Tutti Buono
Make/ Model: RIVA Super Florida
Designer: Carlo Riva
Year: 1962
LOA: 19'5"
Beam: 7.1'
Draft: 3'
Engine: Chrysler Marine M80
HP: 177
Fuel Capacity: 20 gal.
In 2011, I was informed by my old'er' hydroplane race friends from the Miami Marine Stadium that a boater was going through a divorced and would be parting with his Riva, Tutti Buono.
Off I went to Palm Beach County in search of this wooden jewel; a boat I loved since my childhood fantasies of Italy, Lake Como, the sun kissed skin of Bridgette Bardot and Mediterranean Sea fill that my mind. I found her, took one look at the transom and knew she was meant to be with me; I acquired her on the spot.
Months later, I found myself in the same situation going through a divorce. So, of course, I had to buy her a second time and she went to storage while my life navigated turbulent seas. Upon breaking through what seems an endless succession of personal squalls, calms seas were before me and a following wind pushed me to be my best.
During this voyage, I found my First Mate. Unbeknownst to him, I too was a lover of antiques, all things classic and old, old cars, old houses, old boats, and if you saw him, you'd say old'er' men too. So together, my first mate and I set off to restore Tutti Buono. I don't believe in molesting such a beautiful pieces of art if it doesn't need to be invasive. However, after she was left with an unscrupulous boat builder/ refinisher for storage in the Fall who wanted to make her a barn find, and upon my finding her in the condition she was neglected come Spring, I knew this would be a money hemorrhage. Furious as I was, my First Mate set off to make things right. With the help and guidance of Alan Weinstein, and researching a reputable engine guy, Motor Boat Garage, Brian Keen was determined to bring this girl's heart back to life. Greg Gilkerson took to a passion in the details of the wood refinishing down to polishing the gas tank. It sits like a shiny diamond.
Upon her completion in 2019 and a new bottom, she has been been wet a total of three times. Once upon her completion trial run and twice in Harbour Springs, Michigan in 2021 and 2022. It was during that year, my girlfriend conveniences me to enter our Rivas in the Hessel Michigan Boat Show in the UP. I'm proud to say Tutti Buono won first in her class.
Unfortunately, Columbus, Ohio doesn't lend itself to a boating lifestyle. Splitting my time in South Florida, where I used to scoff at people who were so particular about putting their wooden boats in salt water, she is a lake boat and hasn't seen salt water. With that, I will be searching for her next caretaker. Someone who shares a passion and love for the Riva name, heritage and history. Because in the end... 'Tutti Buono', 'It's all good' and if it's not good, it's not the end.