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1987 Riva Superamerica 50 Review

Discussion in 'Riva Yacht' started by Hugh redmond, Aug 6, 2018.

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  1. Hugh redmond, Aug 6, 2018
    #1
    Hugh redmond

    Hugh redmond New Member

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    Hi all wondering if anyone has sailing experience with this boat? How does it perform in choppy waters? What is the diesel consumption at low revs? Is this boat suitable for year round living in a colder climate? Is the heating system efficient and effective?
  2. Liam, Aug 6, 2018
    #2
    Liam

    Liam Senior Member

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    Riva made three versions of the 50 SuperAmerica.
    1. 50 Superamerica standard is recognizable by a steel pole grey painted radar arch and bathing platform is in teak. This was produced from 1982 to 84. This model followed the 48 Superamerica.
    2. 50 Superamerica Special. radar arch is integrated and GRP, and also bathing platform is also fiberglass. 1985 to 1987
    These had 420hp Cummins.
    Then from 1987 to 1990 came the 50 SuperAmerica HP (High Performance) with 2 x 510hp regonziable by the stripes on the side profile windows.

    Good seakeeping altough the hull is an extension and modification of the 42 SuperAmerica born in 1974.
    You looking at around around 8 liters per nm at cruise speed of about 23 knots cruise.
    For two persons it can be okay to live aboard. More to that I would say it is tight.
    Heating system is the least of your problems of what you are looking if does not have it you can easily upgrade it.
  3. Hugh redmond, Aug 6, 2018
    #3
    Hugh redmond

    Hugh redmond New Member

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    Hi Liam really appreciate the information. Would you know if Cummins engines are well known, reliable and easy to service? Any idea if the boat has any insulation built in?
  4. Capt Ralph, Aug 6, 2018
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Liam spent some time trying to helpful and explain the different models.
    What model are you inquiring about?
  5. Liam, Aug 7, 2018
    #5
    Liam

    Liam Senior Member

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    Those Cummins are thought to be bullet proof if correctly maintained. If the engines have been not used for some time I would still suggest a bit of work to them; like injector and fuel pump checking and cooling system clean up.
    We have half a dozen 42 Superamerica's plus another half a dozen other SuperAmerica (45/48/50/50 Special) locally and all are still running as good as ever and interesting all reach to the top speeds documented by the builder of 28 knots.
    Which is impressive considering a 42 SuperAmerica weighs about 15 t loaded and is powered by only 370hp Cummins, which for today standard is considered not a lot.

    As for sound isolation the Superamerica was considered a silent boat for its period, though it does remain a 70 and 80s boat. You can improve on that.
  6. YachtForums, Aug 7, 2018
    #6
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    I'll second Liam's motion on Cummins reliability, although I'm not sure if they are bullet proof. I never tried shooting one. ;)
  7. Hugh redmond, Aug 7, 2018
    #7
    Hugh redmond

    Hugh redmond New Member

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    Gentlemen, many thanks for your comments. I am looking at a Superamerica 50 HP. I have just learnt that the engines are twin MAN 500. Is there an easy way to figure out hourly diesel consumption? I also will need to clonsider road transportation and wonder if you have any recommendations on a fair and reliable transportation company based in Italy. I have been informed that any retroactive insulation can be very expensive. Any thoughts appreciated.

    Ps no immediate plans to fire bulletts hoping the MAN engines are reliable as I understand they were rebuilt
  8. Liam, Aug 8, 2018
    #8
    Liam

    Liam Senior Member

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    See above re 50 HP. Only made with Mans 510hp. But it does 30/31 knots.
    Depends how much sound insulation you want to make.
    It is obvious if you want to do a whole new engine room it is costly as it means removing and installing back a lot of stuff.
    The most that needs upgrade in these kind of boats are in the liner and the bulk heads looking into the cabin.
  9. aqua viva, Aug 4, 2019
    #9
    aqua viva

    aqua viva New Member

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    Recently bought a Riva Super America 0 and was wondering if anyone knows where i can purchase an owners manual. The boat came without any literature and would appreciate any help as boat needs some work.