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The name Apache still means something in offshore powerboat circles, decades after Ben Kramer and Bobby Saccenti's Miami shop turned it into a byword for deep-V speed. That heritage carried straight into the RC world, and it's part of why so many builders looking at RC boat buyer's guide territory eventually land on an Apache-badged hull of one kind or another. The problem is that "Apache RC boat" doesn't point to one product — it points to a family of very different machines built decades apart, at wildly different price points, with almost nothing in common except the name and the deep-V heritage behind it.
This guide sorts out which Apache is which: the full-size racing legend that started it all, the gas-powered replica hulls that keep the look and the scale, the small electric RTR that most people actually remember, and the modern carbon clones that borrow the name without much of the history. Whether the goal is a museum-piece build, a genuine offshore replica for a lake day, or just understanding what a beat-up "Apache 24" listing on a classifieds site is actually worth, the breakdown below covers what each version is, what it needs to run, and where buying one still makes sense today.
This guide is aimed at builders who already know their way around a workbench — collectors chasing a piece of offshore history, gas-boat veterans sizing up an Aeromarine or Bonzi hull, and anyone who picked up a used Pro Boat Apache 24 and wants to know if it's worth reviving. If a first RTR speed boat is the goal instead, the best RC speed boats roundup is a better starting point.
Apache at a Glance
| Version | Power | Length | Positioning | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeromarine Apache 56/57" | Gas (15–35cc) | 56–57 in | Mid-tier hull, builder-supplied electronics | Limited, specialty retailers only |
| Bonzi 84" Classic | Twin gas (Zenoah G260PUM) | 84 in | Premium, full RTR | Built-to-order, in stock |
| Pro Boat Apache 24 EP | Electric (brushed 550) | 24–27 in | Entry-level, collector | Discontinued, secondary market only |
| Apache-style carbon hull (58") | Gas or high-voltage brushless | 58 in × 16 in | Premium racing hull | Limited production runs |
Quick verdict: there's no single "Apache" to buy new anymore — the choice comes down to a premium twin-gas RTR (Bonzi), a bare gas hull for a scratch build (Aeromarine), a vintage electric catamaran worth reviving only if the price is right (Pro Boat), or a modern carbon racing hull that trades authenticity for raw speed potential.
Apache Powerboats — The Real History Behind the Name
Apache Powerboats was founded in Miami in 1978 by Ben Kramer and Bobby Saccenti, building on hull lines that trace back to Don Aronow's offshore racing designs. The brand's deep-V hulls — long, narrow, and built to punch through chop rather than skim over it — became some of the most recognizable shapes in offshore racing during the late 1970s and into the 1990s. The 41-foot Apache "Warpath" is the model most often cited as the design's high point, and restorations of that specific hull still circulate in offshore racing history circles today.
Later Apache boats moved from straight fiberglass construction to Kevlar and carbon reinforcement, chasing the same goals every offshore builder chases: less weight, more rigidity, better handling in rough water at triple-digit speeds. That construction evolution is the direct reason the RC versions split into two philosophies — big gas hulls that replicate the original fiberglass/Kevlar deep-V, and newer carbon fiber hulls that prioritize outright performance over historical accuracy.
It's worth being direct about one thing: there was never an official, single "RC Apache" produced by Apache Powerboats itself. Every RC version covered here is a third-party interpretation — some closer to the source than others — built by companies that saw offshore racing history and decided it deserved a scale tribute.
The Aeromarine Apache 56/57" — The Purist's Gas Hull
For builders who want the closest thing to a scratch-built offshore replica, the Aeromarine Apache hull is the reference point the gas-boat community keeps coming back to. It ships as a bare hull — no motor, no radio, no hardware — which means the buyer is signing up for a full build rather than an afternoon of assembly.
Specs
- Deep-V offshore hull, 56–57 in depending on the specific run
- Fiberglass construction; some builds add Kevlar doubling for extra rigidity around the transom and rails
- Rated for gas engines from 15cc up to 35cc, including twin-engine setups on the most aggressive builds
- Community builds documented with Zenoah 230/260 PUM engines, Mathe 35cc powerplants, and outdrives like the Merc 6
- High-voltage brushless conversions (10–12S LiPo, 800kV-class motors) also documented as a modern alternative to gas
Positioning: mid-tier as a bare hull, but the finished cost climbs fast once an engine, outdrive, radio, and hardware are added — treat this as a serious-budget project rather than an impulse buy.
Pros
- Closest RC equivalent to the original Apache's deep-V lines and materials
- Proven to handle serious gas power — twin 35cc setups are documented, not theoretical
- Flexible enough to run gas or a high-voltage brushless conversion
Cons
- Sold as a bare hull only — everything else is a separate purchase and a separate skill set
- Stock is limited to specialty marine-modeling retailers rather than mainstream channels
- No factory hardware means fitting motor mounts, rails, and a stuffing tube is entirely on the builder
Verdict: this is the right call for someone who already understands gas boat builds and wants the most faithful deep-V shape available, not a shortcut to owning an "Apache."
Perfect for: experienced gas-boat builders who want a scratch build rather than an RTR.
The Bonzi 84" Classic — The Ultimate RTR Apache Replica
If the Aeromarine is the purist's raw material, the Bonzi 84" Classic is the finished statement piece — an RTR that's explicitly built and marketed as a replica of the full-size Apache offshore racer, and it shows in the scale and the spec sheet.
Specs
- 84-inch deep-V hull, roughly 50 lbs fully rigged
- Twin Zenoah G260PUM water-cooled engines as the stock configuration, with a BZx4 modified variant available
- CNC-machined Bonzi motor mounts, CZ clutches and outdrives, dual-inlet water pump, and a full exhaust system with stainless headers
- Futaba 3PV 2.4GHz radio with a quarter-scale heavy-duty steering servo, throttle servo, and fail-safe
- Delivered ready to run, including stand and hardware — only fuel and field prep are on the buyer
Positioning: this sits at the premium end of the entire RC boat hobby, closer to a collector's showpiece than a casual weekend runner. Bonzi also publishes prop recommendation tables specific to single and twin Zenoah configurations, which is a useful reference once the boat is on the water and needs fine-tuning — the same tuning logic covered in the RC boat tuning guide applies here, just scaled way up.
Pros
- Genuinely RTR at a scale most gas boats never reach — the closest thing to owning a real offshore hull in miniature
- Twin-engine power gives serious speed and sea-keeping in rough water
- Backed by a builder that offers ongoing prop and setup guidance for the specific hull
Cons
- Weight and size mean this needs real open water and real experience — not a pond boat
- Twin-gas maintenance (fuel, cooling loops, tuning) is a bigger commitment than any electric hull
- Sits at a price point that puts it firmly in showpiece territory rather than casual-hobby range
Verdict: the most faithful, most complete Apache replica available today, and worth it specifically for builders who want the full offshore experience rather than a scaled-down approximation.
Perfect for: experienced gas-boat owners with access to open water and the budget for a genuine showpiece.
The Pro Boat Apache 24 EP — The Discontinued Entry Point
This is the Apache most casual hobbyists actually remember, because it was the only version sold as an affordable, mainstream electric RTR. It's also been discontinued for years, which changes the buying calculus completely — this is a used-market purchase, not a new one.
Specs
- 24–27 in catamaran hull, factory-decorated in the classic red-and-white Apache livery
- Stock power: a water-cooled 550 brushed motor paired with a Pro Boat ESC
- 2.4GHz radio system (later production runs shipped with Spektrum electronics)
- Runs on NiMH/NiCd packs as originally specified
Positioning: collector-market only. There's no new stock anywhere, and the only way to get one is a used hull, a partial parts kit, or a complete boat from a classifieds listing.
Pros
- Genuinely affordable entry point into Apache-branded ownership compared to the gas versions
- Catamaran hull is stable and forgiving compared to a deep-V monohull of similar size
- Extremely common brushless conversion target — plenty of community experience to draw from
Cons
- Stock brushed 550 power is underwhelming by current standards; this isn't a fast boat out of the box
- Only available used, so hull condition and hatch-seal integrity need to be checked before any water time
- Stock ESC has little headroom, so a straight motor swap without an ESC upgrade is a recipe for a fried speed control
Verdict: worth reviving only as a brushless conversion project or a nostalgia piece — as a stock runner, it's outclassed by nearly every current entry-level electric catamaran. Anyone shopping for a fast RTR at this price point is better served checking the best RC boats under $100 list or a current brushless RC boat instead of chasing a 2010-era hull.
Perfect for: Pro Boat collectors and hobbyists who already own the hull and want a brushless upgrade project, not first-time buyers.
Apache-Style Carbon Racing Hulls — Modern Clones Worth a Look
A separate category exists outside Aeromarine and Bonzi entirely: generic carbon fiber hulls sold under the Apache name, built for racing performance rather than historical fidelity. A representative example runs 58 inches by 16 inches, with composite rails and a reinforced transom pre-installed to handle serious power.
Specs
- 58 in × 16 in deep-V racing hull
- Carbon fiber construction with pre-installed composite rails and transom reinforcement
- Sold as a bare hull, intended for high-power gas or high-voltage brushless setups (30cc+ gas or 10S+ LiPo)
Positioning: premium hull-only purchase, positioned for racers rather than replica collectors — read this as "Apache-inspired performance shape," not "faithful reproduction."
Pros
- Carbon construction handles extreme power levels better than fiberglass at a similar weight
- Pre-installed rails and transom reinforcement save real build time versus a raw Aeromarine hull
- A legitimate option for pushing into serious speed territory covered in the 100 mph RC boat guide
Cons
- Manufacturer and build-quality consistency vary between listings — this is a buyer-beware category
- Documentation and support are minimal compared to Aeromarine or Bonzi
- Not a historically accurate Apache replica, despite the name
Verdict: a legitimate option for a builder who wants Apache-style lines with modern materials and doesn't care about strict authenticity, but it demands the same due diligence as any unbranded hull purchase.
Perfect for: experienced racers prioritizing a powerful, rigid hull over historical accuracy.
Aeromarine vs. Bonzi vs. Pro Boat — Which Apache Fits You?
| Priority | Best pick |
|---|---|
| Most historically faithful build | Aeromarine Apache 56/57" |
| Fastest path to an on-water Apache | Bonzi 84" Classic (RTR) |
| Lowest cost of entry | Pro Boat Apache 24 EP (used) |
| Maximum speed potential | Apache-style carbon hull (58") |
| Genuine showpiece / collector value | Bonzi 84" Classic |
The honest split is between builders and buyers. Anyone who wants to build — choosing an engine, an outdrive, a radio, tuning props from scratch — should look at Aeromarine or the carbon hull, depending on whether authenticity or raw power matters more. Anyone who wants to buy a finished boat and go run it has really only one modern option: the Bonzi 84" Classic. The Pro Boat Apache 24 sits in its own lane entirely — a budget nostalgia piece, not a competitor to either.
Recommended Upgrades for an Apache-Style Hull
Whichever Apache ends up on the bench, a few upgrade paths come up repeatedly across gas and electric builds alike:
- Prop matching — Bonzi's own prop recommendation charts (Prop Shop 7516/2, 8015/2, and similar) are a solid starting reference for single or twin Zenoah setups; the broader logic behind pitch and diameter selection is covered in the RC boat propeller guide.
- ESC sizing on brushless conversions — anyone converting a Pro Boat Apache 24 away from its stock brushed 550 needs an ESC rated well above the new motor's peak draw, not just its continuous rating; the RC boat ESC guide breaks down how to size that correctly.
- Motor selection — for a from-scratch Aeromarine or carbon hull build, matching KV and prop pitch to hull length is the difference between a boat that plans cleanly and one that bogs down; see the RC boat motors explained breakdown for the fundamentals.
- Power system decision — for builders still undecided between gas and electric for a large hull like this, the tradeoffs in runtime, maintenance, and recovery logistics are covered in electric vs. gas vs. nitro.
- Battery selection for brushless conversions — a converted Pro Boat Apache 24 needs a LiPo pack sized to the new motor's draw, not the original NiMH spec; start with the RC boat battery guide.
Who Should Buy an RC Apache?
- Offshore racing history buffs who want a display-quality piece: the Bonzi 84" Classic or a well-restored Aeromarine build.
- Experienced gas-boat builders looking for a serious project hull: Aeromarine Apache 56/57" or the carbon-fiber 58" option.
- Budget-minded Pro Boat fans chasing nostalgia: a used Apache 24 EP, ideally already converted to brushless or priced to allow for one.
- First-time buyers who just want a fast, reliable RTR without the history lesson: skip the Apache name entirely and look at a current best RC speed boat pick instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Pro Boat Apache 24 EP still sold new?
No. It's been discontinued for years and is only available through used listings, classifieds, and occasional hull-only sales. Treat any "new" listing with suspicion and expect to source a used boat or parts hull instead.
Q: Can the Pro Boat Apache 24's stock motor be upgraded to brushless?
Yes, and it's one of the most common modifications made to this hull. The stock water-cooled 550 brushed motor and factory ESC are both limiting factors, so a brushless conversion typically pairs a new motor with an upgraded ESC sized for the higher current draw, run on 3S LiPo rather than the original NiMH pack.
Q: What's the difference between the Aeromarine Apache and the Bonzi 84" Classic?
The Aeromarine is a bare hull for a full custom build, typically single-engine gas in the 15–35cc range. The Bonzi 84" Classic is a complete, ready-to-run twin-engine boat nearly twice the length, positioned as a premium showpiece rather than a builder's project.
Q: Does Kyosho make an official Apache RC boat?
No. Kyosho's boat lineup, past and present, doesn't include a model under the Apache name, despite the brand's long history in RC boats and cars.
Q: What engine does the Aeromarine Apache hull need?
It's rated for gas engines from 15cc up to 35cc, with community builds documenting single and twin-engine configurations using powerplants like the Zenoah 230/260 PUM and Mathe 35cc, paired with outdrives such as the Merc 6.
Q: Is a carbon fiber "Apache" hull the same as an Aeromarine or Bonzi Apache?
No. Carbon-fiber Apache-style hulls are modern racing clones that borrow the deep-V shape and the name without direct ties to Apache Powerboats or the original offshore lineage that Aeromarine and Bonzi hulls trace back to.
Conclusion & Final Verdict
There's no single "Apache RC boat" to shop for anymore — there's a family tree that runs from full-size offshore racing history down to four very different RC interpretations, each solving a different problem. The Bonzi 84" Classic is the closest thing to buying a finished Apache today, built and priced like the showpiece it is. The Aeromarine hull remains the go-to for builders who want to replicate that deep-V lineage from the ground up. The Pro Boat Apache 24 is worth chasing only as a cheap, nostalgic conversion project, not as a serious performance boat in stock form. And the modern carbon hulls trade historical accuracy for raw speed potential, which is a fair trade for the right racer.
Pick based on what actually matters — history, finished convenience, budget, or outright speed — because trying to find one Apache that does all four is chasing a boat that doesn't exist anymore.
