The History of Apache Powerboats
Apache Powerboats became a leader in offshore racing with iconic boats like the Warpath.
August 7, 2025
Apache Powerboats has defined high-performance boating for over four decades. Founded in the 1970s, the company emerged from Miami’s vibrant offshore racing scene. Its history intertwines with legendary figures, iconic boats, and groundbreaking innovations.
Image by VÉHICULE
Early Beginnings: The Birth of Apache Powerboats
Apache Powerboats traces its roots to the 1970s in Miami, Florida. Don Aronow, a powerboat racing legend, laid the groundwork for the industry. Aronow founded brands like Formula, Donzi, and Cigarette before influencing Apache’s creation. In 1978, Ben Kramer and Bobby Saccenti established Apache Performance Boats on Northeast 188th Street. They acquired a 41-foot mold from Aronow, who had a non-compete clause from his Cigarette sale. This mold became the foundation for Apache’s iconic 41-foot Warpath.
Kramer, a skilled racer, and Saccenti, a talented builder, aimed to dominate offshore racing. Their early boats emphasized durability and speed. In 1987, Mark McManus joined the company when the U.S. government appointed him to manage it after seizing it from Kramer due to legal issues.
The 1980s: Rise to Racing Dominance
The 1980s marked Apache’s ascent in offshore racing. The 41-foot Warpath, hull #001, debuted in 1984 at the American Power Boat Association World Championships. Piloted by Saccenti, Keith Eickert, and Tom Evans, it won in rough seas, proving the deep-V hull’s superiority. This victory cemented Apache’s reputation for building boats that could withstand punishing conditions.
In 1987, controversy struck when Ben Kramer allegedly was linked to the murder of Don Aronow. That same year, Kramer faced federal charges for running a criminal enterprise involving marijuana distribution. He was imprisoned, and the U.S. government seized Apache Powerboats, appointing Mark McManus to manage the company. Despite these challenges, McManus stabilized Apache and kept it focused on performance and craftsmanship.
Under McManus’s leadership from 1987, Apache introduced innovative designs. He pioneered the use of Kevlar and carbon fiber in hull construction, enhancing safety and durability, setting industry standards. McManus also introduced features like anodized aluminum, padded dashes, and staggered engines, improving performance and stability, influencing competitors across the industry.
The 1990s: Apache Heritage and World Championships
In 1992, Apache introduced the Apache Heritage, later renamed Apache Star. This 45-foot boat was the first sit-down deep-V race boat, revolutionizing offshore racing. It won world championships in 1992 and 1993, setting multiple records. It featured a canopy design that improved visibility and added 10% to top speeds. The Apache Star’s success reshaped the sport, with competitors copying its design.
Mark McManus, John Pompi, and Roger Kluh were instrumental during this era. McManus, with over 600 boats built, led design efforts. Pompi, a rigging expert, started working with McManus and Aronow at age 15. Kluh, a former ice hockey player, brought passion for performance boating. Their collaboration on the Apache Star culminated in a historic 2015 record run from Key West to Havana, covering 110 nautical miles in 90 minutes.
The 2000s: Restoration and Modernization
By the 2000s, Apache focused on custom builds and restorations. McManus restored over half of the boats he built in the 1980s and 1990s. These hulls, still intact due to Kevlar construction, needed only aesthetic upgrades. For example, the 41-foot Apache raced by Kramer and Saccenti was restored by TNT Custom Marine. Gail Paik, the original painter, recreated its iconic livery, preserving its 1980s aesthetic.
Apache also introduced new models like the 24-foot Speedster, 38-foot Eagle, and 42-foot Raider and Diablo. These boats combined modern electronics with classic designs, appealing to both racers and recreational boaters. The company emphasized customization, allowing clients to choose powertrains, navigation systems, and interiors.
Apache Powerboats stands out for its innovation, durability, and racing pedigree. From the Warpath’s 1984 championship to the Apache Star’s 2015 record, the company has pushed boundaries. Figures like Aronow, Kramer, Saccenti, McManus, and Pompi shaped its history. Their boats, built with Kevlar and carbon fiber, remain symbols of performance and craftsmanship.
For enthusiasts, owning an Apache means joining a legacy. Whether racing or cruising, these boats deliver unmatched speed and stability.
