Rivale 52

The Riva Rivale 52 is, for me, one of the few yachts where the words "design icon" are no exaggeration. Since the 1950s, Riva has been building boats you do not buy because you need a boat, but because you want this boat — and the Rivale line is the open, sporty interpretation of that tradition. This 2004 example lies in Palma de Mallorca and is in a condition that makes you forget the years.

At 16.35 metres long and 4.60 metres wide, the Rivale 52 is an open day cruiser in the grand format: a long, low line, plenty of mahogany and teak character, and a cockpit made for seeing and being seen between Puerto Portals and Formentera. There is room for up to ten people on board; below deck is the carefully appointed cabin typical of a Riva, for overnight stays and day trips in style.

What makes this boat special is its care history. Close to €100,000 has been invested in the vessel in recent years — the technology, the looks, the cosmetics and the complete teak were renewed two years ago. The two engines with a combined 1,800 hp were fully overhauled a few years back and have run only around 200 hours since. With a classic Riva model, that is the value that makes the difference between "project" and "ready to go".

The equipment includes everything you need for relaxed summer days: air conditioning, generator, galley with ceramic hob, fridge and microwave, a complete navigation and radio suite (GPS, radar, chartplotter, autopilot, VHF), shore power, anchor windlass, bathing-platform shower, teak cockpit and bimini top. The underwater hull carries fresh antifouling.

One point I highlight in particular: the berth in Palma can, on request, be taken over from the harbour — in a city where berths of this size are in short supply, that is a value of its own. The purchase price of €590,000 is with EU VAT paid.

The Rivale 52 is a classic that holds its value — not a boat you buy and give away at a loss three years later. If you are considering the purchase, I will organise the viewing in Palma and guide you through the sea trial, handover and re-registration. Contact me directly.