300 nm range (M96) |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Riva. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 11, 2026.
Part of the Riva Flybridge series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- Twin MTU 16V 2000 M96 engines deliver 30-knot top speed and 26-knot cruise, putting the Argo in the top tier for flybridge performance in the 90-foot class
- Full-beam owner's suite amidships with four guest cabins and proper crew quarters aft—layout prioritizes separation and privacy over gimmicks
- Main-deck galley and open salon design create functional flow for owner-operators and crewed programs alike, a rare balance in this size range
Our Take
The Argo is one of the better-executed flybridges in the 90-foot range. Riva's build quality is consistent, and the MTU 16V package is proven. The hull design handles South Florida chop well, and the systems are straightforward enough that an experienced owner can operate without full-time crew. The finish is a step above most production builders, but you're paying for that. The boat does what it promises, which is more than you can say for half the market.
This is a boat for someone who actually uses their yacht. If you're running to the Bahamas monthly, doing long weekends in the Keys, or moving between seasonal locations, the Argo makes sense. It's not for the owner who wants a floating condo or someone who only takes the boat out for special occasions. The operating costs are too high to justify occasional use. You need to be putting 100-plus hours on the engines annually to make the economics work.
Resale is slower than smaller Rivas, but the brand holds value better than most. Expect 12 to 18 months to sell when the time comes, and be prepared to negotiate. Maintenance costs are predictable if you stay on top of service intervals. The MTU engines are bulletproof if you run them hard and service them properly. Budget $100,000 annually for upkeep, more if you're running with crew. The Argo is a tool, not a toy. Treat it like one, and it will deliver..
Watch Our Riva 90' Argo Reviews
Official Riva Premiere: Inside the Riva 90' Argo
Video courtesy of Riva.
Riva 90' Argo Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Riva.
Riva 90' Argo Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which of the Riva 90' Argo's three engine options has the longest range?
The smallest one, which is not what most buyers expect. The base MTU 12V 2000 M96X at 2,000 hp a side gives 26.5 knots, a 22.5-knot cruise and 320 nautical miles of range. Both bigger engines — the 16V 2000 M84 at 2,218 hp and the 16V 2000 M96 at 2,435 hp — give 300 nautical miles. If you cruise rather than sprint, the cheapest package in the Argo range is also the one that goes furthest.
How many bathrooms does the Riva 90' Argo have?
Five, plus two in the crew quarters, alongside four cabins and two crew cabins for twenty people aboard. Five guest bathrooms against four cabins is generous for the size and it is the clearest difference between the Argo and the 82' Diva below it, which shares the same four-cabin, two-crew-cabin arrangement in a shorter hull.
How long is the Riva 90' Argo?
93 feet 6 inches. Riva names its boats in feet but the names are not the lengths, and the Argo is the largest discrepancy in the range at three and a half feet over its name. The same applies elsewhere: the 102' Corsaro Super measures 99'3" and the 130' Bellissima measures 131'3". Use the real figure when you are quoting for a berth or setting up insurance.