1981 Riva St Tropez – Classic Italian Fiberglass Sports Cruiser

The Riva St Tropez represents an important chapter in the evolution of Riva. Introduced during the brand’s transition from traditional wooden runabouts to modern fiberglass yachts, the St Tropez combines timeless Italian design with the durability and practicality of a GRP hull.

This 1982 Riva St Tropez offers classic styling, powerful twin engines, and a spacious cockpit layout ideal for day cruising and coastal trips. With its distinctive Riva lines, chrome details, and refined interior, the boat continues to attract collectors and boating enthusiasts seeking a vintage Italian cruiser with modern reliability.

The Evolution of the Riva St Tropez

The 1981 Riva St Tropez was introduced in the late 1970s as Riva expanded its lineup of fiberglass yachts.

Unlike the famous mahogany models like the Riva Aquarama, the St Tropez features a GRP hull, providing improved durability, lower maintenance, and greater practicality for everyday cruising.

The model retained Riva’s signature luxury aesthetic while offering a larger cockpit, improved hull performance, and increased onboard comfort.

Specifications of the 1981 Riva St Tropez

Typical specifications include:

Length: 9.52 m (31 ft)
Beam: 2.74 m
Hull Material: GRP / Fiberglass
Engines: Twin petrol V8 engines from Crusader Engines
Power: Approx. 2 × 350 HP
Drive System: Twin shaft drive
Top Speed: Approx. 35–40 knots depending on configuration

These specifications make the St Tropez a powerful and stable coastal cruiser with excellent performance for its size.

Restoration and Mechanical Upgrades

Well-maintained examples of the Riva St Tropez often undergo significant restoration work to preserve their condition and performance.

Typical restoration work may include:

• Engine overhauls

• Fuel and water tank refurbishment

• New electrical systems

• Steering system upgrades

• Refurbished propellers and shafts

• Interior upholstery replacement

• Chrome restoration and polishing

These upgrades ensure that the boat remains reliable while maintaining the original Riva character and styling.

Why the Riva St Tropez Remains Desirable

Classic fiberglass Riva models like the St Tropez are becoming increasingly collectible.

Key reasons include:

• Iconic Italian Riva design

• Durable fiberglass construction

• Limited surviving examples in top condition

• Strong interest in classic Italian yachts

Many owners proudly present their boats at prestigious events such as the Monaco Yacht Show and other classic boat gatherings across Europe.

If you are looking for a timeless Italian classic, this 1981 Riva St Tropez represents a rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored example from Riva. Combining elegant design, powerful twin engines, and the unmistakable Riva styling, the St Tropez offers both thrilling performance and refined comfort for coastal cruising.

Contact us today for full specifications, additional photos, and availability details, or to arrange a private viewing. Well-maintained classic Riva boats like this seldom stay on the market for long.