Imagine a megayacht with a removable hardtop that doubles as a cover for a foredeck cockpit. It’s a real—and patented—technology aboard the Riva 88 Florida, which just made her global premiere to a select invitees list in Monaco. The yacht can go from being a coupe-style maxi to an open maxi in a matter of seconds.
The Riva 88 Florida was known as the Riva 88 Miami while in build. Measuring 88’1” (26.84 meters), she’s the first megayacht—perhaps first yacht of any size—to feature this type of convertible functionality. Two hydraulically powered arms maneuver the hardtop/foredeck cover. Sensors keep crew and guests safe during operations, since it can be moved while the Riva 88 Florida is underway. The captain can further monitor operations via a touch-screen display at the helm.
Here’s how the Riva 88 Florida converts. When covering the foredeck dining/relaxing area, the top gets lifted up by two hydraulically operated arms that deploy from the sides of the superstructure. The arms rotate back until the top is placed over the windscreen and forward of the roll bar. The top then latches into the windscreen and further gets secured by the roll bar. The crew can then disconnect the arms, allowing them to automatically retract into the superstructure.
While the convertible top is a huge highlight of the Riva 88 Florida, the megayacht has other attractions, too. The tender garage lets a PWC and tender up to about 13 feet (4 meters) lower into the water for easier launch and retrieval. Accommodations for eight in the owner’s party are below decks. They’re arranged around a central second saloon. The master, down three steps, makes the most of the 20’4” (6.22-meter) beam. As for decor materials, hull number one of the Riva 88 Florida features elm wood treated to look and feel like peach skin. Abundant leather, white and blue lacquered surfaces, and LEDs also feature prominently.
This being a Riva, the 88 Florida has sunpads from which to enjoy plenty of wind in your hair. Riva says the yacht tops out at 38.5 knots and cruises at 24 knots under standard power, twin MTU 16V 2000 M93s. With optional MTU 16V 2000 M94s, the Riva 88 Florida should see a 40.5-knot maximum speed and 35-knot cruise. Regardless of engine package, range remains beneath 350 nautical miles for the noted speeds… but still plenty enough to island hop or enjoy some coastal cruises.
You’ll get to see the Riva 88 Florida at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. We’ll have a full Megayacht News Onboard review shortly thereafter. In the meantime, here’s a good look at her:
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