Riviera: A 1962 Mahogany-Decked Inboard Runabout
William D. Jackson's 1962 Riviera is a 17 ft runabout for six, with mahogany decks and 38 mph from a converted auto engine.
Riviera captures the glamour of an early-1960s lake runabout. William D. Jackson drew it at 17 ft (5.2 m) for six people, with fir plywood topsides, mahogany decks and oak or fir framing. Power is a converted car engine of 100 to 225 hp, good for about 38 mph. With 36 plan sheets, it is one of the most detailed plans in the collection and a rewarding challenge for an experienced builder who loves varnished wood.
Riviera at a glance
| Detail | Riviera |
|---|---|
| Type | Inboard runabout |
| Length | 17 ft (5.18 m) |
| Capacity | 6 persons |
| Construction | Fir plywood with mahogany decks; oak or fir framing |
| Power | 100–225 hp converted auto engine; 38 mph |
| Designer | William D. Jackson |
| First published | Boat Builder's Handbook, August 1962, p. 52 |
| Craft Print | No. 327 |
| Plan sheets | 36 |
Why it stands out
Mahogany decks over a fir plywood hull give that gleaming, polished runabout look without the cost of an all-mahogany build. Seating for six makes it a proper social boat for summer weekends. A converted car engine of 100 to 225 hp was a popular, affordable way to power a boat like this, and 38 mph makes for a lively afternoon. Thirty-six sheets walk you through every stage.
The original plan sheets
These are the 36 original sheets from 1962, scanned from the magazine (the first 12 are shown here). For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
William D. Jackson drew Riviera for the Boat Builder's Handbook, August 1962, page 52, as Craft Print 327. The thirty-six sheets make it one of his most thoroughly drawn runabouts.
Before you build
- Plan the engine bed, shaft angle and ventilation carefully before closing in the hull, as an inboard needs access later.
- Use marine-grade converted engine parts and keep fuel and exhaust systems up to current safety standards.
- Build in flotation and a bilge pump, and check the stated six-person load is never exceeded.
Download the plan
The full 1962 Riviera plan in one file: all 36 sheets at full size, ready to print or open on a tablet in the shop.
Download the complete plan (PDF, 36 sheets, 37.8 MB)
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