Apache Keeps Pace with Powerboat P1
 

OFF DUTY GOES ON DUTY FOR POWERBOAT P1

Powerboat P1’s Chairman, Asif Rangoonwala, did not want an ordinary new pace boat for his World Championship series—only extraordinary would do. He consulted with colleague and friend, Mark McManus, the owner of McManus SuperBoats, manufacturer of Apache Powerboats®, who knew of just the right boat--a 42’, 1993 vintage Apache that had been custom-built for Mercury Racing’s president, Fred Kiekhaefer as his personal boat, “Off Duty.” Kiekhaefer sold it in 1995 and it was rarely used for 12 years.

The boat was recently re-sold and brought to McManus’ Ft. Myers, Florida shop, where it was renovated to nearly original condition--except twin Teague Custom Marine 900 HP EFI engines updated the former Mercury Hi-Performance 800 HP carbureted engines.

McManus knew the boat would intrigue Rangoonwala for his P1 program—a safe, reliable platform with historic significance, worthy of the Powerboat P1 brand. Rangoonwala agreed, the deal was done and further modifications quickly began to make Off Duty ready for heavy duty on the 2008 Powerboat P1 Championship.

McManus undertook the task with his typical diligence and attention to detail, making technical changes where necessary, totally revamping the exterior and upholstery to incorporate P1’s newly-created graphics. However, McManus felt it imperative to preserve the boat’s collectable status and its original paint which was in perfect condition. He therefore employed a group of vinyl artists and specialists, who traveled to his shop, and using state-of-the-art vinyl wrap technology, customized the 42’ into a Powerboat P1 branding package.

In addition, Rangoonwala did not want antiquated flags noting the start, end and caution laps of the race; he wanted a light tower that would make a clear and safe statement of the race status for all racers and spectators to see clearly. Since no such stock lights were available, McManus engineered and built a tower of 18 flashing red, amber and green LED strobe lights, making the Powerboat P1 pace boat the first in the world to use such technology for official race starts.

The Teague engines, each handcrafted to produce optimum power for the Apache®, make it a truly customized and unique performance boat. Renamed Shaz I for Asif’s youngest daughter, the boat is en route to Europe where it will debut at the first 2008 Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of Italy, May 9-11. “I feel fortunate to have had a chance to develop this boat not once, but twice, and to make an important contribution to Powerboat P1,” said McManus “[Asif] wanted something ‘memorable and historical’ for his World Championship racing series and he got it. There’s no other boat like this anywhere.”

For hi-resolution photos and further information on Powerboat P1 the only World Championship Offshore Racing series, visit www.powerboatp1.com/media.

any pics of the boat? I just saw it in powerboat magazine but haven't seen it with the new wrap and interior.

:)

that thing is sweet!!!

P1 Pace Boat Photographs
 

These photographs were taken at our factory the day before the vessel left for Europe.

P1 Pace Boat Photographs - More
 

These photographs were taken at our factory the day before the vessel sailed for Europe.

That looks VERY sharp !

Looks great!

McManus Apache,

Other than the deck, what is the difference between the 42' Comanche and the original 41 Apache hull??

none

Did it grow an extra foot? :D

Thats awsome :cool-smiley-011:

42’ Apache® Debuts as Powerboat P1 Pace Boat
 

42’ Apache® Debuts as Powerboat P1 Pace Boat
San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy
May 9, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: McManus SuperBoats; Pamela Koch 239-454-1114; [email protected];


The first race of the Powerboat P1 2008 season was held in San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy, on May 9, 2008. The fastest-growing offshore series in the world, Powerboat P1 purchased a 42’ Apache as their pace boat. McManus SuperBoats prepared the boat, making numerous technical changes, priming the Teague Custom Marine 900HP engines and totally revamping the exterior and upholstery, using the latest in 3M vinyl wrapping technology. McManus also fabricated a start light tower consisting of three tiers of light clusters with a tie-bar concept and which is 12’ high to accommodate shipping restrictions. Six LED strobe light fixtures of each color (red, amber and green) now emblazon the race status signals with 360 degree visibility, an industry first.

For more information, contact Pamela Koch, Business Manager at 239-454-1114.

42’ Apache® Debuts as Powerboat P1 Pace Boat
 

San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy
May 9, 2008

Some additional P1 pace boat photographs.

Looks beautiful on the water!

Cool................. Thanks for the updates too


Jon