Piviere 6.60 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Piviere 6.60 is characterized by its significant displacement-to-length ratio compared to modern, lightweight daysailers. This mass, combined with a traditional full-bodied hull section, gives the boat a remarkably steady motion in a seaway. According to technical retrospectives found in Italian nautical publications like Nautica Report, the boat is noted for its ability to track well even in choppy Mediterranean conditions, a trait inherited from its heavy-ballasted keel.

The sail plan is conservative, usually featuring a high-aspect mainsail and a generous genoa. On the water, the Piviere 6.60 is not a "greyhound" in light winds; it requires a decent breeze to overcome its wetted surface area. However, as the wind increases, the boat stiffens up significantly, showing its true character as a miniature voyager. The tiller steering is communicative, providing the helmsman with immediate feedback, though the boat's tendency to lean into a steady heel rather than flatten out and accelerate is a hallmark of its classic displacement design.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel measuring just 6.6 meters (approximately 21.6 feet), the interior of the Piviere 6.60 is surprisingly logical and functional. It was designed during an era when "camping-cruising" was a serious pursuit, and the layout reflects this with four berths: a classic "V" berth in the bow and two longitudinal settees in the main cabin. The use of mahogany and teak trim against the white fiberglass liners was a standard of CBS Nautica, providing a warmth rarely found in modern entry-level boats.

There are two primary variations of the Piviere 6.60: the standard fixed-keel version and a less common lifting-keel variant designed for shallower waters and easier trailering. The cabin height is modest, as is expected for a boat of this length, but the ergonomic placement of the small galley block (usually located near the companionway for ventilation) and the stowage lockers under the berths make it viable for weekend coastal hops. Sibling models like the original Piviere 614 offer a shorter cockpit, whereas the 6.60 provides a more comfortable outdoor social area, which many owners feel is the boat’s greatest improvement over its predecessor.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Piviere series holds a cult-like status in Italy, often cited as the boat that introduced a generation of Italian sailors to the sea. It is frequently featured in Mediterranean sailing literature as the quintessential "first boat." Its designer, Renato Sonny Levi, discusses the transition from high-speed powerboats to the displacement dynamics of the Piviere in his autobiographical design notes, which are often referenced by the Sonny Levi Design Society. The boat has also been a frequent subject of "Classic Boat" features in Italian magazines like Bolina, where it is praised for its longevity and "Levi-esque" lines.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Piviere 6.60, the primary concern is the age of the fiberglass and the integrity of the deck core.

• Mast Step Compression: Given the age of these vessels, the area beneath the deck-stepped mast should be checked for sagging or hairline fractures in the gelcoat, which can indicate a compressed core or a failing support bulkhead.
• Osmosis: Early CBS Nautica hulls are generally robust, but like all 1970s GRP boats, they are susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have spent decades in the water without a modern epoxy barrier coat.
• Rudder Bushings: The transom-hung or semi-balanced rudders on these models often develop play in the pintles and gudgeons, leading to a "clunking" sensation at the helm.
• Windows and Leaks: The original plexiglass windows were often secured with frames that are prone to leaking after years of UV exposure and thermal expansion, often requiring a full re-bedding or replacement with modern adhesives.

Community & Resources

The Piviere has a dedicated following, primarily centered around the Associazione Armatori Piviere (Piviere Owners Association). This group is the primary repository for technical drawings, original sail plans, and restoration advice. While their presence is most felt in Italian-language forums and local Mediterranean yacht clubs, they remain the highest authority on the nuances of the 6.60 and its siblings.

The Verdict

The Piviere 6.60 remains an excellent choice for a sailor who values design pedigree and seaworthiness over modern interior volume and flat-out speed. It is a sturdy, "big-feeling" small boat that commands respect in any harbor.

Pros:

• Exceptional Design: Authored by Renato Sonny Levi, ensuring a hull with superior balance.
• Seaworthiness: Far more capable in heavy weather than most contemporary 21-footers.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass construction that has stood the test of fifty years.
• Aesthetics: Classic lines and a "salty" profile that remains attractive today.

Cons:

• Light Wind Performance: Can feel sluggish in breezes under 8 knots due to its displacement.
• Age: Most examples will require updates to standing rigging and deck hardware.
• Cabin Height: Limited headroom may be restrictive for taller sailors on extended trips.