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Captain Heritage

Riva Florida / Super Florida 19ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Riva Florida / Super Florida 19ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

$23,752.00 USD
$23,752.00 USD $23,752.00 USD
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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.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special? 

Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.

- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more. 

- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories. 

- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.

 

About Woodenboat USA™

The story of time-honored traditions of boat building. 

More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.

Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.

Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.

FAQ's

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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?

Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.

You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?

We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.

What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?

A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.

What type of boats do you build?

Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.

What methods do you use to build the boats?

Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.

How do I order?

Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.

How long does an order take?

Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.

How do you ship it?

We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.

How do I become a distributor of your products?

We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.

Guidelines for use

CARE:

With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.

  • It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
  • Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.

STORAGE:

Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.

  • Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
  • Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
  • Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.

REPAIR:

Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.

SAFETY:

Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.

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