Riva 88 Florida, an open class convertible yacht

riva-88_floridaThe Riva 88 Florida is one of the latest open class yachts by Riva: she features the same profile as previous classic Riva models and the same open cockpit.  Her great innovation is the retractable hard top that transforms her into a coupe thanks to an innovative mechanism exclusively patented by the Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department.
Simply pushing a button, two 9-foot metal arms from the sides of the hull, lift and carry a carbon-fiber section from the bow and set it on top of the windshield, forming a sealed hard top. The bow section not covered by the hard top becomes a lounge area.
“We wanted to retain the pure design elements of the open yacht,” says Andrea Frabetti, director of R&D for the Ferretti Group. “That means that the lines must be symmetrical across the entire boat—the cockpit, windshield, and bow—either when the top is up, or when it is not in view.”
With the top open, a comfortable lounge on the forward cockpit and a large sunbed aft make the 88 ideal for tropical climates like South Florida, while the coupe makes it suitable also in more temperate areas.
The 88 Florida features a generous lower deck, hosting a full-beam master suite, two double VIP cabins, and a stateroom. The center salon also has a large lounge with a galley and bar.
The harmonious speedboat also boasts an incredible performance: she is able to reach a top speed of  40.5 knots.