28 Apache vs 28 Pantera
 

I've never been in a 28 Apache and was thinking who has the better ride 28 Apache or 28 Pantera with twins? I don't wont this to turn into a pissing contest only people who have been in both boats.

Very similar bottoms. Rigged the same, I doubt you could tell a difference.

Well said Chris, I was gonna say the same:D

The only thing I could add is the Apache will have more freeboard. I have never been in a 28 Apache cabin, I have been in a 28 Pantera and it is small. Not sure if Apache cabin will be bigger. Don't think you could go wrong with either one.;)

I heavily researched both. In the end it was which one I could get the best deal on. There are a couple of threads on this already. I personally have not gotten enough seat time in on a 28 Pantera, but have been on one, just not in the rough water. Personally I don't think anyone would know which one is better unless your bob saccenti or jo nunez. And whats better for one person is not better for the other. But here's my take since I'm more than qualified to answer:

1) The 28 Apache's cabin is significantly more comfortable and bigger. It has 2-3ft of dry storage and wet storage followed by twin love seats and the bed. Probobly an extra foot and 1/2 headroom over the pantera and very comfortable.

2) The 28 Apache is a heavier boat. Most 28 twin pantera's are 6500lbs, the apache 7000. The ride is significantly different. I've heard people say they felt the pantera rides the rough water great, but the apache crushed it. I agree. The heritage of the 28 pantera is more that of a race boat. IMO the apache is more of a family boat.

3) The freeboard is signifantly more in the apache. You can stand up comfortably without getting too windblasted. Again.....makes it more family friendly. If you put them side by side the apache would be a taller boat. BUT, the pantera does have a bigger cockpit. Its bigger than alot of 35ft boats.

4) Cost, go price a new 28 apache and report back. I saw a Mcmanus 1991 resto priced at $250K. After all its an APACHE:D:D

Both are great boats, you could not go wrong with either choice.

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Wow, no replies yet. I guess I'll have to step in for the pantera guys.

The lower freeboard on the pantera does let the passengers see outside of the boat more easily, rather than just seeing the back of the bolsters. The engine hatch on the 28 pantera is significantly bigger, which the honies will appreciate. Some say the customer service at pantera is great, but I've heard good and bad and most of the bad has been filtered out thanks to OSO. Pantera has the lifetime gaurantee on the hull for new boat buyers.

I think they are both wicked. The only time I rode in a 28 Apache was in Chesapeake Bay and it was very cool, lots of freeboard and definately felt big. Took alot of power to get it going.

I have poked around a couple twin engine 28 Pantera boats and they are also nice. Not alot of freeeboard compared to the Apache. The Pantera also had a much bigger engine hatch as you said.

I cant really compare my 28 Single Pantera to an Apache twin especially since mine is a race boat but I can tell you that the Apache has a bigger nicer cabin and all around is more livable.

I kinda think with the Pantera you can really sense the race bloodline whereas the Apache felt like a cool, fast pleasure boat. I didnt have the Apache out in any rough stuff but I know the Pantera is wicked and handles rough water very well even at high speed.

The service at Pantera is great and those guys stand behind their product. I am more than happy with all dealings I have had with them.

Apache is obviously not quite the same business model but Mark did speak with me about 28's and try and point me in the right direction when I was looking. He was nice and courteous.

I would hate to change plugs-starters...anything on either of these boats with twins though. I am SO happy I bought a single. FWIW

I dontt thnk you can go wrong with either one but the prices on the Apache's are quite high for what you get IMO and for a bit more you can be in a much newer Pantera with factory support. Thats why I went with a Pantera--and I love the Apache-- but the numbers just didnt add up....and that 3 man race boat with the big single wasnt on the market....:cool-smiley-027:

If I knew how to post resized pics I would but I dont:( and I dont want to mess up the thread

That's a pretty good assesment of the Pantera. If you think plugs and such are tough on one of these boats, try working on a Cig 28 with twin bigblocks!

Aside from what has already been written which has for the most part been right on, the one thing about he Apache 28 is that it'll always be an Apache and the little brother to the baddest boats ever built.

Tex I was in the same boat as you, 5 years ago I was looking for a 28 Pantera or a 28 Apache.The only one in my price range at the was a 28 Pantera :D So I would like to know what I missed out on. If I ever sell the Pantera it would a Apache or a Thunder.:cool-smiley-011: