I don't care, I want one, I know they're absurdly expensive, impractical, require huge amounts of maintenance, etc. etc. etc. Even the most dedicated boating dunderhead would look at an Aquarama and nod their head in approval (search for your own photos folks).
This is a boat that, for me was a case of meeting your hero, being disappointed then elated. Despite their bite the back of your hand beauty they are a handful to live with, a boat that can leave you in awe and also drive you bonkers in equal measure, let me explain. Lets start with the obvious bit, it is simply gorgeous, however, because of all that beautiful wood and its many coats of varnish, it turns you into a psychopath, especially when berthing, if another boats fenders even look at yours, its cause for concern.
Helm woes
Like some other boats, the gears and throttles are separate, no problem, a double lever system, but not quite, for you see the gears are controlled by stalks behind the steering wheel, a bit like the column shift on a classic Cadillac, there is one on either side of the wheel, the throttles are on slides of sorts built into the port side adjacent to the helm, Riva continued with this same set up on later boats too. Its all beautifully finished with much shiny chrome and retro white plastic, however, if you are not on your game, its easy to get in a lather, it truly takes a mental toll on you unless you are well practiced, if not, there is much potential for mayhem.
Like skating?
Remember the scene in Rocky III where he takes on Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan), boxer vs wrestler, at one point Thunderlips lifts poor Rocky right over his head and hurls him into the audience, Rocky manages to utter the words "catch me!", well I have had a catch me moment on a Riva, not an Aquarama but a larger one but still with the highly varnished wooden foredeck, I had just put her in the travel lift for lifting out, first thing in the morning, there was a lot of morning dew, I made my way from the helm, around the side decks and tentatively onto the foredeck, I think you can see where this is going, I slipped, but instead of falling over, I slid all the way to the bow and I am not sure where I would have ended up, fortunately big Miguel, the crane operators assistant was there to grab me and, I got a look of "stop messing around".
The wood with its many layers of varnish giving it a mirror finish is gorgeous, but it does become a tad slippery when wet.
Do you have a smoking jacket or ballgown?
Not the most practical of attire I think you'll agree, if I may use this simile for how this boat can be summed up, a tuxedo is not practical, even though James Bond makes it look so good, if you have to wear one or an evening gown, you know you are off to go somewhere special & to do something special, well this is how the Riva Aquarama is, something special, that more importantly makes you feel special. It is quite literally the only boat I can think of where the mechanics will comb their hair before going on board!
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