1965 Riva Aquarama
About This Yacht
The 1965 Riva Aquarama is a 26-foot wooden speedboat powered by twin Chris Craft gasoline engines producing 470 horsepower combined. Built to Carlo Riva's iconic design, this boat features the mahogany hull, seamless finish, and refined proportions that made the Aquarama the defining Italian runabout of its era. The hull is 26 feet long with an 8.6-foot beam, offering a compact yet purposeful profile in the water.
The layout centers on an open cockpit with a large sun deck aft, padded seating forward with separate helm and passenger seats, and a practical picnic table with bottle and glass holders. Two berths are located in the bow, and the boat includes one head. Large windows across the cabin provide visibility and light, complemented by extensive chrome detailing throughout. A non-slip transom step aids boarding.
This example has been comprehensively restored following Riva specifications. The underwater hull was renewed, the deck rebuilt, and the finish applied in multiple layers per factory standards. The twin engines were completely overhauled and rebuilt with all ancillary systems—oil pump, fuel pump, alternator, carburetors, and wiring—restored to like-new condition. New upholstery and interior trim were fitted. The boat was additionally outfitted with a warning system and fully automatic Halon fire suppression system. The restoration maintains original specifications throughout.