1970 Riva Super Aquarama

The Riva Super Aquarama is a luxury wooden runabout built by Italian yacht builder Riva. Production of it and its derivatives (the Lungo, Super, and Special) ran from 1962 until 1996. The hull was based on the Riva Tritone, an earlier model speedboat by Riva, which in turn was inspired by the American mahogany Chris-Craft runabouts. The boat’s speed, beauty, and craftsmanship earned its praise as the Ferrari of the boat world. The most famous of Carlo Riva’s designs, the Aquarama has become, over the decades, a nautical legend.

This 1970 Riva Super Aquarama, is the last Aquarama delivered in 1970 to a Mr Levitt in Monte Carlo, the then chief of Hertz Rent A Car.

The current owner purchased the boat in 1995 and is only the third owner in the boat’s 49-year history. The previous owner imported the boat to Australia in the early 1980’s. It is believed that this is the only Super Aquarama in Australia.

The Super Aquarama has recently been completely refurbished by Frecheville Heaney Boats, in Paynesville, Victoria. James Frecheville, the shipwright, worked for Peter Freebody & Co of Mill Lane, Hurley (The UK centre for Rivas) and understands them well.

All parts required were imported from Riva in Italy or from “The Riva Guru”, Alan Weinstein, the US distributor.

The refurbishment involved - correct interior replaced, engines rebuilt as required, bare wood re-stained with Stoppani Stain imported from Italy and 22 coats of varnish after minor repairs, re-chromed as required, electrics & wiring checked & upgraded as needed.

Length 8.45

Beam 2.60 Weight / Kg 2.850

Draught 0.56

Carrying Capacity / no of people 8

Engine HP 2 x 320 Speed / Km/h 86

Endurance, Hours 7

Engine Make Riva 8V Fuel Tank Capacity / Litres 480

The current engines are 1990’s vintage, factory correct, but were removed and re-built as required including 4 new heads by Roy Swan of Swan Automotive in Bairnsdale.

The boat sits on its original cradle and has not been re-launched since the refurbishment. It comes with all extras, two covers, Riva fenders, flags, and cushions, as new Surrey Top, Ski Pole, Swim Ladder, new extra cabin hood, sound etc - all correct for the model.

There were only 203 Super Aquarama boats built out of a total of 668 and its claimed the fastest at 86 kms/hr. It was built for off shore work and is outstanding in rough weather. The last Aquarama Special was built in 1996.

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”