? for Old Rigger, and everyone.

[TahitiBoss21]

I am new to this, and was in awe about all the Tahiti info. I am an avid Havasu, parker, blythe riverrat, and My best friend and I own the only two Tahiti's i think i've ever seen out there. All i see now are the 38' rich knucklehead owned boats!
Old Rigger, i will get a pic of mine up but i have the original wood grain and orange metal flake, in mint condition gel. People either love or hate it, and i love it. Did you have anything to do with the design, construction of this hull? It is not a fast/well handling boat in rough water, but a great smooth water cruiser! Hangs in there with the new expensive jet boats of the same size.
My dad bought the boat brand new in 77, recently passed away, and i sold my little hondo for fixing this up. The boat means a lot to me, and i'll never sell it, or get rid of the 455 olds.
Did hardin marine just buy crate motors and bold on their aluminum plates? or did they do anything to the internals of the motor. I only had to replace a spun rod bearing a few years ago, and get the crank polished, but other than that it's a running fool!
my only mods are a late model marine alternator, Marine Weber carburator (edelbrock) 650 cfm. and a new mallory breakerless distributor that has given me nothing but headaches.
Anyone else out there with this same hull as mine? i've never seen one besides mine since i can remember.
Old rigger, what was the "skiff windshield" option offered by tahiti? I saw it in their old brochure.
Thank you guys for any info!

[Mad Daddy]

I have a 1971 Tahiti 19' with a 455 olds. A good little boat. I just had her painted and the inside re-done. I will post some pics soon. I am also looking for a windshield so if you find out any info on them please let me know. I also go to the river a lot and have never seen any others out there. Never know though.
Mad Daddy

[diggler]

Here's a pic of my 1972 Tahiti. We confirmed OldRigger's dad had his initials on the serial plate so he was the one that rigged my boat 34 years ago. I also think this is that windshield you were talking about. I can never let the boat go now... too much history!:D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/142Starboard_Complete-med.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/142PF_at_Lost_Isle_2.jpg

[Cas]

here's a picture of my 21' Super Cruiser before I sold it
http://www.laidbackboaters.com/814902c0.jpg
I almost bought a 21' Boss a couple of months ago but my wife would've killed me if I bought a 4th boat :D
A guy on here named Slotracer has a Boss 21, just bought it about 4 months ago.....maybe longer

[roostwear]

Personally, I like the refrigerator option.
21 Boss (http://www.roostwear.com/br/tahbr3.jpg)

[likwidsukr]

HERE IS A RARE ONE FOR SALE.......
22' OFFSHORE 1973 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31271&item=2476103686&ssPageName=STRK:MESSE:IT)

[INFINITEJJ]

Here's a couple of pic's of my 19' Tahiti converted to an open bow. I love this boat and when I upgrade I hope I can keep it.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/486DIGI_1001-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/486digi_1316-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/486Digi_541-med.jpg
As far as Tahiti or any info from the era, Old Rigger "IS THE MAN."

[old rigger]

tahitiboss21,
First off, I'm really sorry to hear about your pop. My dad died a few years back, 5, and it seems like yesterday I was talking to him. I sold his boat, and now I'm kicking myself for doing so. It was just an old Hawaiian we built in 78-9, but he loved that old thing. I was kinda tired of it, and after he died, I just didn't want it around. I had tons of stuff to deal with at that time (lawsuits with his bitch sister and his bitch wife), in fact I still have alot of his things, but I just didn't want the boat at that moment. I really regret selling it. Don't make the same mistake I did..........
Sorry, we weren't at Tahiti when your boat was built. We all left and went to Hawaiian in 74. Some guys bounced back and forth between the two shops, but my dad and I and some of Schusters old timers just hung at Hawaiian. The only thing I have or know about the Boss 21 was that it was a splash of the Spectra and I have pictures of the first Boss 21 in my dads driveway. I think the date is 71 or 72. We were on the way to the river with the thing. I'd love to see some pics of yours.
Oh yeah, you're correct in thinking Hardin (or any of the other marine engine suppliers) buying engines from Ford or GM, AMC too, and outfitting it with their marine stuff. In fact, Hardin was the last owner of the Tahiti name. They had it after Bell inc, who bought it from Schuster.
Infinitejj,
that boat of yours looks great. That hull was always one of my favorites, although it was made after we left Tahiti, we had the molds for it at Advantage many years later. We had the 20 and called the 20.5 Classic. I never knew they made a shorter 19 version like yours. I thought they were all like Cas's 20 back then. Learn something new everyday.
Diggler,
I was thinking of you the other day. I drove down to San Diego to look at a 71 Tahiti Tarino like yours but it was an outboard. I passed on the boat, but I saw something that I either forgot, or never paid attention too. The emblems on the side of the hull were different than the regular Tahiti ones we all know. The one with the tiki head. This one had all that but above the word tahiti was also, in the same style of lettering, was the word Tarino. It was all one casting too. It was really cool and I was trying to figure out how I could buy the boat, rob the emblems and re sell it. My wife said no. I wish I had a camera at the time cause you'd have loved it.
Maddaddy. I also have pic of the first 19 Tahiti too, if your 19 is like digglers 16 with the wrap around windshield. It was blue and silver flake and all white tuck and roll interior. Lots of room in that thing too. Fun boat. If your windshield is like the one on Digs, you might be able to get one at L&L marine in anaheim. They bought out the old specialty marine, and they were suppliers for that windshield. 714 777 5505
Be worth a call..............

[rssfla]

This seems the best place to ask about my new project, what can you tell me about the 74 tahiti riviera 18

[Cas]

rs,
do you have any more pictures of it from different angles?
OldRigger,
here's a picture of my 19' mini cruiser, as Tahiti so named it.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870Cas_Tahiti_1E.jpg
http://www.laidbackboaters.com/6095b040.jpg
I'm sure it's the same hull as INFINITEJJ's. I have to tell you it's the most solid hull I've ever owned, at least until I run this Bahner/Roger's thing. After seeing Inf's, I'm thinking I may have a ton of work ahead of me :D
I decided to sell the 21'er and keep this one because the interior of the 19 is only 1½" less in width and about 2" less in length, the 2' of difference is all in the bow. The top lines of the 2 are almost idendical except the 19 is a lower profile.
Great looking boat Infinite!

[rssfla]

heres on of the stern
all i have right now

[old rigger]

rssfla,
I think your hull was originally called the Tiger back when it was first built. I didn't know they changed the name to Riviera. Maybe that was done when the big switch came in 74?
Hey Cas,
I wonder what the story is behind the two different models of that boat? Man, that seems like a lot of work to tool two different boats that are only inches different! Both good looking too. Maybe the 19 came first with the 20 following to get by the coast gaurd rules for flotation? I dunno.

[Cas]

here's the best I can do with a comparison of the 19 and the 21
19'
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870Dsc00030-med.jpg
21'
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870Myboat1.jpg
I think you can kind of get the idea with them.
Actually, you can see that the 19 has a large interior area and a pretty short bow.
rs,
do you have a bow tank? IF so, your boat is as Old Rigger said, a Tiger but it'll only measure 17'10".

[rssfla]

no it has 2 rear tanks.

[old rigger]

Cas,
OK, I can see it now. Different boat all together. You're not gonna believe this but I think I have a pic of #1 19 mini cruiser too somewhere in dads stuff. You shook something loose in my gray matter posting these pics of your boat . The pic of the one we used was taken at Parker in the little canal off the back of our old place there. Shoot, I'll have to find it for you. I really need to get a scanner and post them over to your site. That be kinda cool, #1 Boss 21, the first 19 with the wrap around windshield and the first mini cruiser. By the way, after seeing the new pics of yours I was thinking about the one we took to the riv and I can remember the ride it had, it was fantastic. Much better than the 20 open bow we ended up building for my dad.
good looking boat steve
I'm thinking that rs's boat is still a tiger, at least out of the same molds. I'm not sure they were still using bow tanks when his was built? Or, cause it looks like his has been painted, maybe someone took out the bow tank and installed side tanks somewhere in the past?

[Cas]

OR,
I'd love to see those pictures! I have yet to see a Boss 21 in real time, only pictures but I expect to see Slotracer's within the next couple of months.
For me, I've had a Tiger, Super Tiger, Mini Cruiser and the Super Cruiser....kind of a Tahiti nut but I've always liked the lines of them.
I agree with you on rs's boat, the lines look like the Tiger, here's a pic of mine from 1977. it's a 1975 year model
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/38701st_boat.jpg
A lot of people removed the bow tank to install saddle tanks so his could very well have been changed.
Here's a pic of my old 76 Super Tiger which as you know came with saddle tanks from the factory.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870boat2-med.jpg
The sides of the boat were much wider, I guess so bigger tanks can be installed.
What you said about the mini cruiser's ride is exactly why I kept it. Well, it's actually because my right arm has a lot less bruising when my wife is going for a ride. The plan is if the Bahner doesn't have a ride close to the Tahiti, the Bahner is gone. If the Bahner has a ride close to the Tahiti, I have a real hard decision on which one to keep. Then again, after seeing Infiniti's Tahiti, I may keep the Bahner while our Tahiti gets a makeover. The problem I see is I'd be getting involved with a project way out of my realm of comfort. I'd hate to screw up the structural integrity of the hull.
Need a consultation job? :D

[Cas]

in looking at the pictures, rs's boat looks like it has more of a bubble?
rs, is there a hull id# on your hull? it'll be on the upper right rear corner on the transom.

[Mike67rs]

Here are a few pics of TahitiBoss' 21. Last weekend at Havasu. Nice classic boat in really good shape.
77' Tahiti Boss 21' Cruiser, Original Gel coat woodgrain in mint condition, Brand new "commander boats" interior. Original Olds 455, 12je pump w/hyd. place diverter.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1554April04_009-med.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/1554April04_001-med.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1554April04_016-med.jpg

[Cas]

real nice looking boat! Looks a lot like the Spectra with the rounded nose.
Is that engine cover modified or did the boat come with that style?

[TahitiBoss21]

[Old rigger disregard your email, that's my boat that Mike67rs posted up above. thanks mike!

[old rigger]

Hey Cas,
do you have the link or the pic of that old ad for Tahiti showing the model on the deck? The one spectra brent gave me. I bet tahitiboss21 would get a kick out of seeing that. That's the same boat that I have pics of in our driveway 33 or so years ago. :D

[Heatseeker]

Is this the ad you're talking about OR:
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3484tahittifat-med.JPG
I bet that ad sold alot of boats! Ooohhh baby!

[Cas]

I think the Playboy bunny on the bow is an interesting addition :D

[Ken F]

Hey Old Rigger, have you ever tried taking a digital photograph of a photo?
Works pretty well, especially if you have a tripod to hold your camera. Might be an option other than a scanner
Ken F

[old rigger]

that's the one, thanks heater.
Hey Ken, I did do that before for a few pics and you're right it worked great. Our digi camera broke a few months back and we haven't replaced it yet. I remember I took some pics of an early jet drive unit for someone and the pics came ou pretty good.
Cas, do you remember the story behind that bunny? Spectra had a famous lay-out with playmates from Playboy in thier adds with (I think) the playboy bunny head on the boat. Schuster did his own tounge in cheek version just for fun. It's a classic.
I can't believe how much that model remindes me of MiMi from the Drew Cary show.

[rssfla]

My boat no longer has a hull id tag, prob lost when it was painted. I do have the title right here and its RVA18008M74I.
The boat is undergoing a major makeover. The hull and the deck were separating from eachother so I have glassed the 2 back together. I have sanded much of the boat and it looks like it was a blue and purple metal flake. I will be taking some pics tomorrow if i make it by the body shop.

[Cas]

rs,
Your boat is a Rivera boat not a Tahiti. Tahiti's have an ID starting with TAH.
Here's the info:
Details for Manufacturer Identification Code RVA
MIC: RVA Status: Out of Business
Company: ALAN WEINSTEIN ASSOCIATES INC Company Official: WEINSTEIN, ALAN
Parent Company: Parent MIC:
Address: 7490 NW 42ND COURT City: LAUDERHILL
State: FL Zip: 33319
Country: Phone: 9547471851
Fax: In Business: 3/6/1991 12:00:00 AM
Out of Business: 4/5/2003 12:00:00 AM Date Modified: 5/29/2003 12:00:00 AM
Type: ImportersInboards, Cabin Cruisers Additional Address: FACTORY: CANTIERI RIVA SpA 24067 SARNICO (BG) ITALY
Comments: (RVA) WAS RIVERA BOAT DIV, OR FIBERGLASS INC; OOB 3/79. 930920 ROLLS ROYCE NO LONGER INVOLVED IN IMPORTING CANTIERI RIVA BOATS; CONTACT WAS WILLIAM P. KENNEDY, PO BOX 476, LYNDHURST NJ 07071 (201)460-9600. SEE ALSO (RYD). 990223 ADDRESS CHANGE; WAS 3341 NW 47TH TERR; LAUDERDALE LAKE FL 33319. 05/29/03 OOB PER RNI
Here's the link to the info:
http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic_detail.aspx?id=RVA

[Cas]

OR,
All I remember is basically what you've mentioned in the past. Don't forget, I think I'm older than you :D
It is a classic ad! :)

[rssfla]

ok Thats cool
So my boat is a mfg = Riviera and the Model = Tahiti
upon closer inspection of the title i do see that
boy, you old guys are smart! ( being only 40 myself, i have alot or respect for the seniors!
Thanks for the info, that makes one more thing that the guy I bought the boat from an untruth.

[rssfla]

So now the trick is going to be to find some information on these boats. I've done a boat load of google searches - NUTTIN!
What do you think guys?

[Cas]

40 huh? you'll be getting to 48 sooner than you think ;) :D
I'd try calling that Alan Weinstein and Associates to see if you can find out any info there. That company might be an importer but they may also be able to tell you a bit more, could be a good starting point. The unfortunate part is it could be another dead end. Trying to find info on some of these old boats is real tough.
If you're putting in Riviera, you're probably coming up with very little. Try putting in Rivera on Google, there's quite a bit on Rivera boats but nothing that I saw on a Rivera jet boat.

[Mohavekid]

My parent's bought an 18' Riviera jet boat new in 1972.
I doin't have a pic handy, but it was a splashed copy of the 18' Sea Ray. Lot's of freeboard, windshield and fold down back to back lounge type seats.
It was built in Oregon and had a 455 Olds with a Berkeley 'E' pump. It ran and handled well, top speed was close to 60 MPH by speedo.

[rssfla]

Well I found the coast guard tag today
Mfg: Riviera Boats by
Oregon Fiberglass, Inc
Albany, Oregon 37321
Model: 18008
Max Hp 390 ( not if I have anything to say about it!)
Max Persons 4
Max Weight 1500
Any info would be much appreciated. I'd love to find some original ads and such.

[old rigger]

Originally posted by Cas
OR,
Don't forget, I think I'm older than you :D
:)
Unfortunatly, I think I'm just little ahead of ya.......................lol
Thoses Rivas that Alan Weinstein was importing from Italy are BIG dollar items. Beautiful wood cruisers back in the day, in fact I think they still offer a wood boat. 500,000 K, something like that.

[INFINITEJJ]

Thank all you guys for the kind words. I know it's been a few days, but some of us do have to work, (j/k). I do believe my hull is a 19' mini cruiser. thanks again.
OR,
I love all the old stories, thank for the flashbacks / memories.
CAS,
Great loking boats, gotta love the Tahiti's.

[Cas]

thanks JJ but the 19' boat is one of those boats that looks a lot better in pictures. At some point in it's life it was repainted with an automotive paint. On top of that, the hull wasn't really prepped right so there are a ton of little cracks all over it. There is also about a zillion "zits" on the the top and sides. Apparently it was sealed before the hull was really dried out. Once it got in the sun, the pockets of water boiled and turned to a gas causing the bubbled paint. Not sure if that's true but it sounded like a pretty good explanation to me.
Here's a pic of what I'm talking about:
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/3870bad_paint-med.jpg

[INFINITEJJ]

I think those are called asthmatic blisters, don't quote me on that. But i think it does come from the pour prep or water in the old type resin's/glass that were used.
I STILL LOVE THE CLASSICS!