Q. In the photos of the frames it looks like the knees and exhaust surrounds are fabricated from plywood. Is this the case?

Correct, the gussets at the topsides and bottom frame joints are indeed plywood, as they were originally. As we disassembled the boat for inspection, we saved most of the pieces for ‘historical value’. (we knew people would be curious;-). Inspection showed us that Perlita had never been disassembled before now. Individual pieces have been replaced; and those are pretty obvious if you know what to look for.

The pieces surrounding the exhausts are also plywood, again as they were originally. The new pieces are different in this respect: they are the best quality current 9-layer marine plywood; the original pieces were only 3 layers, likely shop-made by Riva, as they were thicker individual layers. As with the rest of the original plywood pieces, they did not survive particularly well, and permitted moisture intrusion.

Q. Was original Stem and keel built as a bent lamination?

The original stem, knee, and keel were fabricated in 5 pieces of dimensional mahogany, then joined with glue, and mechanical fasteners (aka steel bolts). The new stem, knee and keel are fabricated as multi-layer laminations. We were able to salvage and reuse the original “ears” at the top of the stem. Although this is not precisely “original”, I believe the added strength of this method will enable Perlita to live much longer; maintain her shape perfectly, and of course add a bit of safety for offshore use.

Q. Will you be skinning the boat and adding the rivets for appearance or will the boat be planked, full thickness, as the original with live seams?

Perlita’s topsides planks will be full thickness mahogany. As to the “live” seams, I hope and pray not! And as to “adding rivets for appearance”; I think you’ll find my riveting job far superior to that done by ‘Luigi’ and ‘Giuseppi’ after their obligatory glass of vino with lunch!

Future posts will show the gory details!

Keep up the good work…. I look forward to seeing the completed Tritone!!

You and me both, brudda!

I have been following this boat for about 5 yrs now and I’m very glad that this VERY significant Riva is getting the care that she deserves.

A few questions if you have a moment.

In the photos of the frames it looks like the knees and exhaust surrounds are fabricated from plywood. Is this the case?

Was original Stem and keel built as a bent lamination?

Will you be skinning the boat and adding the rivets for appearance or will the boat be planked, full thickness, as the original with live seams?

Keep up the good work…. I look forward to seeing the completed Tritone!!