There are parts for 3s and 3As around, and it would be wise to pick up a few spares.
MM runs them but his boat is light and he doesn't punish it.
Couldn't you swap the 3s for a konrad fairly easily? they'd handle 850hp.

Konrad aren't compatible with the 3 gimble. X is wrong too. I don't imagine the Konrad to have any better lifespan than a 3, regardless of what they're rated at. 750 is about it with 3's and that's at 100-hour rebuild intervals. 850 is pushing it.

It all depends on how you run it. If you're easy on the sticks and keep the props in the water, Alphas would last a while. Guys do break sixes.

Agree Chris. Our boat, fortunately, had just been redone less than two years when we purchased it. We plan to do the up keep (refreshing trannies and heads this winter---change drive oil every 20 hours) so that we can stay (hopefully) ahead of the game.

We had a friend who just blew some 3 drives and upgrading to #6's....we'll be buying the pieces/parts for when we need them.

And we met Scott a few years back at the Miami boat show. He spent well over an hour with us plus time off and on since then on the phone. We wouldn't hesitate to purchase anything from him either.

And your comment regarding how hard one runs their boat.....correct....check the threads. Many of the Apache owners with big power and drives don't beat the heck out of their boats. Our reason why we don't......when/if she does break, it's not going to be pretty. That doesn't mean we're still not running well. Our Stinger only did 71. We've seen 84MPH and know she still has more.

So you saw one apache at Shogrens and it had a couple of cracks and all the sudden they are crapaches? If I was buying an apache for that price with new motors, I would expect some cosmetic defaults. However, I would not blow off a boat just because of cosmetics. You should have a surveyor check the cracks to see if they are just cosmetic, if they are then get somebody out there that can do an estimate to make it like new and reasess the cost of the boat. I've seen 1999 and newer boats that have had cracks , rot floor, etc. IMO it has a lot to do with how well the owner took care of it. It is a 1990 and most any boat that is made for rough water and is that old will have some cosmetic cracks in it, but they are a very cheap fix relative to the total cost of the boat.

Maybe try not to be so negative about it. It needs some cosmetic updating, which is the easy part. Just think - For $119K you get a sweet 41 apache with brand new motors. Leaving you plenty of money to fix the cosmetics, and maybe upgrade the interior. So for under $150K you can get a 41 apache with new motors, custom interior, and no cracks. Isn't that exactly what you are looking for. I'm willing to bet that Shogren can help you out with all the cosmetics and maybe even add it to the purchase price so you can finance all the cosmetic repairs.

Texamo

OK, I'm sure you must be skimming this thread, cause you missed a couple of important things. First of all, Shogren's boat was only ONE of the Apaches I checked out, and it was probably the best one I saw. Secondly, as I stated, I don't like to bash other peoples rides. I have no history with Shogren, although they were plenty nice to me. I was simply asked a specific question in regards to the cracks on that boat, and that's what I answered. I didn't get into any other good or bad parts about the boat. I simply implied, it was not for me.

Lastly, I understand the concept of repairing a boat. My Fountain had a laundry list of issues when I bought it, and over the past 17 years, I fixed them all. More importantly, I do NOT want to go through another restoration. I would prefer to wait for the right Apache to find me. Until then, I look real good in my canoe.

It's not "bashing" if the comments are factual. Just don't say it if you aren't sure. A smart buyer is going to find the flaws anyway- either through a personal inspection or via a 3rd party surveyor. Not speaking up is kind of contrary to what we're all here for. We've torn some boats to shreds and we've spoken up about the good deals and the prices that are pure fantasy. We also talk up the nice one's and the good deals. Nothing wrong with any of that. If the boat's a rat, not saying so won't make it any better. Not always does everybody agree but just about everybody pounces quick and hard on BS and misinformation.

In short, say what you saw, say what you know. Keep it straight annd honest and everyone here will stand up for you.

Hell, a friend got a brand new Fountain with cracks on the gelcoat DELIVERED.
Ok so it was delivered to the other side of the globe..but still left some unanswered questions...

I just have to reply...you got almost a brand new Fountain 17yrs ago and it took that many years to get them fixed ??
Hmmm guess that answers my question above...

you talk about repair.....try maintainance.....keeps the repairs to a minimum.......you did say CANOE.........m.m.......

But.........you've seemed to of coined the term crap'aches....... Why?

I'm currently in the process of closing on a 28 apache and it comes across as very offensive. I'm sure if I posted something to the same tune about fountains the thread would probobly get deleted.