Riva sees an 'opening' in the market

We've been banging on about the potential for better use of the foredeck on big boats for some time. Meantime, developments in convertible lids have continued apace. Now the innovative Italian designers at Ferretti have combined the two and come up with a new solution that converts their latest, lithe and oh-so-luxe Miami 88 super yacht from an Open to Coupe in one snappy move.

The cool patented convertible top turns from a concealed lid over the foredeck bow seating lunch area into a hardtop for the helm and cockpit via large push-button rams. The integrated and multi-use device is reminiscent of some modern hard-top convertible motor vehicles in its stylish function.
And it offers owners a range of ways to enjoy their boat.

Check out the video.

Meantime, the new Riva 88’ Miami measures 26.70m (87ft 7in) in overall length and has 6.20m (20ft 4in) full beam. Hull  # 1 is scheduled to be completed and launched by the end of 2014, with its official world premiere scheduled in the first months of 2015.

"The idea of the convertible hard top is a success both from a technical and a stylistic point of view," said designer Mauro Micheli. 

"Thanks to the collaboration with AYT&D (Ferretti’s R&D arm), the hard top has turned into an invisible element from the side, which can display its major function covering the outer living area," added Micheli.

Convertible Top is the name of the innovative system. "Convertible" because it can be transformed into an open or a coupé with one single and easy movement, says Riva. The convertible top offers three different functions in one system because it can be moved into three different positions.

An electro-hydraulic pantograph driving two pairs of arms, one pair for each side, are hooked to the top itself, facilitating the hard top movement.

Once the hard top has been hooked to the windshield and the targa top covering the cockpit, the two pairs of mechanical arms can be detached and put back in their lockers.

Beside the two functions mentioned, a third intermediate one can be used when the yacht is anchored or moored. The hard top, once it has been hooked to the mechanical arms, can be turned into a hard bimini top of around 12sqm covering the forward dinette and offering sun protection for guests.

Although Riva has patented the Convertible Top system, we’re pretty sure that other manufacturers will sit up and take notice and that copy-cat systems in various guises will start popping up all over the place.