Riva Florida / Super Florida 19ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

The Riva Florida and its refined successor, the Super Florida, represent the final evolution of Riva's early post-war wooden runabouts before the introduction of larger twin-engine icons. Produced in the 1950s under Carlo Riva's direction, these models combined racing-influenced hull design with the unmistakable elegance that would define the Riva legacy. With their sleek foredeck, low-profile windshield, and beautifully sculpted tumblehome stern, the Florida series embodies pure mid-century Italian sophistication. The Super Florida introduced subtle refinements in hull performance and detailing, setting the stage for the legendary Aquarama that would follow. Our workshop faithfully recreates this historic design using premium marine materials - including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass - sealed with System Three marine spar varnish. Each boat is entirely handcrafted using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method, requiring approximately 4-5 months of meticulous craftsmanship. Every signature detail - from the elegant deck inlays to the refined cockpit layout-is preserved to honor the original design language. General Specs: - Length: Approximately 19.3ft (5.9m) - Beam: 7.1ft (2.17m) - Draft: Approx 2.6ft (0.8m) - Hull Material: Mahogany Wood - Engine: Commonly Chris-Craft 6-cylinder 175HP or V8 185HP - Dry Weight: Approx. 2645 lbs (1200kg) - Seating: Designed for up to 6-8 people Performance & Use Originally conceived as high-performance single-engine luxury runabouts, the Florida and Super Florida deliver spirited acceleration and smooth planing characteristics. Typically powered by a single inboard engine in the 185-220 HP range, these boats can achieve cruising speeds of 28-32 knots, with top speeds approaching 35 knots depending on setup. Ideal for lakes and protected coastal waters, the Florida series offers a refined yet dynamic boating experience-combining agility, elegance, and handcrafted artistry in a timeless 20-foot platform. Contact us to explore specifications, customization options, and build schedules for your Riva Florida / Super Florida Custom Build. The Riva Florida was introduced in 1953 during a transformative period for the Riva shipyard under the leadership of Carlo Riva. At the time, Riva was transitioning from traditional utility launches to refined, performance-oriented pleasure craft that would define the post-war luxury boating era in Europe. The Florida represented a major stylistic and technical step forward. With its deeper-V hull and sleeker proportions, it delivered improved speed and handling compared to earlier flat-bottom designs. Its elegant tumblehome stern, low windshield, and meticulously varnished mahogany decks established a visual identity that would become synonymous with the Riva name. In 1956, the design evolved into the Super Florida. This updated version refined both performance and detailing, incorporating subtle hull improvements and more advanced engine installations. Most notably, the Super Florida served as the direct predecessor to the legendary Aquarama, introducing design cues and performance standards that would later define one of the most famous wooden runabouts in history. Produced through the late 1950s, the Florida and Super Florida models marked the final chapter before Riva's expansion into larger twin-engine luxury runabouts. Today, they are regarded as pivotal models in Riva's evolution-bridging early handcrafted tradition with the glamorous, high-performance identity that made the brand world-renowned.