Riva Bravo 38 1981 Motor Boat for Sale in Mallorca

This 1981 Riva Bravo 38 offers an appealing opportunity to acquire a classic Italian-built motor boat with practical dimensions, straightforward systems, and strong potential for enjoyable private cruising in the Mediterranean. Currently located in Mallorca, Spain, and presented with Polish registration, the vessel comes with documentation reported to be in proper order and the next official inspection scheduled for 2026. Measuring 11.67 metres in length overall with a 3.80-metre beam, she reflects the solid and proven construction standards associated with traditional European fiberglass motorboats of her era. Her planing hull form supports stable handling and efficient coastal performance, while the manageable size makes her particularly attractive to buyers seeking an accessible motor yacht without the higher maintenance complexity of larger vessels.

Construction, Hull Form and General Layout
This model presents a practical exterior arrangement built around usability and uncomplicated ownership. The hull is constructed in fiberglass, providing durability, relatively low maintenance demands, and a structure well suited to leisure cruising and coastal navigation. The deck configuration is straightforward and functional, with a cockpit area designed for outdoor enjoyment, line handling, and day-to-day use, while the protected helm and saloon arrangement support comfort underway and at rest. Teak-style finishes and sensible deck fittings contribute to the yacht’s classic appearance and onboard practicality. Although formal classification details and displacement figures are not specified, the vessel still stands as a realistic and honest resale prospect for buyers who value strong fundamentals, classic styling, and room for further cosmetic refinement.

Performance and Engineering
Power comes from twin inboard Cummins diesel engines producing a combined output of 640 horsepower. These 4-stroke, fuel-injected engines are paired with a shaft-drive propulsion system, a setup widely respected for durability, serviceability, and dependable thrust delivery. Shaft propulsion remains a preferred choice for many buyers because of its mechanical simplicity and strong long-term reliability compared with more complex alternatives. The yacht is capable of a cruising speed of around 18 knots and a maximum speed of approximately 28 knots, giving her a useful balance between performance and fuel economy for short to medium coastal runs. Fuel capacity is listed at 900 litres, while freshwater storage reaches 400 litres, supporting day use and short cruising stays with practical autonomy. Engine hours are not currently available, and the yacht is openly described as requiring standard engine servicing together with attention to a fuel leak in one of the tanks, which gives prospective buyers a transparent view of the mechanical work to be addressed.

Accommodation and Onboard Comfort
The Riva Bravo 38 is arranged to accommodate up to 8 persons onboard, with sleeping arrangements for 4 guests, making her suitable for family cruising, weekend outings, or use by a small private group. Inside, the saloon includes a table for dining, relaxing, or social use, while the galley is equipped with a 12V electric system and refrigerator to support essential onboard meal preparation and refreshments. A shower and marine-compliant WC provide the basic facilities needed for practical overnight use. On deck, a sun awning, additional canopy, and mooring cover improve weather protection and usability in both summer and lay-up conditions. The inclusion of a pneumatic dinghy extends shore-access flexibility, while the electric windlass simplifies anchoring procedures. Other onboard equipment includes a radio CD-TV system, battery charger, and three bilge pumps, together forming a sound base for safe and enjoyable leisure boating.

Navigation, Systems and Current Condition
Navigation equipment is focused on core essentials and includes a depth sounder and VHF radio for safe coastal communication and monitoring. Electrical support includes a 220V shore power connection, battery charging capability, and onboard distribution suited to the scale of the vessel. Plumbing and safety support systems include freshwater storage, pumping arrangements, and bilge management through three bilge pumps. The vessel is currently out of the water, winterized, and under supervision, which creates a practical window for inspection, servicing, and any maintenance works before relaunch. The hull and underwater body reportedly require cosmetic attention, including repair of minor impact marks and general aesthetic refinishing, especially in the cockpit area. This means the yacht is best viewed as a solid classic motor boat with clear strengths, honest condition disclosure, and scope for a buyer to improve presentation and long-term value.

Ownership Potential and Buying Perspective
For buyers seeking a recognizable classic motor boat with reliable shaft-drive diesel propulsion, manageable ownership size, and straightforward documentation, this Riva Bravo 38 represents a credible opportunity. She combines an established model name with practical Mediterranean cruising capability and enough onboard equipment to begin enjoying the vessel after the necessary servicing and repairs are completed. A professional survey, mechanical inspection, and sea trial should be treated as essential steps before purchase, particularly in relation to the fuel system, engine servicing requirements, and cosmetic hull work. Once those items are properly assessed, this yacht has the potential to become a rewarding private-use boat for coastal cruising around Spain and beyond. Serious buyers looking for a realistically presented classic with room for personalization should place this one on their shortlist and move promptly to inspection.