epic does it different

[ragboy]

something that I find interesting:
Volvo Penta 8.1L V8.... 375hp
Tigé/Marine Power 6.0L... 400hp

Even if you were to get the 8.1L HO version (IF V-P makes one) thats still rated at 425hp w/ a 2.1L advantage. So... assuming the torque is similar, I think I'd still go with a 6.0L.

The 8.1 is a torque monster. I am sure it has much more torque than the 6.0. It would be interesting to test drive the same boat with both motors though.

[Paublo]

The story that I heard about the Toyota "Epic" boats was that they wanted to make the best boat and used technology from their cars. Their boats couldn't hurt the Toyota name. They even had throttle by wire years before others did it. With the arrangement they had for getting them made, the cost was greater than what they could sell them for. That was ok for awhile- the first few years. They had everything set up to build their own manufacturing plant and increase production to a level where they would make a profit. Then in 2001, 9/11 hit and they saw the economy going in the dumps for several years and associated boat sales down too. So they instead pulled the plug on the whole thing. The mold issue could have cost them, but not the reason for killing the whole line. Anyway, that's what I heard.

[Ruune]

The story that I heard about the Toyota "Epic" boats was that they wanted to make the best boat and used technology from their cars. Their boats couldn't hurt the Toyota name. They even had throttle by wire years before others did it. With the arrangement they had for getting them made, the cost was greater than what they could sell them for. That was ok for awhile- the first few years. They had everything set up to build their own manufacturing plant and increase production to a level where they would make a profit. Then in 2001, 9/11 hit and they saw the economy going in the dumps for several years and associated boat sales down too. So they instead pulled the plug on the whole thing. The mold issue could have cost them, but not the reason for killing the whole line. Anyway, that's what I heard.

that sounds about right... What a shame though. Kind of like the Tucker cars in the 40s- ahead of their time.

[Jason B]

There are a couple Toyaota Epics by me and they are a bit older. They appear to be VERY nice boats. The couple I have looked at have held up incredibly well. A bit better than my 2002 Tige if I dare say it. I have a Tundra and an Avalon, both have >150k miles, and still drive great. I am staying with Toyota vehicles and I most definitely would consider a Toyota boat.

[zad0030]

I actually saw that when the water was down. Not sure if that was one of the pics I took or not, but I believe it was a result of low visibility and alcohol consumption.