Highlights

A Chris Craft, 50’s wooden launch with an iconic look – of a type much loved by Hollywood stars
Expertly restored in 2018 by Stones Boatyard (Salcombe) in 2018 and hardly used since
A rare model, today, with only around 300 Rivieras ever built by Chris craft between 1948 and 1952

The Appeal

The Chris Craft boat company was a stalwart of the American pleasure craft scene in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

Despite having been in operation since the 1880’s, it was the golden age of Hollywood that helped bring Chris Craft boats to the attention of the wider world.

Chris Craft’s mahogany hulled power boats were much loved by the Hollywood elite such as Elvis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Katherine Hepburn and Sophia Loren.

The stars not only were seen in these craft in several films of the period, but they often were pictured in them during holidays and private time both in the USA and in Europe.

It is this glamorous exposure that has helped the Chris Craft boats achieve and retain such a recognisable and collectable status today, some 70 years on.

The History and Paperwork

Believed to have been built in 1951 in Algonac, Michigan, USA
Imported by the current owner from the USA in 2010
Dry stored until extensively renovated in 2018
Renovated by wooden boat specialists Stones Boatyard of Selcombe, near Devon
Having been on the water only twice since renovation
Current owner has always kept the boat in dry storage
There is a small amount of paperwork available with the craft
This includes an original build sheets and a few other pieces of historic paperwork

The Interior

The interior comprises two seating areas
Seats are dressed in red vinyl and is in decent, original condition
Exhibits some charming, original patina preferred by the owner to a fully restored interior
A very “car-like” ambiance is provided by the inscribed dashboard and large Bakelite and chrome wheel
An original dial set is fitted at the helm position
This comprises a rev counter, and oil pressure and temperature gauges
A single 6V bilge pump is mounted beneath the helm seat
A chrome framed low windscreen provides some protection

Chris Craft worked hard to provide their pleasure craft and launches with a very familiar and car-like interior.

This was a key to their success with many owners feeling they were piloting a floating car rather than skippering a boat. This, of course, only adds to the enormous charm and glamour of this amazing craft.

The Exterior

The varnished mahogany hull presents in an excellent, period-correct condition
The stem and quarters are fitted with stainless steel protectors in good, used condition
The hull was newly coated with an epoxy primer and a white topcoat at the 2018 restoration
The hull is in very good order belying the age of this craft
The decks are in equally good condition
There are a number of deck fittings in chrome
These include mooring eyes, a filler cap and engine compartment vents
An original swivel search light is fitted and is reported to be in good working condition
There is an attractive varnished masthead fitted to the rear deck
An old but serviceable canvas cover is included in the sale
The pictured trailer is not included

The close boarded mahogany hull became somewhat of a signature look for Chris Craft vessels of this period.

This finish helps give this craft the timeless, elegant look that is so evocative of the period. The professionally and recently applied, two-part clear varnish helps to give the craft an appealing high shine too.

The Mechanics

This craft is fitted with the original Chris Craft Model B, four-cylinder petrol engine
The engine is fitted with an alternator which drives the 6V electrical system
The engine is started via a key operated ignition
The battery was replaced in 2018
The engine was serviced by a qualified marine engineer in 2018
Navigation lights are fitted to the bow, the sides and the flagstaff head

The Chris Craft Model B engine fitted here was originally rated at around 60 hp which gave these little craft a decent turn of speed when called upon.

The current owner reports that this example will plane but could not be considered as fast. That’s not what these glamorous gems are about, however. This is a craft to gently cruise in and soak up the admiring glances by those around you in “more humble” craft.

Summary

If anything will make you feel like an idol of the silver screen it will be this iconic Chris Craft Riviera motor launch.

Possibly the most evocative and romantic craft on the market today. This example is in great “ready to sail” condition too.

A thorough and professionally undertaken restoration means this craft is ready and able to transport you to a gentler and more elegant time without delay.

Don’t miss this rare chance to own a genuine slice of 50’s Hollywood glamour.

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