Selva 920 Center Console, the video test: power and accessible technology

Selva 920 Center Console Sea Trial

We cast off from Marina Porto Antico and head out of the port of Genoa, where the sea, though slightly choppy, offers ideal conditions for a full sea trial. From the very first meters, the boat feels well balanced, conveying a sense of solidity and control. Despite the residual swell from the previous days’ rough seas, roll and pitch are surprisingly limited — an early sign of the excellent work done on the hull.

The Selva 920 measures 9 meters in length and 3 meters in width, and thanks to its moderate displacement and sharply profiled hull, it immediately proves itself to be an open boat with genuinely sporty performance. The twin Selva 200 XSRs respond instantly, and just a touch on the throttles is enough to feel the vigorous push of these two V6 engines.

We’re cruising at idle speed, around 1,000–1,200 rpm, already making about 6 knots. That’s quite respectable for a boat of this size, gliding over the water almost without leaving a wake. As soon as we accelerate, the transition to planing is practically immediate: within seconds we’re past 25 knots, and the progression is smooth, with no jolts, as the bow naturally levels out.

A bit of trim, and the boat immediately finds its ideal balance: at 30 knots, the Selva 920 Center Console cruises in total comfort, while the instruments show a total fuel consumption of 61 liters per hour. Numbers that speak louder than words — this hull glides over the water effortlessly, minimizing hydrodynamic drag and delivering impressive efficiency. At the helm, the feeling is one of great lightness. The response is immediate, and the ride remains smooth and comfortable even as the sea picks up.

We decide to push the throttles forward. At 3,000 rpm, the speed rises to around 20 knots with total consumption at 30 liters per hour. Between 3,500 and 3,800 rpm, the pace increases noticeably and we reach 25 knots, consuming about 35 liters per hour. It’s the perfect setting for economical cruising — ideal for covering long distances at a brisk pace without burning too much fuel. We push a bit more. Fast cruising speed settles around 30 knots, offering the best balance between performance and comfort. At this pace, the hull is fully engaged, the flow under the boat is clean, and the wake is low and even. You can really appreciate the boat’s transverse stability here, allowing wide, progressive turns with no loss of control.

Then comes the moment we’ve been waiting for: “Full throttle!” The twin 200 XSRs roar to life, and the acceleration is thrilling. The boat stretches out over the water, and in just a few seconds we’re doing 40 knots, then 45, and finally 46… 47.8 knots of top speed recorded on GPS, with the tachometers showing 6,200 rpm. An impressive result, especially considering we’re talking about a 9-meter boat with a 3-meter beam and a pair of 200-horsepower engines.

Performance, however, would mean little without safety to match. And this is where the Selva 920 Center Console’s hull really shows its character. Turns, even at 30 knots, are clean and precise, with a smooth, progressive heel that always stays under control.

We counter-turn, and even to starboard the boat maintains impressive stability. The helm stays light and responsive, but never twitchy. When we cross our own wake, the bow cuts through the water smoothly, dispersing it gently without any hard impacts. We ease off the throttles. At 20 knots, the boat continues to cruise effortlessly, with total fuel consumption of just 30 liters per hour. It behaves like a true grand tourer of the sea, capable of combining sporty performance with remarkable fuel efficiency.

Selva 920 Center Console Test Data

The steering joystick

But the sea trial doesn’t end there. As we head back to port, it’s time to test one of the most interesting features of the Selva 920 Center Console: the maneuvering joystick.

All it takes is to set the throttles to neutral, press a button, and the entire boat turns into an intuitive control system: push the joystick forward, twist it right or left, and the boat obediently follows your command. It almost feels like a video game — even with a crosswind like the one we’re facing as we approach our berth, the boat responds with surgical precision. The system, integrated with the bow thruster, allows for millimetric movements, on-the-spot turns, and perfect lateral shifts. It’s a feature that makes maneuvering dramatically easier, even in the tightest marinas, and makes the Selva 920 Center Console accessible to a broader audience, including those with limited experience handling boats of this size.

The Selva 920 Center Console in detail

Climbing aboard from the aft swim platform, it’s immediately clear that Selva set out to create a boat designed for enjoying the sea in a practical yet stylish way. The large platform, divided into two sections, is perfect for diving, swimming, or easily getting back on board after a dip. From here, you step into a spacious cockpit, sheltered by the T-Top and furnished with an L-shaped sofa and a central seat. An optional table can turn this area into an outdoor dinette — ideal for lunches or sunset drinks.

The T-Top, sturdy and well integrated with the console structure, features two rear metal supports that can hold SUPs or water toys. The helm station is modern and ergonomic, with well-laid-out controls and excellent visibility. Everything is within easy reach, and joystick handling from this position feels completely natural. Despite being a center console, there’s a small cabin below. It’s a smart solution that allows two people to sleep on board. The space is well organized, with a double berth and refined finishes designed to ensure comfort during overnight stays at anchor.

Moving around on board is easy and safe: the wide side decks and numerous handrails make it simple to reach the bow even in rougher seas.

Forward, the bow area features a large U-shaped sofa with a forward-facing seat for two. Here too, the central table can be lowered to create a spacious sunbathing area that makes full use of the boat’s 3-meter beam.

Technical Specs