Blog | Yacht Comparison Between Riva 68 and Princess 72

Those in the market for express style sport yachts should consider both the Italian-made Riva 68 for sale and the UK-built Princess 72 for sale. Both offer great styling and performance on the sea in a three-stateroom layout, but there are some differences that potential owners should note.

Riva 68

A member of the Ferretti Group since 2000, family-owned Riva produces lines over 65 feet in La Spezia, Italy. They have a reputation for timeless elegance, status, and perfection matched by exquisite attention to detail. Riva’s modern and contemporary exterior looks make them instantly recognizable, and interior designs sport colors produced exclusively for this luxury yacht maker. The expression of skilled Italian style and artisanship is witnessed in the furnishings and accessories that make Rivas icons of luxury. Riva has continued its evolution in luxury yachts with its 68 as a superior blend of comfort, design, reliability, and performance.

Innovations in the cockpit have created a reclining sofa that allows those on board to lounge in two positions: facing the stern or the salon. The teak table and another large sofa accommodate up to six in this open-air salon with a double sun- roof above the helm creating asporty feel when cruising. Protection is made possible by an electric awning and a closing of the cockpit with glass doors to the living area. Even a mini-Bimini top offers electric shade over the forward sun bed. A central stairway leads down to the lower deck salon and galley outfitted in very modern interior furnishings and design.

Large windows bring sea light and coastal colors into interior spaces. Of note are a sunroof on the bow and the large window in the hull next to the full-beam master astern which provides views from the water’s surface. En-suite heads are present in both the master and bow VIP cabin. A guest cabin with twin beds has access to a day head located amidships starboard. An independent crew cabin with its own en-suite head is located astern with access from the cockpit. Options on this vessel show a fourth cabin instead of dining area.

PLC technology-based Gi8 controls on-board systems and manages and monitors all of the services. The Riva 68 is powered by two, MTU 10V 2000 M 94 engines (1,623 mhp), pushing her to max speeds of 39 knots (235 nautical mile range) and a cruising speed of 35 knots (265 nautical mile range). She carries 951 gallons of fuel. Her LOA is 68’4” with a beam of 17’11” (almost 1’ greater than the Princess 72), and she draws 6’1” (almost double that of the Princess) displacing 92,594 lbs.

Princess 72

UK-built Princess is known for timeless elegance, impeccable quality building, expert handling, exquisite interiors, and immaculate craftsmanship. Princess is a brand of distinction in luxury motoryacht design and construction. A pleasure to drive and easy to live aboard, Princess Yachts boast muscular deep V hulls, clean flowing lines, and refined proportions. Inspired by intelligent design, every detail considers an owner’s needs and desires in cruising—from the helm to the engine room, decks to living spaces. Though still based in England, Princess markets its cruisers in North America through a partnership with Viking Yachts.

Replacing the V70, the V72 enhances Princess’ reputation in modern sport yacht offers. The Princess V72 boasts an extensive outdoor entertainment space with high facilities on the main deck creating an outdoor-indoor experience thanks to the sliding hard top and patio door. The main deck includes a spacious saloon and dining area complemented by triple opening stainless-steel framed doors. The sociable aft cockpit features a U-shaped dining space and wet bar. A foredeck sun bed and additional seating area provides another location for guests to gather. A large sun pad extends over the aft deck which holds the tender garage and twin en-suite crew quarters. An innovative submersible swim platform provides easy access to the water. Down below there are three double cabins (including full beam master) and galley offset with exquisite detailing and generous storage.

The Princess V72 is a top performer and handler outfitted with twin Cats C32 Acert of 1622hp and 1723hp for max speeds of 39 knots with the larger Cat. She measures 73 feet with a beam of 17’8” and an attractive draft of 3’6” for more shallow waters. She displaces 92,593 lbs. and has a fuel capacity of 968 gallons.

Summary

Both the Riva 68 and the Princess 72 express style sport yachts will turn heads and please owners and guests. The Princess 72’s slightly longer length allows for a bit more spaciousness in the main salon and a second berth for aft crew quarters. However, the Riva 68’s wider beam helps compensate for any perceived loss of length. Major differences are noted in the draft—6’1” on the Riva and 3’6” on the Princess