The arrival of a California Coast Yachts branch to Seattle brings with it the Italian luxury yacht conglomerate, the Ferretti Group Yachts. Among the brands associated with the Ferretti Group is Riva, and the new Riva Iseo currently in stock on Lake Union is a great example of what the company offers. The Iseo is in essence a Euro-luxury ski boat with many details that invoke a sports car. The sport-car design of the helm was an obvious attention grabber when we stepped aboard, complete with upholstered helm and big, brassy analogue displays on the dash. The mahogany deck looked phenomenal and is definitely a level above the typical day boat. A generous swim step, complete with foldable ladder, and a stern sunning area with retractable stowage space are also prominent features. An electrically deployed bimini top will be appreciated for unexpected rain, and is not even noticeable when stowed.
The good looks and sleek design are propelled by a standard Yanmar 260 inboard diesel engine. The manufacturer claims maximum speeds of 36 knots and suggest a 30-knot cruise speed. A full crew of six should be able to go 250 nautical miles on a full tank, which pretty much opens up most of the destinations of Puget Sound. Of course, the Iseo can be popped on a trailer, which is not only great for maintenance and storage, but also opens up jaw-dropping inland cruising grounds like Lake Chelan for the owner.
Riva boats, which previously were not even sold in the Pacific Northwest, seem here to stay. If you’re interested in the Riva Iseo, it is currently listed locally with California Coast Yachts, the West Coast’s only dealer for Ferretti Group Yachts, for $545,350. You can learn more at californiacoastyachts.com.
