Riva Launches : Restoration

Our knowledge of the Riva marque is extensive in the extreme, and this together with the quality of our workmanship, attention to detail and the most helpful backing we get from Riva themselves in the supply of original fittings, materials and fabrics etc, has led to our reputation as one of the premier restorers of these beautiful launches.

Our reputation for excellence has brought owners of neglected and damaged Rivas - Aquaramas, Aristons, Olympics & Super Floridas - to send their boats to us from as far a field as Kuwait and the USA.

A classic Riva boat is a design icon, a moving sculpture in wood, chrome and glass that commands attention wherever it goes. Add to this a long list of famous owners and an association with exotic Mediterranean locations such as Monaco and San Tropez, and it is no wonder that the Riva name has, over time, become a legend.

Today a classic Riva is not only an object of desire but a unique slice of nautical heritage, encapsulating as it does the style, wealth and extravagance of the fifties and sixties jet-set – a time when most could still only dream of owning a car, let alone foreign travel and expensive boats. Nobody is sure how many of the 4,000 or so wooden boats built survive, although the Riva Historical Society is the custodian of the International Riva Historical Registry which aims to catalogue surviving boats.

Riva’s history dates back to 1842, when Pietro Riva began building boats at Sarnico, a small northern Italian town on the shores of Lago d’Iseo.

By the 1930s, by which time the business was managed by Pietro’s grandson, Serafino, the company was a leading manufacturer of small racing boats, many of which he raced himself. At the same time, it began building pleasure boats.

In the 1950s Serafino’s son Carlo transformed the business. After a considerable struggle with his father to realise his ambitions, he created wooden boats of such exceptional style and elegance that they surpassed anything his competitors produced. In due course the Riva brand became a worldwide legend courted by screen stars, royalty and businessmen alike. Famous owners included Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Peter Sellers and many more besides.

A succession of owners have owned the company since Carlo Riva sold it in the early 1970s, and today the firm is owned by the Ferretti Group.

CLASSIC RIVA MODELS

Riva Corsaro (1946 - 55)
Only forty Corsaro's werebuilt, ranging in length from 4.8 to 5.65 metres, the two-seat boat was fitted with a range of different engines over its lifetime.

Riva Tritone (1950 - 66)
A twin engined launch with Aperto and Super Tritone versions. There were about 260 of these built normally with the Chrysler V8 engines giving 2 x 177 hp.

Riva Ariston (1950 - 74)
A single engined launch with a Super Ariston version. Over 1,000 were built normally with the Riva V8 or Chris Craft engine. Seats 6 passengers

Riva Scoaittolo (1950 - 57)
(The Squirrel) ranged from 4.1 to 4.3 metres, a size best suited to lake cruising. It is the only post-war Riva boat that is powered by an outboard engine, and was available in two finishes: white or transparent. 137 boats were built.

Riva Sebino (1952 - 57)
The first boat designed for mass production to a single design. 19 boats were built, powered by Chris Craft 60 horsepower engines.

Riva Florida (1952 - 68)
Single engined Riva launch with a Super Florida version. There were over 1,100 of these built normally with the Riva V8 or Chris Craft engine. Seats 5 - 6 passengers

Riva Aquarama (1962 - 96)
A twin engined launch with Aquarama Super and Aquarama Special versions. There were over 700 of these built normally with the Riva V8 engines giving 2 x 320 hp.

Riva Junior (1966 - 72)
A single engined launch, there were 626 of these built normally with the Riva V8 engine, and accomodating 6 passengers.

Riva Olympic (1969 - 79)
A single engined launch, there were 275 of these built with the Riva V8 engine and with a top speed of 70k

For further information please contact us or call Melanie Freebody on 01628 824382