Gordon driving an Aqua Riva boat on Lake Iseo; Lake Iseo, Italy.

• Riva uses mahogany trim and teak decking, and fine leather where most boat-makers would use vinyl. The interior structure is made with walnut, oak and elm.
  
• Brigitte Bardot, Richard Burton, Sean Connery and King Hussein of Jordan all owned Riva boats.
  
• Riva limits its production to about 50 boats a year.
  
• You can see Rivas at boat shows, where there are special events for owners.
  
• Riva prices:
  • Riva Yachts, $1.5 million and up
    
  • Riva Aquariva, $500,000 and up
    
  • Classic Riva Aquarama, $125,000 and up
• Other boat and yacht prices:
  Chris Craft Corsair 28, $110,000
  
  • Elco Electric Runabout, $27,000
    
  • Model Riva boats, $500

Tips for Buying a First Boat

From Randy Steele of Boating Magazine:

• Don't buy a boat that you will grow out of in a few years.
  
• Remember that powerboats can be operated by one person while sailboats require extra hands on deck.
  
• A good 18-foot boat will cost $18,000-$20,000.
  
• Certification for boat ownership varies from state to state.
  
• Ask around the dock for a reputable boat dealer.

Resources

Riva
Anselmo Vigani, Classic Riva Restoration
Anselmo.Vigani@riva-ram.com, www.riva-yacht.com

Boating Magazine
www.boatingmag.com

Riva Club USA
Carnelian Bay, CA
888-824-RIVA (7482)
www.rivaclubusa.com

Tahoe Yacht Club
Wooden Boat Show 2004
www.tahoeyc.com/concours.html

Ferretti Group
www.ferrettigroup-yacht.com

EMarine USA, exclusive yacht service
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
www.emarine.com