Sunseeker Apache
 

A friend of mine is looking at a 1996 Sunseeker Apache
502x3 stock power. Any info from the expert forum members
would help. Lets hear it.

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Phantom Chaos here on OSO has almost the same vintage boat; same engine package. I am sure he can share some info with you. I know he had to rebuild the top-end on his center engine, and he has done a few other odds and ends, but from my two times on the boat, it is very, very nice.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...nseeker+apache

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

So, Sunseeker is building Apache's now eh??? LOL!!!! :D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

" Vintage " :D:D:D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

A friend has the same boat and it is very nice. He also had issues with the center engine and ended up replacing with 496 Mags. It runs well and has very nice finish work. But tell him to have the center engine carefully checked before purchase. I never did find out what the deal is with the center engine but maybe Norty can shed some light on it for you.

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Pics Pics Pics

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Yep, Nort's the man on here. Knew a guy that had one, great party boat. Tell your buddy to real friendly with the guy at the gas dock... :D :drink:

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

He He He :D :drink: :D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Just don't post any pictures of it!! The photographer might scratch your eyes out!!!!! :eek: :D :drink: :drink: :drink:

:evilb: :evilb:

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Only if I use the pics to try and sell this 28 Bayliner that is the same color scheme but is now wrapped in an oversized woolen blanket and stored in a barn in Wheeling West Virginia :D :D :D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Imma hush and not say a word...:evilb: But that seems to be the "general" consensus...and it was shrinkwrapped...in Sykesville...got the depends all twisted in a knot!!! ok so i didnt hush:D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Apache!!!! :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: :drink: :drink: :drink: :D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

I love that boat! I'm staying on it this Friday and Saturday night! Round II of restoration is being planned. I was going to sell it this spring (about now) but I just haven't used it enough yet, nor spent enough $$$ on it!

The center engine sits in front of the port and starboard. Not sure why it had a problem, but from what others are saying here.....perhaps it's typical? It should have less hours since I normally turn it off when in the no wake zone.....besides the center engine doesn't have the silent choice. Just straight pipes to the transom. I had to have the ope end done on the center. These motors (502Mag EFI) go forever. At the moment, I plan on going until something fails BIG on one of them, then a mild repower.

When you have all three going.....it's really quite a rumble at idle!

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

So, let me guess........Your going to post whore on this thread all the way to 6000 posts??? :D :evilb: :drink: :evilb:

By the way, what is an ope???

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Ooops. TOP end :D It's hard being sober! :D :D :D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Are you?

What's it like??? :p :D :evilb: :evilb:

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

A boat that big NEEDS diesels.

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

That would be neat too! It won't get up and make some noise or speed for us performace guys though. :D :D I don't think they offer the gas engines anymore. In comparision.....I can rebuild 502's all year long compared to diesels....plus the drives too. If a Bravo breaks.....buy a used one or a part and your'e back together again! On this boat.....you're really not looking for that extra 2 mph speed. You're looking for another place to stash a case of beer and room for more lifevests. :D :D :D :D

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

6000 :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: (again)

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

A Sunseeker Apache is a good idea. It's a lot of boat for the money. Most Apaches in Europe are diesel-powered by twin or triple Volvo KAD engines @ 230 or 260 hp. However, the speeds you get out of this combo is nothing near what a U.S. buyer would consider acceptable. It's about 48 mph with triple 260s. Hence the triple 502s which guzzle gas like it is getting cheaper every day, which is a bit dumb for a boat that is not intended to go that fast anyway, rather cruise comfortably with lots of (drunk) people on board.

So I agree with Stormrider. It does need big diesels, however the 45 Apache was never available with anything other than small Volvos. So my suggestion to Katapult's friend is to try to find the old Superhawk 50 model which is just a bigger version of the Apache but fitted with surface drives and your choice of big diesels: 600hp. Seateks, 680hp. MANs or you can even have it with 760hp. Detroits which you can rebuild all year long as well. Surface drives will not bother you and with the 50, you get an extra double cabin under the cockpit. Plus, it looks better too. The Apache is pretty skinny and that radar arch just looks too tall on it. The 50 is wider, has more volume and the radar arch looks just about right. Over 10 years on, it's still a very sharp-looking boat. They're very rare but should you find one, I know they can be picked up for cheap.

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

ST, nice Sunseeker. I always thought the older models were better looking than the newer ones. I even kept a catalog from the early 90s.

But just for comparison sake, Magnum doesn't even offer gas engines in their boats. And IMHO, magnum builds their boats to run faster than Sunseeker.

Maybe your friend could pull that center engine out, and drop in a Lycolm turbine.

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

I thought this was settled?

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

The first photo is the Apache 45. The second is Superhawk 50. As I said, 10 years on, these are still sharp-looking boats. The 50 came out 13 years ago! As opposed to new Sunseekers which are so outrageously styled that after 10 years, you'll be ashamed to be seen in one of them.

Anyway, I have a 1994 Sunseeker 63' that I bought cheap because it needed work. Anyway, I believe that she will be an elegant lady for years to come when work is finished.

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

ST.....the Superhawk 50 is nice. I've never seen a picture of the older one. I wonder what the inside looks like. Your 63 has to be a ton of fun. Great looking boat! Where did you get these pics from? They're great!

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

You let me know when you just cant stand it anymore. :D :D :drink:

Did someone say Apache?

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

if its the apache i looked at... the ENTIRE rear half of the hull was repaied due to some alcohol+shallows+rocks!!!

Re: Sunseeker Apache
 

Thank for the input ! The boat he is looking at is at
Lake Ozark. Plans to move it to the north east.