The Most Storied 41 Apache Race Boat Restoration: Team Apache Lives On
For most boat restorations the project is a labor of love and many aren’t worth restoring. Fortunately, in this case, the boat is so unique and so incredible it deserved all the labor and love it received to bring it back. Most performance boaters admire the Apache name because of the racing pedigree but also the history. Started in Miami by offshore racing legends Bob Saccenti and Ben Kramer, the company has all of the history, crime and drama you would expect in a Miami Vice episode of the time. I feel this boat, the 41’ Apache boat raced by Kramer and Saccenti as the banner boat, is the quintessential Apache. The anonymous owner had TNT Custom Marine in Miami take on the incredible restoration years ago and the process took a long time. Here’s a look at some of the details that many talented people contributed to the process.
Originally a Don Aronow design, the 41 Apache led the way for the company in the eighties as a dominant race boat. From what I understand there were about 34 41’ race hulls made by Apache.
In the case of a former offshore race boat and one that has changed hands many times with untold hours on it, the hull needed almost everything to be redone. Mike Thomas from TNT did remark that when it comes to restorations of old boats, “It is more difficult than building new.” Part of the reason is removing old parts of the structure, like the floor and stringers is difficult work in itself. With everything being replaced and or reconditioned you are effectively building a new one. Many parts had to be fabricated to fit the old boat because they were originally one-off, or just not made anymore.
The original Aero Marine tabs were replaced by ones that were found leftover in a crate. Mercury Racing number 6 drives are a nice upgrade for the fresh 900 HP engines.
The Keith Eickert engines were completely overhauled by Progressive Racing Engines in Miami. Built with 575 Merlin blocks, the engines had new parts added, including new intercoolers, transmissions, and they were paired to new Mercury Racing #6 drives to handle the fresh power. Originally the boat ran #3 drives but the newer drives can handle the 900 HP engines and add a nice modern touch. Another interesting update was the Kiekhaefer Aero Marine trim tabs, which are no longer made and the originals were corroded but through a friend of Bob Saccenti, an original pair still in the crate were located.
Refreshed Eickert 900 HP engines, polished to look like new. BAM transmissions and new intercoolers are some of the details.
Of course, everything structural was addressed and all new stringers were added. The bilge area is finished in a nice gloss white paint. The fuel tanks are all new, and very much like the original saddle tanks, two on each side finished in red.
Another incredible part of the story and a really neat part of offshore racing history is the original painter, Gail Paik, was located to paint the 41’ Apache just like it was originally. Like most Apache boats, the number 69 banner boat had a wild paint job. Paik worked with Apache in the eighties and is responsible for some of the most colorful livery on the most renowned offshore powerboats. Gail worked her magic and the boat looks like it would have the day it was finished.
Repainted by the original and legendary painter Gail Paik.
When it came time for the interior and finish work, Prestige Interiors of Miami recreated the 3 man bolster setup up with beautiful upholstery. The rubber floor is incredible for the standup position of the 3 man race crew. The dash panel was custom fabricated out of aluminum and houses Livorsi Gauges, along with a Garmin Screen to add just enough modern usability while keeping the helm looking “race” original. Clean black dials with black bezels look perfect. Latham controls and throttle were used and look incredible.
All business at the helm. Modern equipment that looks similar to the original.
TNT did a phenomenal job on the rigging, Mike Thomas of TNT along with the crew are the best in the business, so it is no surprise when you see the attention to detail under the dash and throughout the boat. I would say it’s better than new. I crawled under the deck and it is so meticulous under the front it’s truly impressive. There is a crawl tunnel to get under, and everything is done so well.
Anyone looking for the ultimate Apache and wants to experience the nostalgia of a true offshore legend, this is the boat. The 41’ Apache is the model that started it all, originally a Don Aronow design that Ben Kramer and Bob Saccenti acquired because Don had a non-compete in place for his latest company. The 41’ Apache might be the best Don Aronow hull ever, and the most renowned Apache model, winning many races and establishing Apache as one of the most legendary offshore boat builders of all time. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a boat like this where you could turn the key and almost go back in time to the glory days of offshore racing.
Currently, this boat is for sale at TNT Custom Marine. You can contact Steven Fernandez for more information.
Steven Fernandez: Email
This boat was featured in Speed Boat Magazine in April 2019.
