hunster - any idea what kind of external steering that is on that apache? Any idea if those rams are rebuildable if they need it? I am leaning toward the apache because of the setup.

modvp - that is some work he had to do to that hull... I never heard of termites in a boat hull!

too stroked - Your view is right on par with mine... just trying to add up what "might" need to be done to the Apache... vs what will need to be done.

Between those 2 Apache hands down. It needs a ton of work though and will cost you, more than likely, more than it is worth. So, don't do it unless you love it.

Better deal by far is an already done 22 Donzi.

Looking at the setup on that Apache,I would bet this boat was previously rigged with a big block guessing raised x dimension by the looks of the engine hatch and dry exhaust. Probably a high 70 mph-80 mph boat at one time. Steering cylinders look like Hynautic.
Probably a 60 mph boat with a small block now.

I have a scarab 22 with a big block with tabs , with a 1 inch shorty on it , does over 80 mph gps needs a new sun pad thats it. runs great 15500.00 on lale erie , on a small lake it would run great

Donzi. hands down.... owned 1 for yrs... awesome handling boat for its size..and you cant kill them..

+2

I owned a 22 Avanti. It's an awesome hull, same as a 24 pantera but 2 feet shorter. I ran mine in Long Island Sound and then the Pacific ocean. I had a bravo drive, 500+ hp big block and full external hydraulic steering so it would be a totally different animal than what you're looking at. Adding the hydraulic steering made a night and day difference in handling and with the 7 ft beam is definately a "drivers" boat. It was a really fun ride in choppy water and an absolute blast in the pacific when the swells were about 12 seconds apart. That one might be a dog with the small block and trs though. Go for a ride in both of them and see which one works best for you. Good luck

VetteLT193 - yeah I know its going to cost me... trying to tally it all up now... but it will be a unique boat!

blackboat - apache originally rigged with a 383 stroker mid 70's mph back then... you are right as it runs mid 60's now with the 300 mag mpi. Hatch is stock for an apache i/o - thats how they designed them, low freeboard = raised hatch to clear engine... and yes big blocks were available in a scout. Hynautic cylinders... are they rebuildable if needed?

I know i'll catch alot of stuff for this but I have personally seen a 22 Avanti eat up a 22 Donzi classic when the water gets real snotty, but the Donzi is faster in the calmer water.

DaveP - I think I will be getting a survey... need to find a guy in NJ

Buy this 1 its already Lake George tested and get it for about 1/3 of what it cost to put it together.

Dangerous Dave - thanks for the input! I was looking for a first hand experience from someone who owned one. I will test ride them both. Trying to decide which one will be better in the long run... If I wanted to add the hydraulic steering to the avanti... and then a drive train upgrade... were talking big bucks down the road... The Apache already has it all... but it needs attention to it all.