| ScottR |
04-24-2012 6:58 AM |
Guys, just got to work so I will explain to some degree the decision. I will try hard to not bash anything or anyone but will be very honest in what decided it for me.
I always had put my boats on the market after a summer of use and have had super success in selling them. This year was no different. I sold it to a great guy in Canada and he really took it to the next level with added lights for under water along with tower lights. He also put on a crazy wrap that I actually liked. After I sold it I was in the market again and first up was a call to my friends over at Epic. With all the great things I have said about the boat and the company I was expecting the same treatment since it would have been my 3rd boat in less than 28 months. Unfortunately that didn't happen. I didn't get much of a response other than I was told my pricing went up at least $15k and I was never given a number other than it went up at least that. I couldn't understand why. I have yet to get a call back, text or anything to talk to me further. I really expected to be treated with kid gloves this time as the last time was a bit of a nightmare in timing to get my 12. Just didn't happen. So, I decided to look around and find something else that did what I needed it to do.
First for me (most likely not for alot of people) was interior room. 4 kids and 2 adults on every trip we needed space. I tape measured my Epic and got dimensions for a starting point. So I was set on a 23' boat but after finding the Tomcat I was intrigued. I talked to MANY MANY dealers around the country and every single one of them were amazing to talk to. (Texas Mastercraft, Utah, Orlando, Michigan...they all were GREAT!) I found out that the 21' Tomcat was actually BIGGER inside than my 23' Epic. I didn't believe it. Actually had 2 different people measure for me and both got exact same numbers. With the widebody I gained 10" of width and 7" of lenth in the cockpit area. I couldn't believe it. So, I didn't want to like a 21' boat becuase I have never had one but....size matter as they say and I ended up giving it a real look.
After I began to research MB and the quality standards they have I was almost sold. As you all know Epic is built as a pure rider boat. They seem to miss on the fit and finish. (both of mine did) MB blows them out of the water. I couldn't believe how much of a difference I saw in the vinyl and cockpit. It really was several steps up the ladder so to speak. My wife actually loved the magnet carpet so we could clean this boat when needed. I was a huge proponet of the SeaDek on the floor but after not being able to clean the Epic like I wanted I think that was a big culprit. The seating layout is very nice with a back for the seat behind the driver. The seats and cushions fit perfectly and the vinyl they use is much nicer stuff than the Epic.
Ok, I know those are all personal preference things so I will talk about the wake a bit. (now know I have not ridden it just test drove it) I have read tons of great things about the wake here on WW. So I was pretty convinced the stock wake was going to be awesome. I wasn't disappointed. Mine has the trim plate and that really helps to plane her out. I also heard many many great things about the surf wake. (again I haven't ridden her yet) I did however create the wave during my test drive and although not as tall as my Epic she looked very clean and fun. The stock wake looked very clean with no wash. Epic's (both of mine) always had some wash on one side that I could never seem to clean up fully. I have seen pictures and video's of Epic's with clean wakes but have also talked to other Epic owners with some of the same issues.
All in All I believe I would still be in an Epic if I were treated the way I had hoped. You all know I loved my Epic's and loved the company and talked and talked on that many times. I had hoped that my relationship was a good one with them however I guess they didn't want to sell me a boat as they had in the past. I think they have some growing pains to go through and need to step it up when it comes to fit and finish along with customer service. I was a long time customer and spent well over $120k with them in two years and was treated very poorly when I was ready for a third boat. If they are reading this, please take a hard look at the fit and finish issues. Also, if you have a long time client don't treat them as if they don't exist. You all know my number and can feel free to call me and I can explain further what did and didn't happen.
I want to shout out to Robert Nelem at Nelems Marine in Jaspar Alabama. He won my business on the MB after talking to many dealers. He was great to talk to and allowed me to custom order that trailer with BoatMate. He also went above and beyond and delivered me my boat 4 states away. I fell in love with the classic colors and lines of the MB. I am very happy that a company and dealership wanted my business. Robert worked with me, answered all of my questions and invited me to his lake house for the test drive. I can honestly say though that ALL the dealers I talked to were amazing! Drew in Orlando, Craig in Texas and I have forgotten the guy in Utah's name, but they were all very honest and forthright about anything I asked. None of these guys had one bad thing to say about any other dealer or the boat. The gentleman in Utah even told me to buy from another guy because the deal on a used one was amazing! (it was red though and I am just not a red fan..lol ...I know I know...great deal on a 23' boat but I just couldn't buy a red one..) If you are looking for MB give any of these guys a call, they enjoy talking boats and will help you make a decision.
I can't wait until I get out on the lake. We are fair weather boaters so may be week or two but I am going to get more pictures here soon to throw up here. There are tons of guys with MB's so you really know what she looks like but without the X mine is a bit different. I think she is one sexy boat, and sitting on that trailer she really is sexy. Boatmate did an outstanding job as well, I couldn't be happier with my decision.
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