2007 Epic pics

Hey, here's the rest of the Epic pics that I've received, I will have a boat in Dallas when I get back from the Orlando Surf Expo. She'll be touring the DFW area asap. I'll keep everybody posted as to where and when.

Damn the balck ones look better. For some reason the nose looks silly on the white boat. I can't wait to ride one though! Thanks for the pics.

Big Heavy, I dunno man I'm liking the all white look! The nose does look a lil funny tho.

Man that all white looks killer

If I only had the wallet for one of those, grrr.

This is the year of the "Funny nose"

I like the new tower config. too. I like the white way better, but I just cant get past the snub nose. I guess that will def. be its trademark. Kinda like the pickelfork was for the X-star, at least until this year.

The white looks sharp.....

That is a great looking boat IMO. If I were in the market for a brand new 23 foot boat, I would give that some serious consideration. I like the stubby nose, and the all-white looks slick.

I love it, and I want one!

-Steve

Standard

8.1 litre Volvo
14 speaker stereo w/transom audio
Heater w/removable vents
Vector Steer. (you've gotta check this out!)
Drop Zone Hull
and of course 4,200 pounds of Ballast.

M.S.R.P. $59,900

Options,
Powered Sub.
Bimmini Top

I like the nose and the all white. It sure would look good behind my all white Z71 Tahoe.

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quote:

Vector Steer. (you've gotta check this out!)

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I'm actually hoping they make that optional,the wake just wasn't the same behind the one with the Vector steering......

BEAUTIFUL. REALLY. HONEST.

I think that thing looks great

Looks absolutely sick. Can't wait to see one in person. Definitely does not look like it's lacking in the storage department, those V-drive lockers look huge.

The great thing about the dual rudders is that even with 4,200 pounds of wake and passengers the boat still steers well. Without a load the boat handles like a direct drive more then it does a big V drive.

wow. it's real. that white boat looks great imo.

Awesome. I like the white tower, very cool.

What is vector steer?

how can it look good behind a gasser

That tower looks awesome. I know a lot of people say it looks like a tige tower, but I think it has better lines.

not sure i like how the rubrail dips down in the back

definitely black is the better color choice, are there other color options? a dark red might be cool

I dig the boat. But, honestly, I think the X2 is the best boat above the water line -- awesome use of space -- small sundeck, big center and wide bow. Too bad the X2 is not nearly amazing below the water line.

they could have made the graphic bigger I think.

I like everything but the nose. Come-on, I know your a company that takes advice... listen to your audience.... ditch the snub nose!

Sam, LMAO. I agree, its a tad large.

I think it looks killer....the boat really has great lines and the nose is growing on me. Definately distinctive. Tower is kinda...eh, but it looks good in white. I'd look into one in a few years once(if) they become more established.

Wow, if I hadn't just bought my new boat, I would have seriously considered this. That is sick!!

I really like how this boat looks with the new tower..
I hope the 21' has the same features/lines.
I can't wait to get one...

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quote:

Too bad the X2 is not nearly amazing below the water line.

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Hey GD I was wondering does your comment come from riding behind one or just from what you have read??

Personally I thought I was going to hate it from all the people saying bad stuff about it but I can tell you I was pleasantly surprized.Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying it's the best in the business but the wake would not turn me away from the boat if I would want this boat.

Ed, I have never rode one. I am basing my opinion only on what I have read. I guess I need to try one.

Looks good to me... I normally don't care for that much white, but I have to say... That boat looks sharp!

I'm definitely hoping to ride behind one someday.

-Blake

GD,yeah you really should,I think you will have fun.I guess my biggest thing about the wake would be that 75' is the longest line you can ride but with roughly 1,200lbs over stock ballast,I have a blast.

1200lbs of stock ballast?? what boat are we talking about?? I thought the new x-2 had like 600 or so...
I also love the looks of the new x-2, but from everything I've heard about the wake it sounds a little disappointing...

Tom.. Ed said "1200 OVER stock ballast"

OOps!! I thought he said over 1200lbs stock ballast..

that thing is P-I-M-P

The X2 has been ripped on here by people who are going on heresay. I agree with Ed...you have to ride it to know whether it will work for you. The wake is fun for the average with stock ballast but if you add weight it gets better. I think what gets most people is how wide the wakes are on the newer Mastercrafts...but once you learn how to ride them they are a lot of fun.

I have every right to be picky. I want a boat that builds a great wake without 1200 lbs of additional ballast. For example, a 210 builds a great wake with only 1800 lbs of total ballast.

GD, ... 600#'s stock, plus 1200# of extra = 1800#. (The weight you quoted for the 210). I know you said, 1200 extra #'s.

... Sorry, just talking.

Vector steering. Dual rudders.

GD,1,800lbs of total ballast in A SAN is approx. a 1,000lbs over stock.

I dig all the talk about the X-2 on an Epic thread...

I agree the X-2 needs extra ballast to be GREAT not just good!!!!

EZ LOADER trailer??? I always seen them being a cheap trialer but I have no idea about trailers. How is it anyway??

I don't think u can really compare an x2 wake and a SAN wake. One is wide and rampy and the other is thin and more vertical. It's like comparing apples to oranges. The SAN wake is easier to get big air on but when learning new things i think the x2 is better cuz its easier to control the take off

We do not use those EZ Loader trailers. It was a temporary trailer for that first pre-production boat. I would not recommend them to any tournament boat owner. If you have a 15" fishing boat...it could be a great trailer for you. And thanks for the stoke (those of you that like the White). It was Adam's (our marketing and sales guy) choice of colors and I wasn't feeling it at first but I think it came out awesome with the white tower and all Wait till you see one of the ones we did for Expo Good Times...

Chris, What's up with the throttle handel? What are the two red buttons for? Why is it different than a normal tournament handle?

Tige's is different, because they put the TAPS control in the handle.

Just curious.

The Volvo controller has the shape plate control in it. It is much easier than fishing for it on the dash if you are trying to tweak the wake for a specific rider quickly.

The mirror looks huge!

Same mirror I got on my X2. Its great... and not big at all.

Is that a universal trailer? It looks like the bunks are adjustable.

I was under the impression that the X2 needs to be slammed with 3000 plus to get a top quality wake -- guess, I need to test ride the X2 -- since I love the boat above the water, I could be convinced to buy one if the wake is good enough. Another candidate is the 21' EPIC. Bring it to us Chris!

The EZ Loader trailer was used for short term purposes just to get the pre-production model to and from testing.

Zieman has custom built a trailer with swing tounge, boat buddy, designed for the dual rudders, mags, etc... A very nice trailer.

Yeah I hear you GD,that 21'EPIC does sound appealing especially if it can look as good as the white one(posted up top)and can have a killer wake like the proto-type(Very 1st EPIC)



THAT IS KILLER LOOKING!!

Go figure it was Adam's idea to do an all white boat. Marketing and sales Rep. Chris just be glad you got a boat that produces a great wake. Wouldn't want to see what Adam would do with just an "ok" boat.

I think you have done far more for the marketing of this boat with your conversations and discussions on these forums.

I would like to see the Epic at dealers that are a little more established. I would like to see them at Volvo factory trained dealerships.

I would like to see when there is what I am assuming a failry expensive two page ad in wakeboard magazine direct you to a website that is up date. Or at least has a news bulletin to let people know what is going on and new developments.

Through research etc... Many new companies fail not because they dont have a great product... but because they failed to spend their money wisely...

I think advertising is a neccessity... but everything has to tie in together. Print ads, web page, etc.

Most people go into business because they want to make money.

It would appear that you would spend more than a year hand shaping a boat underneath a tarp in your driveway because of a passion... it is now a reality and could become a career...

I think readers of this post may wonder why I care whether money is wisely spent, or why I would care who the dealers are, etc...

But when I make a major purchase... I take a serious look at...

* The boat company and whether they will be around in 2-3-4-5-10+ years.
* Who the dealer is and the follow up service.
* Who the powerplant is made by for parts/service issues.
* Who the hull is built by to ensure they can honor their structual warranties.

I don't think that is toom much to consider when dropping $60k+ on a boat.

Just a cautiously optomistic approach.

txrider/chris,

Can you get it without the sideswipe exhaust? And does 60K include a trailer?

dig, dig, dig the white. It's sick for sure. That boats going to be bada$$ when all the bugs are worked out.

Personally the 23' is too big for me. I can't wait to see a 21' version, hopefully with a small block and some killer gas mileage?

When we rode behind on it had unquestionably the biggest stock wak of anything I've riden. Our boat was tweaked though and you needed to fill the ballast un-evenly to get the wake good. Also the vector steer was out of alignment and the speed control didn't work. With those things worked out it could be sick.

BTW... I can't stand the sideswipe exhaust. I don't see any purpose. It's loud in the boat (very loud) and it makes the boat smell like stinky exhaust when sitting still idling.

Chris and Co. are definitely onto something though.

i am with kyle..

I thought someone said they have already sold an amazing number of boats...and they arent even in full production yet. Something like they are backordered until 2009? Anyone else hear this?

Hmmm, we aren't sold through 2009 but are done through the end of the year with firm orders and a bit further if you count on verbal stuff coming through. Of course these are dealer orders so I don't know what percentage are already pre-sold through those dealers. It will be a busy year for us in any case.

As for our dealers: We do not require our new dealers to have a service department or be a LARGE dealer by any means. We expect them to love the sport and support local wake events and local riders. If we see potential in a dealer to grow the sport in their area then we will sign them. I didn't built this boat to become the richest man in the world. I built it out of curiosity and because I love wkae sports and want to see it grow and include more people. As long as a dealer is honest, treats their clients with respect and love the sport like we do then we WILL sign with them. We have dealers that may only sell 5 boats next year but the year after that they may sell 15 because they are active in their communities and respected for their actions. I ABSOLUTELY hate when I talk to a rep for anything that doesn't know their product inside and out. Our Epic boats could get lost in the mix at some of these large dealers. I would hate to see possible Epic owners neglected because they did not receive the attention they deserved at a large dealer we chose just because Epic thought they could PUSH two or three more boats out a year with them. In any case Large or small dealers makes no difference to me. Our dealers are gauged on much different criteria than most other companies would like to see, and that is the way I want it

And I feel you on the exhaust CIE.

And the new website will be up on the 15th. It will be rather basic to start but will have a lot of info and pics. Then it will be built upon through the end of the year to add all the fun features I have dreamed up over the years

I will be a dealer, you know I love the sport. Too bad I am not even 20 and working on a degree right now.

You say you dont require you dealers to have a service department.

So what does an Epic owner do if they need work on their boat and their dealer does not have a service department?

To me, this looks more like ART than just a boat. :>)

I agree. That front on pic is beautiful!

I 3rd that. I think both the front and side look great. One of the best looking boats out there.

Hey I’m Scott, I’m the new Epic dealer is Wisconsin. I thought I might give some incite on how service will be done. For my dealership we will be contracting out our service to another dealership. For problems that deal directly with the warranty we will deal with those. Trust me guys if you buy a boat we wont leave you out in the cold when it comes to service work. These are amazing boats, I encourage everyone to find a dealer and test ride. Once you ride behind these machines you won’t want to go back to your old boat.

(Lucky275
Can you get it without the sideswipe exhaust? And does 60K include a trailer?)

60K does not include the trailer. Also to my knowledge the exhaust comes standard on it. I’ll check with my rep to get you a definite answer. Just let you know I was told by my rep that the exhaust issue was fixed. I’m headed down expo on Thursday, When I’m down there I’ll find out for sure for you guys. I’ll post once I get back, unless Chris beats me too it.

Just a quick question for those who are boat dealers or thinking of becoming a boat dealer.

My understanding that financing these boats for inventory and finding suitable real estate to store your inventory, there is very little money made with just the sale of new boats.

There is good profit when selling the financing packages, life and disability creditor insurance, extended warranties, accessories, and SERVICING!

So my question is, doesn't it make more sense to offer an in-house service center?

Also, when contracting out your service work, will it be contracted to another dealer? If so, I know some who have done this and they choose to cater to their own customers first and then deal with the contracts. This resulting in a poor service level to people that contract them. Is this a concern?

I can't imagine how long a dealer would last if they are only relying on new boat sales to stay alive. Also, used boats are great too, but they are usually a result of a high level of new boat sales.

I just hope the dealers have deep pockets so that even if new boat sales business is not booming, they are able to deal with their exisiting customers in an efficient and customer friendly manner.

It is not a good feeling when you buy a big ticket item from a store and then see them go out of business... it is even worse when you see the product manufacturer go out of business.

It really hurts the resale value of that item... unless it become s a rare collectible... in that case.. the value will sky rocket.

So for those new dealers... another question... What is your background, experience, and history in the marine industry?

I may be the only one on here that cares, but those are the types of things that I like to consider when purchasing a boat.

As for exhaust system... Chris... make a standard rear exhaust!!!
Also, quote price with trailers! I don't know of many dealers who like to sell boats without trailers!!! Especially if they are contracting the service out. How is someone going to tow the boat? The owner? The dealer? Or the service guy who is contracted to do the work?

If the boat performs as advertised, there will be little doubt whether Epic boats will be around for the long haul. Someone will take care of the end customer.

Chris, the boat looks pimp. Can't wait to see if the tangible boat lives up to the hype. Any dealers in Washington state yet?

Kyle I am seriously sick of reading all your negativity. Leave it in this past thread, and move on.

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/347289.html?1157061321

If you have so many "great" ideas start your own company and take out the competition. Quit hatin on EPIC.

While we may not REQUIRE an Epic Dealer to have in house service to start with us we do expect them to grow as we grow and establish their in-house service as soon as they can. We want to see our dealers successful in both supporting our sport in their area and their profitability. We know some dealers may really heavily on service for income and others will not. There are many different ways for our dealers to keep green in their pockets so they can continue to serve their clientele the level of excellent service that we expect. I am not here to dictate to them the style of business they should run. If an Epic dealer is serving their customers well, active in their wake community and staying afloat financially; I think that is all I can expect of them. If they are falling short in any of those areas we will try to help. If they need to add a service facility to meet their customer needs then we will try to help foster the development. The bottom line is: We are not hurting for dealers and don't have to pawn our boats off any way we can just to get them out the door. We are selective with our dealers and know they are well capable of meeting Epics high expectations on: Local Wake Sports Involvement, Customer Service, and Financial Responsibility.

Anyways...we do have a new exhaust system that is MUCH quieter. It is a rear system and will be unveiled at Surf Expo with the new 23v(the finished production version)

And all of our boats leave the factory on a trailer which I designed with all the features one would expect to complement an Epic. LED light, oil lube hubs, mag wheels, cage rollers, rear ratchet downs, Boat-Buddy front click-in system, and a swing tongue. I feel a good trailer is an important part of wakeboarding so I want every Epic to ride on a nice trailer. I would hate to see anyone put our very light 23' boat on a single axle POS trailer

And thanks for the props on the white boat. It is hard to believe it was almost three years ago that I created all of those style lines in my driveway in San Diego and now people really like the way it looks. Check the photo gallery of this article http://www.wakeworld.com/getarticle.asp?articleid=296 to see the actual foam and wood I shaped to make these lines so long ago. It is just amazing how this has all come together and I am just really stoked to hear people say the like the look. THANKS

Hmmm, link not working for me.

http://www.wakeworld.com/getarticle.asp?articleid=296

Matt, not being negative. I know Epic has a great boat. That is not the question.

I am from a much smaller market where we don't have only one local tournamnet boat dealer.

He is absolutely great to his customers. Moomba/Supra dealer. If you buy a boat from him, he will take care of you. Many of his clients are from out of town, so in the spring, he summerizes the boat, puts it in the slip, then in the fall, he pulls the boat out and winterizes it and then stores it until their return next spring. He works only on boats that he sells, this way he can offer them front of the line service when it comes to warranty work, general service, or repairs. He has a small operation and operates out of his home.

Just outside of town there is a Calabria dealer. Again, just another backyard dealer. So who knows how long he will be able to last.

We have had many come and go. We have a seasonal marina business, so it makes it much more difficult than down south.

My concerns come from personal experience.

We have a couple of local marine service shops, but none of them sell boats. So I feel they may not take a personal care in the boat.

I picked up my boat from the shop to go for the first ride in the spring, when I put the boat in the water, they didn't put all the drain plugs back in the engine so it was a wasted trip to the lake. I returned to the shop and they gave me a plug which I put in myself. Next trip to the lake, some of the plugs didn't have o-rings so they were spitting out water. So I went to hardware store and bought some o-rings and did it myself. Third time out, I notice that they did not drain the heater core or shower. Which both cracked and leaked excessivley. So I had more out of pocket expenses due to their improper winterization/summerization. I wrote a letter to the shop asking what kind of deal we could work out and I have had no response. Also, I forgot to mention that when I picked up the boat for the first time, it had been raining and they had left cardboard all over the inside of the boat, so I had to clean all of that out.

I am not blaming the shop, but it would be nice to have the opportunity to buy a boat from a dealer who takes pride in their boat they sell.

I know a big dealer an hour away from here services their boats and all other drop in service only customers get put to the back of the line behind their loyal customers. I see no problem with that. I think when you buy a boat from a dealer, you should receive front of the line service.

Some of the dealers in this market...

Centurion - the dad had lots of money, bought his son a couple of boats which never sold. I think his son fell off the wagon.

Gekko - state of the art wakeboard boat... remember the bazooka... don't know what ever happened there.

Sanger - dealer failed a couple of times. New guy Jase, started up now. He has been doing well so far. But he will tell you it is a tough and costly venture.

Calabria - boats are parked randomly on the side of the highway with for sale signs.

I have considered opening a dealership...

I have the funds to start with inventory.
I have the real estate to house the operation.
I have the passion for the sport and development in this area.
I have the connections with the wakeboard community, associations, etc.
I have done thorough research on all of the tournament wakeboard boats built and sold in this area.
I have suppliers for accessories and proshop inventory.
My concern is that mechanics and staff would have to be paid and cash flow would be tight... and often the demise of starting a venture like this.

I am assuming that the perspective dealers have deep pockets and great cashflow!

I know that I would want to start a venture like this properly. Do it right the first time. First impressions go a long way!

It is the more costly approach to invest in a shop etc... but in the end I think there is a better chance for success.

Sorry, just a consumer that had concerns... Not with Epic... just with new dealers popping out of the woodwork to open up shop.

Failing dealers are not good for the industry as a whole.

Just hoping people are doing their homework and business plans.

Best of luck.

Good points Kyle...I hope others can see that you are not ripping on Epic.



Chris Anthony, I have some questions/comments for you that I don't think anyone has yet mentioned.

1-Does the stubby nose serve any other purpose besides style? I'm not bashing it. I really like the way it looks. I'm just curious, does it open up the bow a little more? Anything else?

2-I noticed that this boat flows up towards the bow (look at the rub rail), which would be great for going over rollers…no more water over the bow! Most boats that I have seen flow back down towards the bow (Sanger, Malibu, Mastercraft, SAN), which makes the bow only more susceptible to getting a huge roller washed over it.

I rarely, if ever, get water in my bow, but that is because I am careful and I know how to drive a boat, but what if I did not have to be as careful while slowly driving over rollers.

Sounds good to me. I think other boat companies should watch and learn from this bow.

Don't listen to a thing Kyle says. We've already established his character as dishonest and deceptive:
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/347289.html
specifically note where he created a second WW account to continue bashing Epic.

Hey Charlie,

Any boat will take rollers over the bow... but the Epic is definitely less susceptible to taking rollers over the bow. I would say for the most part it is because the hull displaces so much of the water to the sides, it is less likely to come over the bow.

If y ou look back into the history of Chris's design for the blunt nose...

It was going to incorporate a ladder. Then there was so much talk about the tower and the nose... Well he went and got a nice functional tower designed... but kept the nose.. I think this is part of the Epic's identity. A new addition in the blunt nose is an anchor locker.

Also, the flat surfaces on the bow and sides of the boat make it easy to get on and off of the boat. No slipping etc.

Its too bad the black "fade" gel coat pattern didn't make it through to the production models... it was a cool effect/graphic! One of a kind.

The prototype... if you havent seen it in person looks black. But it actually had fade patterns. So on the deck... it looked black.. but was actually cool to the touch in the sun.

It would have also been nice for more people to see that prototype in person... The original boat Chris built in his driveway has been used and abused... takes a lickin... and keeps on tickin... That boat is BULLETPROOF!

thanks craig.

kyle I really don't understand you...creating different ww accounts..that is pretty lame.

so CHRIS ANTHONY, is it true what Kyle said about the bow and blunted nose?

thanks

(Message edited by jovedawake on September 12, 2006)

one more question CHRIS, is it just the picture or are those cup holders a little too close to the seats?

It seems like the top of a cup/bottle would hit the bottom/side of the seat. Just wondering, thanks.

Hey Charlie,

Multiple accounts are an accusation that Craig and Dave have been trying to pin on me.

I could care less. Why would I try and hide from people?

As mentioned before... Jess (bcboatman) is a real person who is attending University. He and his family stayed at my house the week before they moved him into his dorm on campus.

The accusations were made in regards to the comments on the "Pink" Epic... which I have yet to see in person.

The funny thing is... I bet you will see Jess talk his Dad into a new Epic once they are made available to the public.

I admit... and it isn't a secret... and I don't hide it... I like to $tir $#it on these forums.

The more controversy or the more someone spends their time trying to antagonize me... the more fun it is.

This is fun and entertainment... Nobody's getting hurt.

But if you let it go... then we can discuss the more important facts and opinions on the topics of these message boards.

Hey Craig... Do you like the interior? Do you like the choice of soft yet durable vinyls chosen for the Epic...

I got the idea from looking at my hockey goalie pads... nice colors... soft... yet very durable... I figured if they could stand up to pucks and skates... then they should be able to hold up to wakeboards and whatever else a boat owner will throw at it.

How ironic... Some of my ideas got thrown into that boat...

Now if you want to keep bashing me... bring it on... it doesn't do anything good for those who you are seemingly trying to support.

Why don't you spend your time coming up with valid positive feedback... and if you have criticisms... those too...

Its not bashing... but what I would rather call... opinions...

They may have been slightly unfair because I have had a closer look than the average person... but they were still valid concerns...

As for the whole Epic project...

I have had calls from 3 boat manufacturers asking me details about the boat etc... Which I have not shared any of my concerns with any of them...

This board is what I considered a end user/consumer board... I shared my opinions...

As for those boat manufaturers who contacted me about the Epic... I gave them Chris's number and if they want to know more... they know who to contact.

This has been the third boat company I have been a part of. From ideas to construction methods... There has never been a monetary interest in it. Other than just learning and sharing ideas. I dont share any trade secrets between the manufacturers. It is purely for my own informative purposes.

I shared my thoughts with Chris... and whether you like it or not... some of the ideas and concerns... were either incorporated... or addressed.

The end result... Chris will bring a boat to the market that takes into consideration those who want a huge stock wake... those who want performance... those who want reliability... those who want longevity... those who want esthetics... those who want a nice sound system... etc etc etc... Chris has taken every possible idea from everyone and incorporated into his Epic.

How many other companies do you know take every possible positive and negative response and turn it into a boat that will gain market share in its first year?