What Engines did Riva boats use?

[Theo]

This might be a question to our marine guys. Today I've seen an incredible RIVA boat in pristine condition. It had an engine compartment that I think was about a mile long
I'm probably gonna take a view shots of that beauty within the next few days. I'm also triening to get photos of the engine. I called a number and the secretary told me that it had a Chris Craft engine. Ha Ha,..
I assume it is married with a MEL. What do you guys think?

[Chris Craft crazy]

Riva did buy engines from Chris Craft on several occasions, notably the flat six ... and I think 283H flywheel forward models.

[Theo]

So, Chris Craft had an own engine production? Thought that they used engines from the the major manufacturers like Ford etc. But what do I know. Thanks for the info.

[Chris Craft crazy]

Chris Craft did not make the actual engine blocks, but they were the largest boat builder of their day. Chris Craft had an engine division that bought blocks, and did the subsequent marine conversions. The flat head series were Hercules for the most part, and they did use some chrysler product, but had a big affinity in the sixties for chevrolet. My understanding is they did their own castings for exhaust manifolds and other parts, and controlled the marine conversion process.

Some of the well known engines they used were Chrysler 318, and a love affair with Chev 283, 327, 350, (very large quantities) but also Ford 427 , 431 (MEL) and if there were strike years, they would buy odds and ends of other stuff... Cadillac, 440 Chrysler even.

Chris Craft built over 100,000 boats in completed form, around the same amount as kit boats, and the engine division did quite well selling to other builders for original power, and for repower.

They also used Cummins, CAT, Detroit and others in diesel.

[Theo]

Thank a lot Peter for your elaborate and interesting answer.