<a href="http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/epic-wakeboats.html" target="_blank">http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/epic-wakeboats.html</a> <BR> <BR>Hope this isn't a repost. <BR> <BR>snip: <BR>"The sleek 22-footer is a series hybrid that uses a small gasoline engine to drive a generator that keeps the lithium-ion batteries going as they approach depletion." <BR> <BR>(Message edited by yosquire on March 09, 2009)

Lol I just posted that link under wakeboarding discussion. I thought it gave a good look into the technology behind the boat that a lot of people might not know.

$150,000?! <BR> <BR>Thats a pretty steep price tag, I'd be interested to draw up a costing of how long it would take to make the Epic a worthwhile investment compared to a normal gas powered Epic... if more than 3 years it doesn't really seem worth it. I also wonder how often the batteries will require replacement... <BR> <BR>Shame Chris doesn't seem to post on here anymore, I'd love for him to come answer some questions and fill in some more details, although pricey its a sick concept and I'd love to see one on the water...

hahhahaha, "speedboat"

At this point in time I not really interested in the ROI I am just excited about the fact that someone is willing to step outside the box and put their ideas into production. If they can truly get the price down to $70,000 it will be a viable option. The Diesel Electric idea he mentioned sounds interesting as well

That thing is BAD A$$. <BR>I would love to have one. Chris if you wanna give me one Ill give you the Bling Bling. Ill pimp out the Electric Epic to my spec's and demo it for ya. Ill bet I could use the gas generator motor to power the crazest most boomin system.

By Brit Rider (brit_rider) on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 5:01 pm: <BR> <BR>$150,000?! <BR> <BR>"That's a pretty steep price tag, I'd be interested to draw up a costing of how long it would take to make the Epic a worthwhile investment compared to a normal gas powered Epic... if more than 3 years it doesn't really seem worth it." <BR> <BR>Quick figuring, so don't bash my math... <BR> <BR> (Using round figures just to get the idea) <BR> <BR>Gas Epic - 8 gph, hybrid - 4 gph <BR> <BR>100 hours per year, 400 gallons less per year <BR> <BR> @$4.00 per gal = $1600.00 savings per year <BR>$150,000 vs $75,000 price difference <BR> <BR>46 years to break even <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/uhoh.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>Not to take anything from Chris' venture, I think it is awesome, but it is like the hybrid cars, it's all about making a statement. <BR>If I could afford one I'd be all over it.

Does anyone know if its the 8.1 litre engine in the boat still or if they made it smaller? I keep hearing the phrase "compact gas engine" but whats compact??

The boat is not driven by a gas engine. <BR>IT has an electric motor that is powered by batteries that are kept charged with a gas generator. So no 8.1 liter Engine

"a hybrid system Anthony calls Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive" <BR> <BR>I thought when the batteries are dead that it can run on the engine? I'm fairly positive of this. <BR>Also, I would be interested to know what the 8.1 in the drive description is, if it isn't an 8.1 litre engine.

The article says <BR> <BR>"The sleek 22-footer is a series hybrid that uses a small gasoline engine to drive a generator that keeps the lithium-ion batteries going as they approach depletion. It's similar to what you'll find under the hood of the Chevrolet Volt, and we haven't heard of anyone using something like this in a boat." <BR> <BR>The Volt is an electric Car with a generator to keep the batteries charged. <BR> <BR>So if the article is correct it is an Electric boat with a generator to keep the batteries charged. Just like the Volt <BR> <BR>Who knows what the 8.1 stands for.

Maybe it performs like a 8.1, kinda like how Lexus badges their hybrids.

Could be that it has equivalent HP to the 8.1 and it is just a marketing thing how knows

My understanding is it has 375 Hp same as the 8.1 so that is why that is in there

8.1 is how many years it'll take to sell one. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/kiss.gif" border=0>

If you do buy one, who would be certified to work on the system?

One thing not to forget is the life span of the battery pack.Those things are not cheap you know.

As far as no one buying one. That is what I said when lexus came out with their LS hybrids that starts at $50,000 more then the same gas powered car. But talking with my buddy who is the sales Manager they cant keep them on the lot. Also EPIC said they hope to get the cost down to $70,000 once they really get production going.

Just think how Happy you could make Al Gore and company!!!! You made a sacrifice to Save the planet from eminent destruction. <BR> <BR>Only 6 years and change left on the clock <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/676977.jpg" alt="Upload">