Adding a pad to an Apache 28 a good idea?
 

I live in Colombia. Last year I bought an apache 28 that had been sitting in a boatyard for years without engines or anything, just the bare hull.
I started the restoration lat month. Ordered a pair a new mercury 400Rs from the dealer, with the sportsmaster lower ends.
The actual boat appears on a Apache ad from the 90s (bottom right corner in the image I uploaded).
We have a local race in July and my intention is to have this boat reach the highest top speed possible, and what I`m wondering is if it`s a good idea to add a pad to the hull?
or will that risk screwing up its performance? the seas here are not calm at all so maybe having a full Vee would be a better idea?
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...aca98db519.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...808f54ee8.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...687ec58047.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ee00db5473.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...59ca1c7bf8.png
She will end up looking something like this
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...082567124e.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4ebb48abfa.jpg

I’d keep the bottom stock or find a 30 velocity or 32 hustler that already has a pad.

He’s in Columbia, so maybe slim pickings ?

I'd say you would be in uncharted territory. I doubt it has ever been attempted. Not even sure if there are any 28's converted to OB's.

Why not, it will be faster if designed right. Looks like it is a major rebuild so do what you want. Will be cool to see the final with those 400's on it.

Looks like a cool protect. I’d run the boat with the original bottom design first. Apache knows how to setup a good running rough water boat, have fun!!!

I came here to say this.
Build it.
Rig it.
Drive it.

Then make adjustments if needed.
I was given the same advice when it comes to racecars, that have dozens of adjustments, if not hundreds. 'Set everything in the middle. When you reach the limits of the car as such, then start making small adjustments based on the car's feedback and what you need for better speed, braking, turning, etc. etc.'
SEAT TIME is what you need. Then adjust.

IF anything, while you have the engines out, go a head and build up the aft keel of the boat with solid fiberglass, and same goes for the transom if it is cored. THEN if you want to make adjustments, you can do so without major reconstruction.

The ad looks like it was built as an outboard correct

Yes

In Tortola there is a 28 that had if memory serves twin 300 or twin 400r. Fresh build conversion. It was black and red. Also there is on in the NH area that also has a bracket with twin OB. I would NOT put a pad onto the boat, as someone who owns a 28, and a 22 velocity I feel I can safely say a pad on a 28 would likely ruin its rough water prowess.

the center console in the brochure is my boat, has twin 250 xs on it. Great boat

Do it!

I planned on adding a pad to my twin OB 24’ Sonic and current twin OB 25’ Checkmate but ran out of time on both projects.

As to the pads effect on its sea keeping abilities remember its width and your speed drastically effect this.

Wider the pad, faster top end, worse in rough water.

Ive run fast OB pad vee’s w/pads from 4” wide (tough to balance on pad at speed, little effect on rough water abilities) to 18” wide which was very fast/efficient w/power but of course sucked in rough water.

Id look at 4” to 6” wide.

Another trick is to add a slight vee to it.

Kindof the best of both worlds.

Many fast hulls came this way, including my Checkmate.

I wouldn’t hesitate rolling outboards.. this one seams to run real well

i have a 28 with 2 250 xs on a bracket, love the boat. Handles well in the rough and a pleasure to drive all the time. Well built

was that the one recently listed with new interior, Fast Times if I remember correctly?

A 28 is really a great to drive at any speed. These pad boats require you to get up to speed and get on the pad before they ride well. It is incredibly risky financially even if you like the boat after your done. Love the OB conversions and would love to buy one. You can get a 28 Velocity for super cheap, less than half of what it will take you to put a pad on a 28 Apache and get it in good condition only to end up with something nobody will want to buy.