Selva 21 LV Plus: versatile, appealing and spacious

Made entirely by the Italian boatyard, the Selva 21 LV Plus is a small revolution in the use of space. Thanks to the skillful work of its designers, this inflatable is perfect for a day of leisure or relaxation with your guests, without compromising on the cruising quality that makes Selva Marine one of the best known brands in this sector.

Every corner is designed to be cosy; not surprisingly, we are talking about the Living line, fitted with some innovative details such as the stern sofas that, in addition to extending along the sides, feature stylised backrests that extend along all three sides. There are also two tables, one in the centre of the bow sofas arranged in a V shape and one in the centre of the stern ones, arranged in a U shape, both ready to disappear and reappear when the boat is shared, as well as the optional awning that covers the entire length of the boat.

The 6-metre hull rests on tubulars in a tri-colour version, taking the total length to 6.30 metres, which however give the perception of being more once on board, thanks to the extremely detailed study work by Selva, which has not even economised on the quality of the extra accessories included and the fine upholstery.

Also available in the Ultra version in anthracite grey, carbon black and cream, with a grey fibreglass hull, the Selva 21 LV Plus is built to accommodate an outboard of up to 150 hp and is designed for 10 people in category C and 14 in category D, fully optimizing all the space in the cockpit dominated by a high-performance raised helm station.

I have described it as versatile, attractive and spacious boat: I will now explain in detail why.

The Selva 21LV Plus in detail

Let us say that the Selva 21 LV Plus is very well indeed made. What I consider to be its main feature is certainly the design of the space, conceived, made and assembled in-house at Selva, like the rest of this boat which is part of the Living line.

But how is such livability achieved despite a hull of only 6 metres? Selva has answered this question with a skillful use of on-board space in every detail, following the philosophy that ‘every single centimetre counts’.

Hence the custom-designed bracket that allows the cockpit to be set back from the previous 650 Family Special, which leaves room for a U-shaped seat at the stern on which comfortable sand-coloured cushions are placed. The stylised backrests are very aesthetically attractive, but also very efficient; I would call them an elegant touch of personality that is, after all, a trademark of this range.

The backrest seat is extremely functional. It is designed for one person, but you can easily fit two, and under the seat there is a handy watertight locker. The steering console is also absolutely ergonomic, and the black V-shaped windscreen gives it a very aggressive look. The console and pilot seat assembly is raised – always a good idea for me because I like the slightly higher driving perspective.

The bow is also a small lounge. Compared to the stern, it has a V shape, at the tip of which is a bowplate that is attached directly to the tubulars; the sofas and console seat surround a second foldaway table that practically duplicates the dining space for improved comfort.

The awning is optional, but I think it’s so beautiful with its grey steel tubing that it would be a shame to do without it, and not just for style’s sake. By extending it, in fact, you can use all the space available. Of course, the whole space converts into two sunbathing areas with the usual Selva practicality. That’s what the ‘Living’ line stands for.

There is also a ‘Plus Ultra’ version of this boat that, compared to the Plus one, includes all the fibreglass in a grey colour, the tubulars and cushions in a specific fabric/colour combination and the Sea Deck cover as standard.

Whatever your choice, you will still have space between the GRP stern decks for an outboard up to 150 hp. Selva will certainly be able to advise you on the best option for your needs.

Selva 21 LV Plus Sea trial

We are on Lake Maggiore on a beautiful sunny day. There is no wind, no waves, just a vast expanse of water and the Isola Madre as a target.

Getting familiar with it is really a matter of a few moments and I immediately feel at ease, so much so that without realizing it I am already pushing the throttle down quite a bit: the Murena 40 XSR Best engine that I have behind me seems to be begging me to let it have some fun, so I go along with it.

The boat gets up on plane at 13 knots and about 3800 rpm, after only 3.05 seconds, and we reach14 knots at 4000 rpm, with consumption under control since we are travelling at about 9.9 l/h, even if, what I consider to be the cruising speed, we touch it at 20 knots: we are at 5000 engine revolutions, with 50% trim and consumption of about 14 l/h.

Although the speed is optimal for a day out on the lake, I want to to see how far I can go. I confess, that’s my favourite thing, so I push the throttle all down. At 5500 rpm, the boat reaches at 23 knots, at 6000 rpm 25 knots, and reaches the maximum for today at around 6200 rpm with a fuel consumption of 22.6 l/h: not bad at all.

Yes, because despite the speed, the Selva LV 21 Plus is really a rocket, navigation is linear and with no jolts. The boat slices through the water brilliantly, leaving me only to enjoy its performance and the magnificent landscape in front of me.

In short, Selva Marine as always managed to give me good sensations. This inflatable is really very elegant despite the fact that it is also tremendously sporty, a perfect synthesis that makes it fast, agile, and certainly very versatile in different situations that can range from work, to transporting passengers or simply relaxing. The advice is to put it to the test, I am sure that like me you will end the day, whether at sea or on the lake, with a big smile on your face.

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