Production year: 1950 | Number built: 257 | Length: 7.60 metres | Versions: Special and Super
In 1950, Riva introduced its flagship model, the Tritone, equipped with two 122 hp Gray Phantom engines. Interestingly, the four boats that followed were fitted with only a single Scripps engine. From 1954 onwards, all Tritones were equipped with twin engines. Up to that year, the windscreen consisted of two flat panels; afterwards it was replaced by a curved windscreen made up of four sections.
Throughout the production period until 1966, Chris-Craft engines were predominantly used. Chrysler and Cadillac engines were also fitted, though less frequently. One unique example was even delivered with two 215 hp Ford Interceptor engines. The Tritones fitted with Chris-Craft engines used an electro-hydraulic Chris-O-Matic gearbox until 1960, which was known to be somewhat sensitive and relatively slow to respond. Depending on the engine configuration, the dimensions varied from 7.60 m x 2.55 m to 8.30 m x 2.62 m. Fuel capacity also varied, ranging from 400 to 500 litres, divided over two tanks.
The Tritone, like the Ariston, featured a closed aft deck, but with separate hatches for the engine compartment and storage. In the Aperto version, these hatches were replaced by a cockpit, following requests from customers who found the closed aft deck less suitable as a sun deck. The interior layout included a fold-down front bench and a fixed rear bench, with a small cabin space in the bow providing room for a toilet and a single berth. The instrument panel was finished in white Formica and featured Jaeger gauges until 1959, followed by Stewart-Warner instruments, and from 1964 onwards the final VDO gauges. Various steering wheels with two, three and even four spokes were used until 1956, when they were replaced by a more robust design created by Riva. This also marked the introduction of the original logo with the three sailors on the steering wheel.
Total Tritone production comprised 226 standard models, 10 units fitted with Cadillac engines, and 21 Super versions. In many respects, the Tritone served as the foundation for its successor, the Aquarama, the most prestigious model that established Riva’s worldwide reputation as a boatbuilder. For enthusiasts of mahogany boats, however, the Tritone remains the ultimate Riva