Project: Broken Arrow Apache Getting a Makeover

Early last week, Florida-based high-performance powerboat broker Marc Jacob purchased a 47-foot Apache V-bottom called Broken Arrow for a client in Kuwait. Built in 1991 and currently powered by triple 1,200-hp twin-turbocharged Chief engines, the boat sold in “the $250,000 range,” according to Jacob and will be “completely redone” before it is shipped to the Middle East.

The 557-cubic-inch engines, which have approximately 40 hours on them since their last refreshment by Chief, the physical hull and the Broken Arrow theme will remain intact. But beyond that, everything from the cabin and cockpit interiors to the engine compartment and exterior color scheme will get a total makeover.

Triple 1,200-hp turbocharged Chief engines are about the only things that won’t change in this extensive makeover project.

“Tommy (Hofstetter) at Chief is pulling the engines right now,” said Jacob during a telephone interview this afternoon. “From there, the boat will go to Jason Ventura at Brand X Hi-Performance Marine for a complete redo and re-rig of the engine compartment. Every hose and every fitting will come out. After the engine compartment is completely redone and painted, the boat will go back to Chief for the reinstallation of the engines.”

While Jacob said he has not selected a vendor for that part of the project just yet—he bought the boat for his client less than a week ago—for the cabin and cockpit renovation, he said he is leaning toward Florida-based Fineline Marine Interiors in Hallandale, Fla. All gauges will be replaced and a GPS unit will be added, and the entire dash will be reconfigured.

Like the rest of cockpit interior, the dash is slated for renovation and modernization.

Before the cosmetic work for the boat’s interior and exterior can begin, full-color design renderings must be completed and approved by the client. To that end, Jacob said he has contracted well-known boat painter, artist and expert fiberglass man Don Rossi to create the drawings for the new look of the 22-year-old V-bottom.

“I am going to give him a blank canvas,” said Jacob. “We are keeping the Broken Arrow theme, but that’s about it.”

Jacob said the entire restoration project will cost about $200,000, and will be chronicled through a video documentary by videographer Dayton Fullard.

“I will confirm this, but I believe this boat has had just four owners since it was built,” said Jacob.

Editor’s Note: Speedonthewater.com will follow this project and provide updates throughout its major stages.