Riva Iseo Super: the new style of elegance
by Riva 8 Feb 02:00 AEDT
The new Riva Iseo Super, which made her world premiere at boot Düsseldorf 2025, embodies the perfect combination of heritage and innovation.
Evolving the successful model launched in 2011, this 27-foot runabout features Riva's hallmark timeless elegance, combined with technology and style solutions that refresh the legend.
The result of the same innovative design approach that created Riva El-Iseo - the brand's first full electric boat presented exactly a year ago at BOOT Düsseldorf 2024 - the new Iseo Super enriches the range of open yachts under 9 metres, offering engine solutions to meet the needs of every owner: from the silent elegance of electric motors to the power of internal combustion propulsion systems.
Like all Riva creations in the last thirty years, the new Riva Iseo Super is penned by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of Officina Italiana Design, the studio that exclusively designs all Riva yachts, working in partnership with the Strategic Product Committee chaired by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department.
Iseo Super expresses the refinement running through all Riva models, from the most compact runabouts to 70-metre-plus superyachts: every line and detail reflect master craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, from the high-gloss mahogany covering the deck and stern platform to the sophisticated new hull colour, Vulcan Grey, which joins the brand's exclusive palette.
An elegant 27-foot (8.24 m) runabout with a maximum beam of 2.5 m, the new Riva Iseo Super has the signature style features of the models to which the brand owes its iconic status - such as the high-gloss striped mahogany treated with 24 coats of varnish, the steel detailing in the form of the side grilles, and the aquamarine waterline - in perfect harmony with various new developments that improve both on-board liveability and cruising performance. The windscreen has been completely renewed and is now produced with the typical counter-curvature that has become one of the most recognisable features of Riva boats, giving the yacht a dynamic, spirited look.
The design of the helm station is modern and linear too, with a 9-inch Volvo Penta chartplotter display for navigation, placed in a symmetrical position between the analogue helm to the right and the storage compartment to the left; the helm is also available in a digital version with a 12-inch Böning screen. Under the storage compartment - which also contains a USB socket, an SD reader and the sound system control panel - is the drawer fridge, while there's a large locker for the fenders under the plotter.
The new features in the cockpit are a completely redesigned dinette that's larger than the previous version, thanks to clever optimisation of the space behind the helm station: the new design features an elegant U-shaped sofa, upholstered in waterproof Sky fabric coordinated with the hull colour chosen by the owner. The sofa is integrated with an electric up-down table that can be hidden under the cushions when not in use, becoming an integral part of the seat. On the opposite side, another storage area maximises the space available. Behind the sofa back is the stowable hand-operated bimini top, while the engine room is in the stern under the sunpad upholstered in the same Sky fabric as the dinette cushions.
Riva Iseo Super retains the traditional sterndrive propulsion system and is fitted with a hydraulic gearbox that improves the engine sound by eliminating noisy gear changes. In the standard version, Riva Iseo Super is equipped with a Volvo Penta D4-300A engine - a diesel unit delivering 300 HP (221 kW) at 3,500 rpm - paired with an Aquamatic DP-I duoprop sterndrive that powers Iseo to a cruising speed of 33 knots and a top speed of 38 knots (preliminary data). Two optional petrol engines are available as an alternative: Volvo Penta V8 350 CE - 355 HP (261 kW) at 5,800 rpm - paired with a high-performance DP-S duoprop sterndrive (cruising speed 36 knots and top speed 41 knots), and Volvo Penta V8 - 305 HP (224 kW) at 5,800 rpm - also with the DP-S duoprop sterndrive, which complies with Lake Constance requirements and powers Iseo Super to a cruising speed of 33 knots and a top speed of 38 knots (preliminary data). For maximum stabilization under way, Riva Iseo Super has autotrim control for the sterndrive engine and a Zipwake interceptor for trim correction.
Another innovative solution available to owners of this fantastic runabout is the boat cover based on automotive design to ensure maximum hull protection. The cover is made from double-layer waterproof technical material, which has an external layer to protect against the weather and a breathable wool inner layer that absorbs moisture and keeps the boat in optimum conditions when moored.