Yacht comparison
Pershing vs Riva
Pershing and Riva are sister brands within the Ferretti Group — but they target completely different buyer profiles. Pershing is the high-performance open yacht for owners who value 38-knot top speeds and Cannes-to-Saint-Tropez sprints; Riva is the craftsmanship-focused luxury icon for owners who want timeless styling, hand-finished mahogany, and the brand heritage that goes back to 1842.
A
Pershing
Performance open
Pros
- Genuinely fast — top speeds 40+ knots achievable
- Surface drive technology (Arneson) for high-performance hulls
- Iconic wraparound saloon glazing
- Active second-hand market for Pershing 70-100 series
B
Riva
Italian craftsmanship icon
Pros
- Iconic brand — Riva is one of yachting's most recognized names
- Best-in-class interior craftsmanship (mahogany, glass, leather)
- Strong resale value — Riva holds value better than any other Italian brand
- Modern Riva range (88 Folgore, Corsaro) competes at superyacht level
Spec comparison
Pershing vs Riva, side by side.
| Dimension | Pershing | Riva |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1981 (Mondolfo) | 1842 (Sarnico) |
| Format | Open/hardtop performance | Open + flybridge superyacht |
| Top speed | 38-50 knots | 28-40 knots |
| Range focus | Short-cruise weekending | Mediterranean cruising + lifestyle |
| Signature models | Pershing 5X, 8X, GTX116 | Riva Aquariva, 88 Folgore, Corsaro 100 |
| Design house | Fulvio De Simoni | Officina Italiana Design (Mauro Micheli) |
| Buyer profile | Speed enthusiast, weekender | Cruiser, lifestyle, collector |
Ownership costs
Real running costs, compared.
2026 figures based on NewSail closed transactions and operating data from active Mediterranean owners.
| Item | Pershing | Riva |
|---|---|---|
| Annual berthing (Med peak) | €20,000–€50,000 (21m open) | €40,000–€90,000 (30m superyacht) |
| Annual insurance | €10,000–€20,000 | €25,000–€45,000 |
| Annual fuel (active use) | €20,000–€50,000 (high consumption) | €15,000–€40,000 |
| Full-time crew | N/A (typically owner-operated) | €150,000–€280,000 (3-4 crew) |
| 5-year refit cycle | €80,000–€250,000 | €350,000–€700,000 |
Market velocity
Days on market & resale retention.
Average days on market
60-150 days
180-365 days (low velocity, high value)
Average discount from listing
8-15%
5-10% (Riva pricing holds)
Resale 5 years from new
50-60% of original
70-80% of original (best Italian brand)
Owner profile
Who buys which?
Pershing owner
The Pershing owner values speed and the Cannes-to-Saint-Tropez sprint. Often a weekender or short-cruise owner, sometimes alongside a larger second yacht for full-season cruising. Pershing ownership often coincides with peak professional/career stage — 45-65 age bracket.
Riva owner
The Riva owner values craftsmanship and the cultural prestige of the brand. Often a multi-yacht owner or someone for whom yacht ownership is also a collector statement. Cruising profile leans toward longer Mediterranean weeks with full crew. 50+ age bracket typical.
Buying checklist
What to verify before you buy.
- 01Pershing: surface-drive (Arneson) condition — major service item if fitted
- 02Pershing: hydraulic system pressure (helm + steering + platform)
- 03Pershing: hull osmosis check (composite construction of era)
- 04Riva: mahogany interior integrity and original finishes (collector premium)
- 05Riva: full-stabilizer service history (Quantum or Naiad)
- 06Riva: generator + watermaker hours (8-10k cycle)
- 07Both: MTU diesel overhaul records — engine cost dominates refit budget
- 08Both: electronics generation (radar, plotter, communication suite)
NewSail verdict
Which to buy?
Pershing for the speed-focused owner who wants Cannes-to-Saint-Tropez in 30 minutes and the open-format weekender experience. Riva for the craftsmanship-focused owner who wants timeless styling, cultural prestige, and stronger long-term resale. Both Ferretti Group brands, both with mature service. Different lifestyles — both legitimate.
Other comparisons
Continue exploring.
Speak with a broker
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