The “Holy Grail” of Offshore Racing — The Original Ben Kramer 1987 Apache 47 (#001)

Own the boat that defined a generation—and the man who built it.

This is Hull #001, the original 1987 47-foot Apache commissioned, built and campaigned by Ben Kramer and Bob Saccenti. Painted in the notorious yellow-and-blue “69” livery by Gail Paik, this boat is the ultimate symbol of the mid-80s “cocaine-cowboy” days of Miami—a time when the lines between professional offshore racing and high-stakes smuggling were blurred and the sport was governed by speed, ego and lawlessness.

A Legacy of Notoriety

Ben Kramer turned the 1987 racing circuit into his personal battleground against Popeyes by jumping to superboat class. Built at the original Apache Powerboats shop in Hollywood, FL., this boat was born into a world of high stakes where Apache was going after Popeyes. Ben Kramer co-founded Apache and used the racing circuit as both his playground and his public-facing empire. It was the crown jewel of his operation until the 1987 federal crackdown after its one and only race in New Jersey, when the boat was seized and disappeared.

Following the seizure of his assets, the boat vanished into the shadows of federal custody, fueling rumors, sightings and speculation among the powerboat elite. It finally resurfaced at a 1994 government auction—complete and unmolested—starting a new chapter of ownership that has finally brought it to the market.

Restored, Race-Proven

This is the only boat in existence that bridges the gap between the illicit “Golden Age” of the 1980s and the performance standards of today. Under the stewardship of its current owner, it has been refreshed and meticulously maintained by the legendary TNT Custom Marine to preserve its historical racing DNA.

• Engines: Triple Keith Eickert/Thunder Racing engines (open) class V8s – Sterling Performance rebuild – now pushing approximately 700 hp each. These are the only Thunder Racing engines in existence! ( + spare engine)
• Modern Dominance: Don’t let the history fool you—this boat is a weapon. In the 2023 Ocean Cup, this restored #001 proved it still reigns supreme, setting the World Record in the Class B V-Hull over 45′ category, averaging 79 mph over a punishing 128-mile stretch.
• Provenance: This is the exact hull that features the hand-painted names of the legends who built her: rigger Bobby Moore, designer Mark McManus, throttleman Bob Saccenti, navigator Bob Idoni and driver Ben Kramer.

Why This Boat?

In an age of mass-produced vessels, the Apache 47 is a statement of human will and hand-made bravado. This boat doesn’t just cut through the water; it commands it with a signature roar that has been silenced for years.

Specifications

• Hull: Apache 47 (Hull #001) — The Original
• Performance: 2023 Ocean Cup World Record Holder
• Engine Setup: Triple Keith Eickert/Thunder Racing engines (Reliable, high-output power)

This boat is not for the faint of heart. It is for the collector who understands that the value of Hull #001 lies in its absolute dominance on the water. You are not just buying a boat; you are acquiring one of the most storied, scandalous and legendary hulls in the history of the sport.

Serious inquiries only. We are looking for a collector who understands that when you own this boat, you aren’t just owning a piece of hardware—you are inheriting a piece of American offshore racing history.

 Want more info?

 718-619-7001

 Jcseabound@gmail.com ️