According to invoices in the file she was fitted with more powerful Chevrolet Marine engines in 1986 which were supplied by Harpers Boat Restoration, New Hampshire, USA (it is extremely common for Rivas to be fitted with later, more powerful engines).
From 1990-1992 she underwent a full restoration at the historic and highly respected boatbuilders and UK Riva specialists, Peter Freebody, located at Hurley on the River Thames. At this time she was re-fitted with two fully re-built 283 cu in Chris Craft V8s, Serial Numbers 813530 & 825096.
Further restoration work was carried out by Thomas Neale of Buckden Marina, Cambs. in 2007 which included the replacement of the bottom - a crucial maintenance point which must be undertaken on classic wooden Rivas as and when necessary.
In 2008 the gearboxes were renewed, the driveshafts and the twin propellors overhauled and a new folding pramhood fitted.
Hull number #54 is beautiful example of the classic Tritone, well-maintained and resplendent with her original equipment black-dialled, Stewart Warner/Chris Craft chrome bezelled instruments jewel like against the highly polished mahogony dashboard contrasting with the classic deep dished Riva wheel in full ivory. In addition, during restoration, her front bench seat has been replaced with split seating in the style of the Aquarama giving passengers more space to move freely around the cockpit as well as easier access to the front cabin under the forward deck.
The present owner aquired this beautiful Tritone in 2014 to keep and use out of the boathouse at his Scottish Highlands property. A well known figure in the collectors car world himself he has enjoyed many a sunny day blasting around the Loch with the family on his sporting Tritone. He has now elected to sell to make space in the boathouse for a craft perhaps a little more suited to all-season boating and fishing on the Loch especially given the changeable Scottish Highlands climate.
PHOTOS: TIM SCOTT, FLUID IMAGES
