Epic?

[SBM1234]

A buddy of mine is considering buying a 2009 Epic 23V. I don't know much about them, looks like they have a lot of ballast, a big motor, and a pretty cool sound system - and tons of cup holders.

Has anyone owned one or have any comments for him? How do these boats compare to other 22' boats?

We are supposed to go for a test drive on Friday to check it out. I'm pleading with him to wait and find a good Tige for sale, but there is not much at all on the used market right now...

[Ewok]

I think Timmy here has a friend with one, from what I've heard huge and steep wakeboard wake but I haven't heard anything about the surf wake. I think they have 4K of ballast factory so theoretically the boat is a little lighter when empty and easier on the tow vehicle. I think they are sharp looking boats and the newer ones come with wetsounds built into the transom instead of on the tower like standard tower read facing speakers.

[talltigeguy]

My neighbor that lives 3 houses down has one.

It has a massive wake, but it can be a little finicky to get dialed in just right. The 8.1 Liter engine is the bombdiggity.

The fit and finish seem pretty reasonable. I love the Samson tower.

He has not done much to surf it, but I think in the 2009 era, the Epics create a pretty mediocre surf wave. Newer ones have some modifications that have apparently helped, but I am pretty sure that those do not apply to 2009 boats.

I don't think I would get in a hurry to buy right now. Better pickins will be out there if he just waits another month.

[Timmy!]

I actually have 2 friends with Epic's now. They are awesome for sound systems. The wakeboarding wake is ridiculous, even when just running people weight it's tough for beginner's to figure out due to it's steep ramp. If you load it up, it's too much for beginner's and intermediate riders IMO (you know what they say about opinion's). I prefer Tige's surf wave personally. I will send you a PM too...

[talltigeguy]

I actually have 2 friends with Epic's now. They are awesome for sound systems. The wakeboarding wake is ridiculous, even when just running people weight it's tough for beginner's to figure out due to it's steep ramp. If you load it up, it's too much for beginner's and intermediate riders IMO (you know what they say about opinion's). I prefer Tige's surf wave personally. I will send you a PM too...

Do your friend's Epics have the trim tab? That does help to knock it down some, but it is still pretty steep. A little like the Nautique 210 wake, if you have ever ridden that.

My friend, who is a pretty awesome wakeboarder, actually does not like the ballast all the way full, because the wake rolls over, and he still likes this wake at 26 MPH. On my boat, I take him 23.6.

[chpthril]

They are not the hottest chick at the bar, but that dont mean she wont make a good wife I say check it like you would any other boat. Theres not a ton out there and none here, but I dont recall reading any real issues with them.

[Timmy!]

Do your friend's Epics have the trim tab? That does help to knock it down some, but it is still pretty steep. A little like the Nautique 210 wake, if you have ever ridden that.

My friend, who is a pretty awesome wakeboarder, actually does not like the ballast all the way full, because the wake rolls over, and he still likes this wake at 26 MPH. On my boat, I take him 23.6.

Yeah, both have the trim tab. It definitely does not like full ballast, takes forever to plane at this altitude even with the 8.1 and the 14x14.25 prop if you have more than 3 people in the boat.

I've never ridden behind a Nautique.

[sandm]

friends friend here has one. wakeboard wake is supposed to be second to none, but she hates surfing the boat. it's way too steep and the transition will grab the board quickly. I've not heard a single positive on the surfwave from her. said fit/finish is good and has been very reliable.

[SBM1234]

So, just got done with the test drive and here is the evaluation (note that is is all IMO):

Pros:
If you are a wakebaord junkie (i.e. 17 - 26 years old and want to push your skills to the limit) this is your boat.

The 8.1 has TONS of power.

This boat scares me - I am 36 years old.

Audio is awesome from the factory and you can have a great time with your buddies on this boat.

Cons:

This is not a family boat. If you are teaching your childern how to wakeboard or if you are introducing your family to the lake and all the fun stuff it offers, this is not the boat for you.


If you are concerned about spending money on gas, this may not be the boat for you.

IMO, the 8.1 is awesome, but I do not like the closed water circulation system. I like having lake water circulated throught the engine (thermostat, heat exchanger, etc etc.)

The transom audion is great, but there was a crack in the gelcoat in the lower corner - this could be an issue due to the sharp corners created by insetting the speakers as they are. To me, this is a design issue and not a freak incident.

The distance from the top of the seat to the floor of the boat is an issue. If you have kids or are plannig on riding through rough water this may be a concern.

Overall it is an awesome boat. If I was ten years younger, I would have this boat. But, I think that for a family, there are better options.


Thanks to all of you for your comments and I gotta tell ya, I love being a Tige Owner!

[Timmy!]

[dom w. forte]

There is a definet advantage to closed cooling over lake water cooled, the engine will last a lot longer, but not just because of corosion but because the engine from front to rear runs a more consistant temperature , lake water cooled flashes the block with too cold of a temp, at the front and causes expansion problems to the head gaskets as well as fuel injection burns more precisely on closed cooling, so dont be concerned .