Piranha, a 1959 Riva Tritone, (hull number 93) was originally owned by Prince Ali Solomone Aga Khan the legendary “bon vivant.” Born of a Persian father and an Italian mother and known as “Aly‚” to the press, Khan’s adventures captured the imaginations of men and the hearts of many women, including movie star Rita Hayworth who became his second wife. Piranha was one of only a handful of Rivas to have been imported into the United States. Other notable owners included Victor Borge, the entertainer/pianist/comedian; Roland Reed, Hollywood Producer; and The Wilkinson Family of razor blade renown.

The 1959 Tritone is a planked hull, rather than the armored laminate (plywood) hulls of later models, and was originally powered by twin MCL 6 cylinder, 175 horse power Chris-Craft engines. Underneath the foredeck are two skylights that open allowing ventilation to the forward cabin. The V-style berth also hides a small head, featuring one of the smallest porcelain toilets you’ll ever see. On the port side, there is the original Riva refrigerator with a designated spot for a bottle of champagne. The upholstered and wooded cabin was just enough for a break in the day with a canvas door for privacy. The Tritone had a unique feature in that the back of the front seat would recline flat creating a large playpen – a great spot for lounging. In addition, a sun canopy was standard equipment and was mounted in such a way to provide protection from the sun while allowing room to move and a breeze to pass through. There was also an optional pad, which fit on the aft deck over the engine hatch so you could also lie on the aft deck. For inclement weather, there is custom-fitted convertible top that folds into a boot behind the rear seat, much like an automobile convertible top. Once attached to the top of the windshield, and with the zippered side curtains in place, it creates quite a snug, protected environment.

Riva boats were very expensive at the time – the cost of the Tritone was equivalent to that of three brand new Cadillacs. Riva was, and still is, a prestigious posession – appreciated and revered by of boaters worldwide. Approximately 4,200 Rivas were built, sixty-seven were originally shipped to the United States, and there are around 100 in the United States today.

Piranha has undergone two major restorations in her life – one during the 1980-81 season, and the second in 2000, both done by Mahogany Bay. The second was a long-term restoration involving a new bottom, re-planked sides, new decks, re-chromed hardware, duplicating the original Zebrata pattern upholstery, rebuilt instruments and power plants. Originally imported to the US in 1967 by the father of Mahogany Bay’s founder and CEO, she is wonderful example of a legendary craft, and we are proud to have been a part of her history for over 40 years.