The Aquariva Special: Riva's 33-Foot Answer to the Dayboat Question
The Aquariva Special pairs Riva's Aquarama lineage and real mahogany with modern reliability: a 33-ft dayboat with twin 370-hp Yanmars, 40.5…
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Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 33' 0" (10.07 m) |
| Beam | 9' 2" (2.80 m) |
| Draft | 3' 2" (0.96 m) |
| Displacement | 11,464 lbs unladen (5,200 kg); 14,771 lbs laden (6,700 kg) |
| Engines | Twin Yanmar 8LV-370, 370 hp each |
| Fuel Capacity | 127 US gallons (480 L) |
| Water Capacity | 34 US gallons (130 L) |
| Cabins / Heads | 1 cabin; 8 people on board |
| Max Speed | 40.5 knots |
| Cruise Speed | 36 knots (155 nm range at cruising speed) |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Riva. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 11, 2026.
Part of the Riva Open series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- Twin Yanmar 8LV diesels deliver 40.5 knots top speed and 36 knots cruise with electronic shift and shaft drive, outperforming most 33-foot dayboats in reliability and range
- Cockpit layout prioritizes usable space over cabin volume, with seating for eight and a swim platform integrated into the hull rather than bolted on as an afterthought
- Riva's Aquarama lineage translates to stronger resale values than comparable production dayboats, with the mahogany-and-GRP construction holding appeal in the pre-owned market
Our Take
The Aquariva Special is one of the few boats under 35 feet where the build quality justifies the price. Riva didn't cut corners on the hull laminate or the hardware, and the twin Yanmar setup is bulletproof if you maintain it. The 40-knot top speed is real, not optimistic, and the hull handles following seas better than most deep-V designs in this size range. The mahogany deck is a commitment, but it's the reason this boat looks like a half-million-dollar yacht instead of a $200,000 runabout.
This boat is for the owner who will use it 30 to 50 days a year and keep it maintained between trips. It's not for the buyer looking for a floating condo or someone who wants to take six couples out for the weekend. The single cabin is functional but minimal, and the 34-gallon water capacity tells you everything you need to know about Riva's priorities. If you're looking for a dayboat that runs hard, looks right, and doesn't require a crew, this is the short list.
Resale on Aquariva models has been strong over the past decade, especially in European and South Florida markets where the Riva name carries weight. Expect to hold 60 to 70 percent of your purchase price after five years if you keep hours under 300 and maintain the cosmetics. The mahogany deck condition will make or break resale value, so budget for proper care or plan to refinish before listing. Parts availability through the Ferretti Group network is solid, and most Yanmar service centers can handle the engine work without needing factory support..
Official Riva Premiere: Inside the Riva Aquariva Special
Video courtesy of Riva.
Riva Aquariva Special Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Riva.
Riva Aquariva Special Articles & Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aquariva Special related to the Riva Aquarama?
Directly, by Riva's own account. The Aquariva Special is the first model to carry the "Special" designation since the Aquarama itself, and Riva describes it as a restyling of the Aquariva with the sleek, elegant lines that made the original a style icon. The construction is modern — fibreglass rather than mahogany hull — but the proportions and the intent are quoted deliberately. Riva also runs a separate Riva Classiche programme for the historic boats.
Can you sleep on a Riva Aquariva Special?
Riva's technical block lists one cabin, and the boat carries eight people aboard with 34 gallons of fresh water. That water capacity tells you the intended use more plainly than anything else: this is a day boat with somewhere to lie down, not a weekender. Worth knowing that Riva's own layout selector for the model labels the single available configuration "No cabin", which contradicts its technical block. Ask your dealer which arrangement a specific hull was built to.
How fast is the Riva Aquariva Special?
40.5 knots flat out and 36 knots at cruise, with 155 nautical miles of range at that cruise. Those are Riva's own published figures. There is one engine package — twin Yanmar 8LV-370 diesels at 370 hp each — so unlike most of the Riva range there is no option to weigh up and only one set of numbers to check. It is the fastest boat Riva builds.