Riva Florida n 481

[choubi]

Hi,

I'd like to find more information on the Florida 481 (1960).
The boat is in really bad shape, but I am not sure if it is a Florida, a Super Florida or a Florida Super.
I would like to restore it myself. But I find very difficult to find information.
I have to admit that I dont really know the differencies between the Florida, the Super Florida and the Florida Super.

There is a hole on each side of the hull for docking light but I was certain that the Florida didnt have docking light on the hull....

I also want to restore this boat as original. Do you know the different kind of wood that have been used originaly?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Don Ayers]

First, thanks for posting on the Riva Forum.

there are many here that can help you along and answer just about all your questions.

1. Where are you located, what country, city and or State?

the word Super indicated a model with a larger engine and often the Super models where larger in hull size.

Can you post some pictures? that will help us help you. If you don't know how to post pics then go to the support topic section from the main page and watch the video for how to attached pics.

What engine do you have?

Ciao

Don

[choubi]

Hi Don,

I'm from France, near Lyon. it's a friend's boat. And we dont really know a lot about Riva's boat.
We would like to restore is as original that's why we need your help

The picture are really bad.
The engine is a chris craft model KFL 6 Cylinder.

At first I would like to have the confirmation if it's a Florida or a Super Florida or a Florida Super.
I think, based on the engine, that it's a Florida but with the docking lights on the hull I'm lost... Is it possible to have the docking lights for a Florida?
Otherweise, what do I need to check to know what it is?

For the kind of wood used on the boat I think it will be easier to know once why know if it's a Florida or not.

Thanks again for your help

[Don Ayers]

OK, thanks for the pictures as this is a good start.

1. Yes, you have a Florida model. It is smaller than a Super Florida of the same period.

2. I don't know about the docking lights, they could have been factory or been added some time later.

3. Do you have the Riva books by Gibellini?

4. Are you members of the Riva Historical Society/Riva Club France?

These are great places to start. The Gibellini books are a must for any Riva owner. There you will find the production records and much information about Riva boats including Florida. They also produce the great magazine Viva Riva.

the Chris Craft KFL engine is a great motor and produces 131 HP.

There was just an article in the last Viva Riva on the different kind of woods used for different boats and years.

In general the names are Sipo, Saplele, Grand Basaulm and Kaya. These are different types of African Mahogany.

Are you an experienced wood worker?

This will be a fun project for you.

PS. How did you find the Riva Forum?

Ciao

Don

[choubi]

Thanks for the great information.

I am planning to buy this book by Gibellini.
I was searching for information on the Florida when I found your forum.
I'm not in any Club so far but I will for sure.
Do I need to be member of the Club to subscribe to the Riva Viva magazine?

I'm not an experience wood worker but it has been a long time since I wanted to learn and this could be a good opportunity.
I'm sure it will take a long time to do it, but I'm sure I will enjoy it.

Thanks again for your help

[SuperFlorida]

Hello Choubi,

the "vivariva" is the magazin for the members of the RHS and its chapters, i.e. you have to join your local Riva club and you'll get the magazin automatically.

The docking lights have been an option for any Riva boat.

Good luck for your project!
Hans-Peter

[choubi]

Ok I see,

First I need to find the books by Gibellini. I'd like to know the different type of wood used for this boat in order to know how much I will have to spent to purchase the wood as I heard it was crazy expensive...

[Don Ayers]

Here is RHS information and information on ordering the books. (number 25)

Hope this helps.

There are a number of good resources in your area. Take some time and do the research and you will get the right wood for the best price.

PS. You can order the books from Morosini and or Marina Riva

http://www.morosinigiovanni.com/

http://www.marinariva.net/

These are both great sources for all the parts you will need.

Also, If you can put up with my Oklahoma voice, here is a video I made to help another person understand the construction and different options for Riva's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R654BtXSL24