By Robert Lama, President — Miami International Yacht Sales | Updated August 2026
Pershing, Riva, and Sunseeker are three of the most visually distinctive sport and performance yacht brands available — and they attract very different buyers, despite overlapping in price and size. The buyer who wants a Pershing is rarely the same person who wants a Riva, and the Sunseeker buyer sits somewhere between them in temperament and intent.
After 14 years of representing buyers and sellers of all three brands in Miami and South Florida, here is the honest comparison: what each brand actually is, who it suits, how they perform in the Gulf Stream conditions Miami buyers face regularly, and what the pre-owned market looks like for each in 2026.
📞 Evaluating Pershing, Riva, or Sunseeker in Miami? Call Robert Lama: +1-305-857-8939
Pershing vs Riva vs Sunseeker — Quick Comparison
| Factor | Pershing | Riva | Sunseeker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Italy (Ferretti Group) | Italy (Ferretti Group) | UK (Sunseeker International) |
| Founded | 1981 | 1842 | 1969 |
| Identity | Maximum speed, aggressive styling | Heritage, timeless Italian design | British performance, lifestyle |
| Top Speed | 45–55+ knots (GTX116) | 30–38 knots | 30–40 knots |
| Hull Type | Deep-V, surface drives | Deep-V, conventional drives | Deep-V, IPS/conventional |
| Size Range | 45–140 ft | 27–130 ft | 38–116 ft |
| Pre-owned Entry | $400K+ | $200K+ | $150K+ |
| Resale Value (5yr) | 50–60% | 55–65% (+ heritage premium) | 48–58% |
| Miami Availability | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Best For | Speed, day cruising, performance | Prestige, heritage, entertaining | Value, lifestyle, British design |
Pershing Yachts — Italy’s Fastest Production Brand
Pershing is the performance arm of the Ferretti Group — producing the fastest and most aggressively designed production motor yachts available from any major Italian yard. Founded in 1981 in Mondolfo, Marche, Pershing built its reputation on surface drives and lightweight structures that prioritized one thing above all others: speed.
The brand’s identity is unambiguous. If you buy a Pershing, you are buying speed, visual impact, and Italian engineering applied to maximum performance. Every design decision — from the sharp bow profile to the minimal superstructure — exists to reduce drag and maximize velocity through the water.
Pershing Model Range — Key Models in 2026
| Model | Length | Max Speed | New Price (Est.) | Pre-Owned (2019–2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pershing 5X | 51 ft (15.5m) | 42 knots | ~$900K | $550K – $750K |
| Pershing 6X | 60 ft (18.4m) | 42 knots | ~$1.3M | $800K – $1.1M |
| Pershing 7X | 69 ft (21m) | 40 knots | ~$2.1M | $1.3M – $1.8M |
| Pershing 9X | 88 ft (27m) | 36 knots | ~$3.5M | $2.2M – $3.0M |
| Pershing GTX70 | 70 ft (21.4m) | 46 knots | ~$3.0M | $2.0M – $2.7M |
| Pershing GTX116 | 116 ft (35.5m) | 55 knots | ~$12M+ | $8M – $11M |
| Pershing 140 | 140 ft (42.6m) | 35 knots | ~$18M+ | Limited availability |
Pershing GTX116 — The Flagship
The Pershing GTX116 is the most talked-about Pershing in recent years — and for good reason. At 116 feet and 55+ knots maximum speed, it is the fastest superyacht in production from any major yard globally. Four MTU 16V M96L engines producing a combined 15,300 horsepower. Surface drives. Zero-to-plane in under 30 seconds. It is, by any objective measure, an extraordinary piece of Italian marine engineering. Pre-owned GTX116 examples from 2018–2021 are currently listed in the $8–11M range.
Pershing in the Miami Market
In Miami, Pershing yachts attract buyers who use the boat primarily as a day cruiser and social platform — running to the Bahamas in the morning, returning the same afternoon. The speed advantage is real and useful in this operating pattern: a Pershing 9X crosses to Bimini 15–20 minutes faster than an equivalent Ferretti or Sunseeker at comparable throttle settings. For buyers who value time as much as comfort, this matters. Pershing yachts for sale in the Miami market are available through our network — contact Robert Lama at +1-305-857-8939 for current availability including off-market options.
Riva Yachts — Italy’s Most Iconic Heritage Brand
Riva was founded in 1842 on Lake Iseo in northern Italy — making it not just the oldest brand in this comparison but one of the oldest continuously operating yacht builders in the world. That heritage is the starting point for everything about Riva: the design language, the brand premium, the buyer profile, and the resale value dynamics that separate Riva from technically comparable competitors.
No other production yacht brand has the same cultural gravity as Riva. The Aquarama — produced from 1962 to 1996 — is the most recognizable leisure boat in history. Brigitte Bardot, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren, and the Duke of Windsor all owned Rivas. That heritage is not nostalgia — it is a brand identity that the secondary market prices in measurably and consistently.
Riva Model Range — Key Models in 2026
| Model | Length | Max Speed | New Price (Est.) | Pre-Owned (2018–2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riva 56′ Rivale Super | 56 ft (17m) | 36 knots | ~$1.1M | $650K – $900K |
| Riva 66′ Ribelle | 66 ft (20m) | 34 knots | ~$1.5M | $950K – $1.3M |
| Riva 76′ Bahamas Super | 76 ft (23.2m) | 30 knots | ~$2.5M | $1.6M – $2.2M |
| Riva 88′ Florida | 88 ft (26.8m) | 28 knots | ~$3.8M | $2.5M – $3.3M |
| Riva 110′ Dolcevita | 110 ft (33.5m) | 26 knots | ~$8M+ | $5.5M – $7.5M |
| Riva 130′ Bellissima | 130 ft (40m) | 24 knots | ~$14M+ | Limited availability |
Riva’s Design Philosophy — Timeless Over Trendy
Riva’s design language has remained deliberately consistent across generations — mahogany wood elements, chrome accents, the distinctive hull profile. This consistency is the source of Riva’s resale advantage: a 2015 Riva 76′ Bahamas does not look dated in 2026 the way a 2015 Azimut or Sunseeker might, because Riva was never chasing the trend of 2015. The aesthetics are timeless by design choice, and the secondary market rewards this discipline with above-average value retention relative to Italian production competitors.
Riva in the Miami Market
Riva yachts are among the most visually recognized boats on Miami’s waterways — immediately identifiable by hull profile alone. In the Miami and South Florida market, Riva attracts buyers who want brand prestige alongside performance, and who typically entertain frequently. The Riva 76′ Bahamas and 88′ Florida are the most commonly seen models at Coconut Grove, Miami Beach Marina, and Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas waterfront. Used Riva yachts for sale in Miami typically command a 5–10% premium over technically equivalent Ferretti models of the same vintage — reflecting the Riva heritage premium in practice.
Sunseeker Yachts — British Performance with Lifestyle Focus
Sunseeker International was founded in 1969 in Poole, Dorset, England — and has built its reputation on a specific formula: British performance aesthetics, sportier styling than most Italian equivalents, and a product range that covers more ground from entry-level to superyacht scale than either Pershing or Riva alone.
Sunseeker is now owned by the Wanda Group (Chinese conglomerate), which acquired an 80% stake in 2013. The ownership change raised questions in the industry about product quality trajectory — and the short answer is: post-2015 Sunseekers are excellent. The Wanda acquisition brought investment in facilities and engineering rather than cost-cutting, and current production models reflect that investment.
Sunseeker Model Range — Key Models in 2026
| Model | Length | Max Speed | New Price (Est.) | Pre-Owned (2018–2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunseeker Predator 55 | 55 ft (16.8m) | 40 knots | ~$900K | $550K – $750K |
| Sunseeker Predator 65 | 65 ft (19.8m) | 38 knots | ~$1.4M | $850K – $1.2M |
| Sunseeker Manhattan 74 | 74 ft (22.5m) | 29 knots | ~$2.2M | $1.4M – $1.9M |
| Sunseeker 86 Yacht | 86 ft (26.2m) | 29 knots | ~$3.5M | $2.3M – $3.0M |
| Sunseeker 95 Yacht | 95 ft (29m) | 28 knots | ~$5.5M | $3.5M – $4.8M |
| Sunseeker 116 Yacht | 116 ft (35.4m) | 26 knots | ~$10M+ | $7M – $9M |
Sunseeker vs Italian Brands — The British Difference
Sunseeker occupies a specific position in the sport yacht market: it offers Italian-comparable styling at slightly lower price points, with a sportier British design language that some buyers prefer to the more formally Italian aesthetics of Pershing and Riva. In the 55–80 foot range, Sunseeker consistently undercuts Pershing and Riva by 10–20% on new prices while delivering comparable performance — which creates strong value-for-money positioning in the pre-owned market for buyers who are comparing across brands.
Sunseeker in the Miami and Florida Market
Sunseeker has a moderate but growing presence in South Florida. The brand is less dominant here than in European waters — particularly the Mediterranean and UK coastal market where it leads in its segment — but Sunseeker yachts for sale in Florida have a broader international buyer pool than most competing brands, which supports resale values when the time comes to exit. The Predator series (high-speed sportcruisers) performs particularly well in the Gulf Stream conditions common to Miami offshore use, making it a legitimate competitor to Pershing in the speed-focused buyer segment.
Head-to-Head Performance Comparison
| ~70 ft Class Comparison | Pershing 7X | Riva 76′ Bahamas | Sunseeker Manhattan 74 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOA | 69 ft (21m) | 76 ft (23.2m) | 74 ft (22.5m) |
| Max Speed | 40 knots | 30 knots | 29 knots |
| Cruise Speed | 33 knots | 24 knots | 22 knots |
| Range (cruise) | ~280 nm | ~400 nm | ~350 nm |
| Beam | 17.9 ft (5.4m) | 22.3 ft (6.8m) | 20.7 ft (6.3m) |
| Cabins | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| New Price (est.) | ~$2.1M | ~$2.5M | ~$2.2M |
| 5-yr resale | 50–60% | 55–65% | 48–58% |
| Fuel consumption | Highest (performance trade-off) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Interior volume | Minimal — performance focus | Good — design forward | Best of three — lifestyle layout |
Which Brand Wins for Miami Buyers?
Choose Pershing If:
- Speed is your primary metric — nothing in this size range touches Pershing on performance
- Day cruising and Bahamas runs are your primary use case — Pershing’s hull shines on short, fast passages
- You entertain on a schedule where arrival time matters — a Pershing 9X reaches Bimini 20+ minutes before a comparable Riva or Sunseeker
- You want the most visually aggressive Italian sport yacht profile available
- Overnight passages are not a priority — Pershing’s interiors are efficient rather than spacious
Choose Riva If:
- Brand prestige and heritage are meaningful to you — Riva commands recognition that Pershing and Sunseeker cannot match
- Resale value is a priority — Riva’s heritage premium provides a measurable advantage over comparable Pershing models at 5+ years
- Design longevity matters — a 2015 Riva looks as current in 2026 as the day it was delivered
- You entertain guests who will appreciate the brand’s cultural significance
- Comfortable cruising at moderate speeds (24–30 knots) matches your typical use pattern
Choose Sunseeker If:
- Budget efficiency at a given size matters — Sunseeker delivers comparable performance to Pershing and Riva at 10–20% lower new price
- Interior volume and cabin count are priorities — Sunseeker’s Manhattan and Yacht series offer more liveable layouts than Pershing equivalents
- You plan to charter the vessel — Sunseeker’s broader global recognition supports charter marketing beyond the Italian brand-loyal market
- You are comparing value-for-money across brands — Sunseeker’s pre-owned market offers the lowest entry price in this comparison for a given year and condition
Pershing, Riva and Sunseeker for Sale in Miami — Current Market
All three brands are actively traded in the Miami and South Florida pre-owned market. Miami International Yacht Sales maintains direct connections for buyer and seller representation across all three brands — including off-market listings not publicly listed on YATCO or YachtWorld.
Used Pershing Yachts for Sale
Pre-owned Pershing yachts in the Miami market typically range from $400,000 for older 5X and 6X models to $3M+ for recent 9X and GTX70 examples. The GTX116 appears rarely — fewer than 10 examples worldwide are ever on the market simultaneously. For buyers seeking a specific Pershing model or year, contact Robert Lama directly — many Pershing transactions in South Florida occur off-market before public listing.
Used Riva Yachts for Sale
Pre-owned Riva yachts for sale in Miami are most commonly found in the 56–88 foot range. Classic Rivas (Aquarama, Super Aquarama) have entered genuine collector territory and are rarely found through standard brokerage channels. A Riva yacht for sale in the modern lineup — Rivale, Bahamas, Florida series — trades actively through both YATCO and private broker networks. Riva’s heritage premium means well-maintained examples command asking prices that move less aggressively than Italian production competitors in soft markets.
Sunseeker Yachts for Sale in Florida
Sunseeker yachts Florida availability: pre-owned and new Sunseeker yachts are available across the Predator, Manhattan, and Yacht series in the pre-owned market. Sunseeker yachts for sale in Florida tend to appeal to buyers who appreciate British design. Florida has a smaller active Sunseeker community than the Mediterranean market, but the brand’s global recognition means international buyers regularly enquire on Florida-based Sunseeker listings — providing sellers with access to a broader buyer pool than most domestic sport yacht brands. Browse our current yacht listings for active Sunseeker, Riva, and Pershing availability.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pershing vs Riva vs Sunseeker
Which is faster — Pershing or Sunseeker?
Pershing vs Sunseeker on speed: Pershing is significantly faster. The Pershing GTX116 achieves 55+ knots — the highest speed of any production superyacht globally. Even the entry-level Pershing 5X reaches 42 knots versus the Sunseeker Predator 55’s 40 knots. Pershing’s surface drive technology and lightweight structure give it a structural speed advantage that Sunseeker’s IPS and shaft drive systems cannot match at equivalent sizes. For buyers who prioritize speed above all else, Pershing is the clear winner in this comparison.
Is Riva worth the premium over Pershing and Sunseeker?
For buyers who value heritage, design longevity, and resale value, yes. Riva’s 5-year value retention (55–65%) consistently outperforms Pershing (50–60%) and Sunseeker (48–58%) in the secondary market. The Riva name also opens social contexts that Pershing and Sunseeker cannot — on the Côte d’Azur, in Monaco, or at Coconut Grove, a Riva is immediately recognized and associated with a specific kind of Italian elegance that goes beyond the boat itself. Whether that premium is “worth it” depends entirely on how much the buyer values brand identity versus pure performance or value for money.
How much do Pershing yachts cost?
New Pershing yachts range from approximately $900,000 for the Pershing 5X to $12M+ for the GTX116 and $18M+ for the flagship 140. Pre-owned Pershing yachts in the Miami market start from around $400,000 for well-maintained older 5X models and reach $3M+ for recent GTX70 and 9X examples. The GTX116 is rare enough that pricing is highly situational — contact Robert Lama at +1-305-857-8939 for current GTX116 market pricing.
How much do Sunseeker yachts cost?
New Sunseeker yachts start from approximately $900,000 for the Predator 55 and reach $10M+ for the 116 Yacht. Pre-owned Sunseekers in Florida range from $150,000 for older Portofino and Predator models to $5M+ for recent 95 Yacht and 116 Yacht examples. Sunseeker typically offers the most competitive entry prices of the three brands in this comparison — which makes it an attractive option for buyers who want Italian-comparable styling with British engineering at a lower acquisition cost.
Are Pershing yachts good for Miami to Bahamas crossings?
Yes — for buyers who prioritize crossing time. The Gulf Stream between Miami and Bimini (approximately 55 nautical miles) is covered in 1 hour 20 minutes at 40 knots versus 2 hours 20 minutes at 24 knots — a meaningful difference if you are trying to maximize time in the Bahamas. However, in 4–5 foot Gulf Stream chop with a northwest wind — common in winter — Pershing’s aggressive hull can be a fast but bumpy ride. Riva and Sunseeker’s slightly more moderate hull designs offer a marginally more comfortable crossing in rough conditions. For serious offshore fishing, none of these three brands matches the deep-V sportfishing capability of a Viking or Bertram in steep chop.
Which has better resale value — Pershing, Riva, or Sunseeker?
Riva holds the best resale value of the three — driven by heritage premium and design longevity. At 5 years post-purchase, a well-maintained Riva typically retains 55–65% of new price versus 50–60% for Pershing and 48–58% for Sunseeker. The gap is real but not dramatic — all three are performance sport yachts that depreciate meaningfully in years 1–3 before stabilizing. The most important resale factor for any of these brands is condition and maintenance documentation, which affects pricing more than the brand gap between them.
Can I buy a Pershing or Riva through a Miami broker?
Yes. Miami International Yacht Sales provides independent brokerage representation for buyers and sellers of Pershing, Riva, and Sunseeker yachts — across active market listings and off-market inventory. As an independent broker, our advice reflects your requirements rather than any brand preference or dealer alignment. All three brands are regularly transacted through South Florida brokerage. Reach Robert Lama at +1-305-857-8939 for a private consultation on current availability.
How does Sunseeker compare to Azimut?
Sunseeker and Azimut compete directly in the 55–85 foot performance motor yacht segment. Azimut leads on volume and brand recognition in the US market — with the strongest pre-owned liquidity of any Italian builder in South Florida. Sunseeker offers comparable performance with a sportier British design aesthetic and slightly lower new-build pricing. Azimut retains value marginally better than Sunseeker in the US market (50–60% vs 48–58% at 5 years), primarily because Azimut has deeper roots in the Florida buyer community. For a detailed Italian brand comparison, see our Azimut vs Ferretti guide.
What is the Pershing GTX116 price?
The Pershing GTX116 lists new at approximately $12 million USD — making it one of the most expensive production yachts available at 116 feet. The GTX116 second-hand market is thin — typically 3–6 examples available globally at any time, with 2018–2021 models listed in the $8–11 million range. The GTX116’s 55-knot top speed makes it the fastest production superyacht in the world — a specification that supports pricing premiums that typical production superyachts cannot command. Contact Robert Lama directly for current GTX116 availability and market pricing.
Talk to Robert Lama About Pershing, Riva, or Sunseeker
If you are comparing these three brands and trying to determine which fits your Miami ownership profile — or if you have a specific model, year, and budget in mind — Robert Lama provides direct, honest broker guidance based on 14 years of South Florida transactions across all three brands.
- 📞 Phone: +1-305-857-8939
- 📧 Email: bob@miamiys.com
- 📍 Location: 953 Harbor View N, Hollywood, FL 33019 (By Appointment)
Browse our current listings — including Sunseeker boats for sale and Riva yachts for sale — at yacht listings or explore our broader top yacht brands 2026 guide for a full market overview before reaching out.
Robert Lama is the founder and principal broker of Miami International Yacht Sales, an IYBA-member luxury yacht brokerage based in South Florida. With over 13 years of experience in 100’–250′ class superyacht transactions, Robert has facilitated multi-million dollar acquisitions and new builds with leading shipyards in Italy and the Netherlands. His background in Commercial Real Estate in New York gives him a unique edge in complex yacht deal structuring and negotiation.