Highlights

Rare 16ft Riviera, one of just 176 examples ever made of which very few remain
Indespension braked twin-axle road trailer with five good tyres and marker board
Upgraded to 12v electrics, including bilge pump
Interior retrimmed in red vinyl during current ownership
Expertly restored in 2018 by Stones Boatyard (Salcombe, Devon) and used sparingly since
Style icon, beloved of Hollywood stars in period

The Appeal

Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Katharine Hepburn, Dean Martin, Brigitte Bardot... The global superstars of the 1950s and '60s had one thing in common - they all had Chris Crafts. The American boat builder has been in operation since the 1880s, but its products really took off post-war with the advent of the speedboat. These were fast, stylish machines, built for enjoyment alone. Today, they remain as appealing as ever.

This 1951 example is the rare 16ft Riviera of which just 176 were built. These are much rarer than the 18ft and 20ft models in period, with a slightly less powerful motor fitted in view of its reduced length. At 16 feet, “Tosca” makes for a manageable trailer boat, easily towed and launched on its Indespension braked twin-axle road trailer.

Restored in 2018 by Stones Boatyard of Salcombe, Devon, “Tosca” has been sparingly used since. The vendor states that it has been in the water around ten times during their ownership and has been subject to a great deal of work. The seats have been reupholstered in red vinyl;, the electrical system has been comprehensively renewed and updated to 12 volts, and the distributor has been rebuilt.

Anyone who's ever restored a traditional wooden boat will appreciate the sheer quantity of work involved. This is no undertaking, so to find a vessel that's ready to go is a real bonus. Offered in very good condition, as the photographs attest, this rare Chris Craft Riviera awaits its next custodian.

Key Information

Length Overall (LOA): 16 ft (4.88 m)
Beam: 6 ft to 6 ft 3 in (1.83 m – 1.90 m)
Dry Weight: Approx. 2,265 lb (1,027 kg)
Hull Material: Mahogany planking over timber framing
Engine: Chris-Craft Model B 133ci inline-four petrol producing ~60 hp at 3,200 RPM, shaft drive with forward and aft gears
Paperwork: original build sheets and a few other pieces of historic paperwork

Known history:

Believed to have been built in 1951 in Algonac, Michigan, USA
Imported by the previous owner from the USA in 2010
Dry stored until extensively renovated in 2018
Renovated by wooden boat specialists Stones Boatyard of Salcombe, Devon
Used approximately ten times since restoration

The Detail

Period helm and gauges still fitted: rev counter, and oil pressure and temperature gauges
Key start
A single 12v bilge pump is mounted beneath the helm seat; all electrics upgraded to 12v from original 6v by the current owner
Distributor refurbished and rebuilt
The varnished mahogany hull presents in an excellent, period-correct condition
Fitted with stainless steel rub rails in good, used condition
The hull was newly coated with an epoxy primer and a white topcoat at the 2018 restoration
Seats upholstered in red vinyl
An original swivel search light is fitted and is reported to be in good working condition
Flag pole and Chris Craft Pendant flag included in the sale
Navigation lights are fitted to the bow, amidships and the flagstaff head
An old but serviceable canvas cover is included in the sale
Indespension trailer included in the sale; vendor reports good working condition, including all tyres
Trailer board included

BEFORE YOU BUY

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