Wooden Boat USA
Riva V1 Aquarama Replica - 27ft
Riva V1 Aquarama Replica - 27ft
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Riva V1 Aquarama Replica – 27ft
The Riva Aquarama is an icon of Italian elegance, celebrated worldwide between 1962 and 1996 for its timeless lines and exquisite craftsmanship. Our 27ft Riva V1 Replica faithfully revives this golden era of wooden boat building.
The hull is crafted from premium mahogany, layered and sealed with multiple coats of high-gloss varnish that create a mirror-like finish, both protecting the wood and enhancing its natural warmth. The deck features elegantly curved mahogany planking, separated by fine maple inlays, showcasing craftsmanship in every line.
Inside, the cockpit is upholstered with luxurious marine-grade leather, offering comfort and durability against sun and sea. The wraparound windshield, framed in stainless steel, provides both style and protection. The sunbathing platform at the stern invites relaxation, seamlessly integrated above the twin engines that deliver powerful yet smooth performance.
Every detail—from chrome fittings, hand-polished cleats, and the signature steering wheel to the carefully balanced seating arrangement—reflects Riva’s dedication to merging art with engineering. The Aquarama is not just a boat; it is a floating sculpture of elegance, designed to turn heads on every shoreline.
Even today, the Aquarama glides with unmatched charm through the canals of Venice, embodying the romance of la dolce vita. Owning this replica means inheriting that same prestige, beauty, and tradition.
A true collector’s treasure, the Riva V1 Aquarama Replica blends artistry, performance, and heritage—a masterpiece that brings history back to life on the water.
Introduced in 1962, the Riva Aquarama quickly became one of the most iconic wooden speedboats ever built. Designed by Carlo Riva, it combined the sleek lines of American runabouts with unmistakable Italian elegance. Its name, inspired by the widescreen Cinerama films, reflected the boat’s signature panoramic windshield, which soon became a hallmark of the design.
Crafted from hand-selected mahogany, each Aquarama was finished with multiple coats of varnish to achieve its famous mirror-like sheen. Paired with cream leather seating, polished chrome fittings, and a spacious sunbathing platform, it offered both style and comfort. Beneath its beauty, the boat was powered by twin engines—often Chrysler or later Ferrari—capable of propelling it beyond 40 knots, delivering thrilling speed with smooth handling.
The Aquarama soon earned the nickname “the Ferrari of the boat world,” attracting celebrities, royals, and prominent figures worldwide. Owners ranged from Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren to the Shah of Iran and King Hussein of Jordan. Its presence along the French Riviera or in the canals of Venice embodied la dolce vita—a lifestyle of leisure, glamour, and sophistication.
Between 1962 and 1996, around 760 Aquaramas were produced, including the celebrated Super and Special series. Though production ended, the Aquarama remains a timeless symbol of Italian craftsmanship and luxury. Restored originals and faithful replicas continue to showcase Carlo Riva’s vision, keeping alive a legacy where speed, artistry, and elegance meet on the water
At Wooden Boat USA, we specialize in crafting exquisite wooden canoes, where the rich beauty of wood meets the grace of canoeing. Our skilled artisans meticulously construct each wooden canoe by hand, using a perfect blend of traditional techniques and modern technology.
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of our wooden canoes, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of their natural material. We exclusively utilize certified, top-grade wood, including Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, and teak, ensuring that each canoe is a work of art in itself.
If you're in search of wooden canoes for sale, look no further. Our collection showcases a variety of stunning wood canoes that are ready to embark on new adventures. From sleek and streamlined designs to spacious and comfortable models, we have the perfect wooden canoe to suit your needs and preferences.
For those interested in the craftsmanship behind wooden canoes, we offer insights into the process of building a wooden canoe. Our experts can guide you on how to build a wooden canoe, providing step-by-step instructions and sharing their expertise on selecting the right wood, shaping the hull, and finishing the canoe to perfection. Kindly check out Youtube Channel below:
https://www.youtube.com/@woodenboatusa
Additionally, we understand the importance of a reliable paddle for your wooden canoe. That's why we also offer high-quality wooden canoe paddles, designed to complement the elegance and functionality of our canoes. Our wooden canoe paddles are expertly crafted to provide optimal performance and enhance your paddling experience.
Whether you're a seasoned canoe enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore the art of canoeing, our team is here to support you. Feel free to reach out for more information or visit our workshop to witness the craftsmanship firsthand. Embark on your wooden canoe journey and discover the beauty and serenity of gliding through the water in a meticulously crafted wood canoe.
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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
List the details of your shipping policy.
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.