Fully rebuilt 1963 Riva Ariston for sale in Gulf de St Tropez, France
Fully rebuilt 1963 Riva Ariston for sale in Gulf de St Tropez, France
The original gentlemans motor yacht the Riva Ariston truly is a special yacht that combines the timeless class of an 1950’s design with driving capabilities that continue to be unmatched.
This Riva Ariston is in remarkable condition throughout and the original engine was fully rebuilt between 2012 – 2014 and has had only been used for 50 hours since.
She has been maintained to the enth degree and is ready to continue making memories for many years to come.
The Riva Ariston comes with a custom made boat cover and a custom twin axle road trailer.
A berthing option in the Gulf of St Tropez is available separately for this boat.
Owners comments:
I purchased Iona in the spring of 2006. She was in useable condition, mechanically very sound but the woodwork was starting to go. I ran her for two more seasons in and around the Gulf of St Tropez. I then stored Iona in a heated garage until she was brought back to the UK in 2012.
The restoration started in late 2012. A local master boatbuilder with experience in renovating the Abate and Riva marquees started the renovation process. We were advised by Riva, Italy and by Alan Weistein, Riva Guru of North America.
The mahogany sides were sourced by Riva, the entire frame was reconstructed, strengthened and painted, a new bottom, new transom and new deck were added. 20 coats of varnish were applied by hand.
All the original chrome work and windscreen were retained and restored.
A new mahogany dashboard was fitted, the gauges were overhauled and painted, the steering wheel restored, new switches and a completely new wiring loom assembled.
New seats were made, completely reupholstered, new flooring with original Riva covering and all new trim.
The original ‘Q’ block engine with matching numbers was stripped down and completely rebuilt with all new parts. She was ‘run in’ properly and only covered approximately fifty hours since the renovation.
Over 3000 hours were recorded during the restoration process. This is almost a new Riva Ariston, built to exacting standards but keeping as much of the originality as possible. She is incredibly solid and performs without fault.
The trailer is twin axle, heavy duty custom made for Iona. She sits beautifully on the trailer and can be transported with ease.
She has her original ski pole, boarding ladder, siren and flagpole. The cover is in excellent condition. Included are a Riva rear sun deck cushion, Fender socks, cockpit CD player, Riva rope sleeves and anchor.
Currently lying in St Tropez, we have enjoyed Iona enormously over the last couple of seasons. She is a well known boat in the area and often found tied up amongst the Aquarama’s on the Sportmer pontoon in St Tropez harbour.
An expanding family has reluctantly meant that Iona must be sold. We have enjoyed Riva ownership to the full, and remain very proud that we were able to restore such an early Ariston to its full former glory and to have so many unforgettable memories onboard.