One of my favorites among all the classic boats is the Chris-Craft Riviera. It’s definitely one of the ‘quintessential’ classic of the 50’s era. I’ve been fortunate to have owned a couple and my very first project was a 1950 18’ Riviera. Although many mistakes were made on that first project which I had to correct over time, the boat turned out very nice and our family enjoyed her for several boating seasons before moving on to something a little larger.

A 30-something professional lady purchased the boat and was going to use her on a picturesque lake in North Carolina. She and I talked for some time about boating in general, mainly about her modern ski-boat and how she loved to ski. She asked about slaloming behind the Riviera and I advised that it would not be a good idea, stating it could damage the boat due to its age. No problem, she said, there’s the Ski-Nautique.

I delivered the boat while in the area on other business a few weeks later. She was so excited to have the boat, and it made me feel good to she her in the hands of someone who really appreciated this beautiful classic. It was her first woody, so I spent much time going over the exact start procedure, maintenance, dos and don’ts, etc. I even left a detailed list of helpful instructions in case she needed it for future reference.

Not more than a month later I saw the boat listed on eBay. I couldn’t believe it. Was she having trouble or what? So, I called her and asked if she was having problems and if I could help. No, she said, it just didn’t start like her Nautique, wasn’t as powerful, and seem to struggle pulling people up on one ski. It was a lot more work than her newer ski boat. I just shook my head and hoped the Riv would fall into a caring owner’s hands.

It’s important for new boaters to the ‘classic boating’ hobby to realize it’s a different type of boating. This is especially true if they own or are used to modern boats with all the technological improvements and materials. Even a freshly restored mahogany classic is still forty, fifty, or more years old and should be treated as such. I advise clients that even though they’ve made a significant investment in a restoration, it’s still an old boat and not intended to compete with a late model fiberglass boat that gets used regularly for skiing, tubing, or other heavy-duty recreational boating activities. Most already know this without being told. I’ve been at shows, however, on busy lakes where the owner of a fifty year old classic will take someone a fast ride where the boat is getting pounded on rough waters. Not only is it uncomfortable for the passenger, it’s beating the boat to death and probably doing unforeseen damage to old wood that’s lost much of it’s strength over the many decades of use…restoration or not.

My point is these boats, even after a significant makeover, deserve and need to be treated with respect reflective of their age. They will last longer while still providing seasons of pure enjoyment. As always, common senses need to rule.

Happy boating,