The Restoration of Ben Kramer’s Apache 47: Preserving Offshore Racing History
The 2018-2020 restoration of Ben Kramer’s Apache 47, a 1980s racing powerboat, preserved its iconic look while upgrading its triple Keith Eickert V8 engines to 860 hp each, achieving speeds over 90 mph.
Ben Kramer’s Apache 47, a legendary offshore racing powerboat from the 1980s, underwent a meticulous restoration between 2018 and 2020. This 47-foot vessel, built by Apache Powerboats in 1986, was known for its triple 800-hp Keith Eickert V8 engines and its role in securing the 1986 National Championship. After Kramer’s 1987 arrest, the boat was seized by federal authorities. Its fate was uncertain for years, with rumors of abandonment or storage mishaps. In 1995, Canadian racer Lorne Leibel purchased it at a government auction in Cape Kennedy, Florida. Leibel raced it, sold it, and later repurchased it around 2018, driven by a desire to preserve its historical significance. The restoration, completed by TNT Custom Marine in Miami, revived this iconic superboat.
The Boat’s Condition Pre-Restoration
By 2018, the Apache 47 showed signs of neglect from years in storage and intermittent use. The hull, a V-bottom catamaran design, remained structurally sound but needed refinishing. The triple Keith Eickert engines, originally producing around 800 hp each, required rebuilding to restore performance. The drives, gimbals, and rigging were outdated, and the bilge needed cleaning and repainting. Remarkably, the original paint and interior were well-preserved, a testament to the boat’s robust construction. Leibel, a veteran racer with ties to TNT Marine’s John Tomlinson, entrusted the project to TNT Custom Marine, known for high-end repowers and restorations.
Restoration Process at TNT Custom Marine
TNT Custom Marine, based in Miami, began the restoration in late 2018. The shop, co-founded by John Tomlinson, specializes in complete overhauls, accepting only 2-3 such projects annually to ensure quality. The Apache 47 was a full "start-over" job, aligning with TNT’s policy of avoiding half-finished work. The restoration focused on preserving the boat’s historical authenticity while updating critical systems for modern performance.
1. Engine Rebuild: The triple Keith Eickert V8 engines were sent to Sterling Performance in Michigan, where engine builder Mike D’Aniballe rebuilt them. The engines were upgraded to approximately 860 hp each, maintaining their original stacks for authenticity. The rebuild ensured reliability while preserving the boat’s signature roar, described as one of the loudest in offshore racing history.
2. Drivetrain and Rigging: The drives and gimbals were replaced or refurbished to handle the rebuilt engines’ power. TNT’s team updated the systems to modern standards while replicating the original Apache Powerboats setup. This ensured the boat retained its 1980s racing character.
3. Hull and Bilge: The hull was inspected for structural integrity, cleaned, and refinished. The bilge was repainted to protect against corrosion and improve aesthetics. The original exterior paint, a distinctive feature, was preserved with minimal touch-ups to maintain historical accuracy.
4. Interior Preservation: The interior, including upholstery and fittings, was in excellent condition for a 30-year-old vessel. TNT cleaned and restored these elements, avoiding replacements to keep the boat’s original look intact.
5. Testing and Tuning: After reassembly, the boat underwent rigorous testing. TNT ensured the Apache 47 could handle rough seas, as demonstrated in later runs at Haulover Inlet. The vessel achieved speeds exceeding 90 mph, consistent with its original performance. The restoration was completed in early 2020, taking approximately 18 months. The process cost an estimated $200,000-$300,000, though exact figures are undisclosed. The restored boat was valued at around $900,000, reflecting its rarity and historical significance.
Key Players in the Restoration
Lorne Leibel, the owner, drove the project’s vision. A Canadian racer with decades of offshore experience, Leibel had raced the Apache 47 in the 1990s and felt a personal connection to its legacy. He collaborated closely with TNT Custom Marine, leveraging their expertise. John Tomlinson, a powerboat racing legend and TNT co-founder, oversaw the restoration. Tomlinson’s experience with high-performance vessels ensured the project met exacting standards. Mike D’Aniballe at Sterling Performance handled the engine rebuilds, drawing on his reputation for crafting reliable, high-horsepower marine engines.
Challenges and Considerations
Restoring a 1980s superboat presented unique challenges. Sourcing parts for the Keith Eickert engines and original drivetrain components was difficult, as many were no longer manufactured. TNT and Sterling Performance custom-fabricated or refurbished parts to match the original specifications. Preserving the boat’s aesthetic while updating mechanical systems required careful balance. Leibel insisted on retaining the original paint and interior, limiting cosmetic changes to avoid compromising authenticity. The team also faced time constraints, as TNT’s selective project schedule demanded efficiency. Despite these challenges, the restoration was completed without significant setbacks, thanks to the expertise of the team and Leibel’s clear vision.
