A very rare RIO ESPERA TA is offered for sale, next to the RIO COLORADO the second largest of the classic wooden motor yachts from the AVIONAUTICA RIO shipyard, which were built on Lago d'Iseo in Lombardy/Italy from the end of the 1950s.
The RIO ESPERA has no sunbed area behind the cockpit whereas the more expensive variant, RIO ESPERA TA, is equipped with a sunbed embedded in the rear deck area.
Just like the RIO COLORADO, the RIO ESPERA TA has a counterpart at RIVA, namely the RIVA ARISTON. Apart from the aft lounging area, at the RIVA more or less a sun lounger cushion located on the aft deck, and the semicircular stern of the RIVA in contrast to the angular, trapezoidal stern of the RIO ESPERA TA, there are hardly any visible differences. Only 217 boats of both versions of the RIO ESPERA were built in total, compared to 1004 of the three versions of the RIVA ARISTON. This is partly due to the individual production of all wooden parts of the boats at AVIONAUTICA RIO and the mass production with suppliers at RIVA.
Against the background that AVIONAUTICA RIO and RIVA built quite similar, classic wooden boats at the same time, with the same quality and both near Lake Garda, there is an interesting competition for enthusiasts and collectors as well as users of such classic wooden boats.
On the one hand, RIVA is still building models on the basis of classics whose prices are very high and above, and on the other hand RIO classic wooden boats boats are in no way inferior and affordable compared to RIVA. In terms of an investment, classic RIO wooden boats with the same quality and appearance and only a good fifth of the boats manufactured, should have a better value potential than RIVA.
The RIO ESPERA TA shown here is in almost new condition. The wood of the hull and deck was completely renewed in winter/spring 2020. The engine was completely overhauled in 2025. This work can be documented in detail with invoices and photos. The ownership history goes back to 1983.
For further details about restoration and history or images of this unique classic boat, in the form of an extensive expose, as well as all other questions we would appreciate your contacting us.
If required, a BRENDERUP trailer adapted specifically for this boat can be purchased. Further information comes with the expose mentioned above.
PROPULSION
• CHRIS CRAFT engine
• Model 327Q with V8 cylinder
• 1 x 230 hp
• actual engine hours: 230 h
• maximum speed: 38 knots / 70 km/h
• PARAGON gearbox
• shaft drive
• 3-bladed propeller, MIBRAL
• circular instruments for RPM, engine hours, temperature, oil pressure, fuel level and amperage integrated in the dashboard
• blower for engine compartment
HULL & DECK
• hull and deck made of mahogany
• tonneau cover in light beige
• foldable cabrio cover with windows, white
• sunshade with 6 s/s posts
• removable and folding bathing ladder made of mahogany at stern
• search light
• position light
• electric horn
• integrated forward looking spotlight on each side of the hull
• windscreen wiper
• foldable driver bench to convert whole cockpit into sunbed
• table and mirror integrated in backrest of driver bench
• aft sunbed cushions
• towing device for water ski
• anchor with rope
• fenders
• flagpole
EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
• 12 V
• 2 starter batteries, each 74 Ah
• WATER SYSTEMS
• electric bilge pump
SAFETY
• fire extinguisher
• life ring
• 4 lifejackets