The Riva name began on Lake Iseo in 1842 when Pietro Riva established his boatyard. Always as a family business and initially to repair fishing boats that had been damaged in storms. This enabled Pietro to gain the support and trust of the fishermen and also to develop his own working boats either for transportation or as lake fishing vessels. Not until the 1920’s did Serafino Riva begin to develop and produce and race his own tiny racing motor boats, but already the Riva name and reputation was growing.
The family business continued through the power boat era’s of the 20’s and 30’s entering mass production with Carlo Riva in the 1950’s and finally change of ownership in 1969.
During the time of Carlo Riva the style elegance and quality of the boats were resulting in world wide reputation to the extent that the boats began to enjoy the patronage of many glamorous film stars, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Fonda and Anita Ekberg amongst others. La Dolce Vita epitomised both the boats and the lifestyles.
The Aquarama has been judged in a ranking by Boat International Magazine as the all-time most beautiful boat . It is the Jaguar E Type equivalent of the water world.Powered by 2 x 220 HP engines the boat can reach a top speed of 40.5 knots.
On test 
At home 
Aquarama on Lake Garda
For those interested in the current world of Riva I recommend their website
The current day yachts which more closely resemble the motorboats of yesteryear are the 27 ft Iseo which at 300 HP will give you a cruise speed of 36 knots. Lake Iseo is the fourth largest lake in Lombardy so it will take a mere 42 minutes to get from one end to the other.
The beautifully sleek Aquariva Super at 33 ft and 370 HP will take the same time but you get the benefit of a cabin and bathroom en route.
Rivamare at 39 ft and 400 HP will cruise at 31 knots giving 8 passengers even more time to enjoy the lakeside scenery.
