FLIP OR FLOP!

[zad0030]

Epics new hybrid, Clicky Linky

I give it a Flop.

Seems to really be plowing, look at how all the pics while cruising people are in the front and also look at the bowrise!

Look at the trailer as well, the wheels are located very close to the rear. Or am I imagining that?

It needs some tweaking. The technology is not there yet, especially for the marine enviroment. Great concept though.

And I bet its not cheap either.

[sparky216]

I say fail for two reasons.

1. Unlike a car that is used on a daily basis, a boat is used much less frequently. A wakeboat is used much less than a cabin cruiser, honestly how much fuel would you need to burn through to justify a hybrid engine in a wakeboat?

2. Most people who buy these boats factor fuel into their purchase. I get a kick out of people b!tchin about gas prices as they fill up their $60k boat being towed by a $50k rig. My hourly cost to entertain a family of 4 plus guests is actually quite cheap on my boat compared to bowling or a movie......and a hell of a lot more fun!

[zad0030]

Haha, I just realized that fail or flop makes no sense.

Changed it to flip or flop.

Good point sparky.

[Timmy!]

I say flop but I really don't like those boats, they are just so danged ugly!

[noworries]

This seems like a "hybrid" that is electrically driven and recharged with a constant RPM generator. That's my kind of hybrid. It'd be interesting to see how it pulls. An electric motor could be really fun. As for the emissions, well, OK. Give me torque. The electric motor should do so very well. And ballast, it comes with all the lead (batteries) you could probably need.

I wonder what voltage they run the motor on. That could be interesting around water.

[sparky216]

February 26, 2009 The low-emissions, fuel-saving benefits of hybrid technology aren't limited to the freeway and systems incorporating electric propulsion are popping up in all areas of transport. On the water we've seen hybrid tugboats and solar hybrid motor-yachts, but this is the first time we've seen hybrid technology in a speedboat. Billed as a world's first electric hybrid sport boat, EPIC Wakeboats EPIC 23E relies entirely on a silent, emissions-free electric motor for propulsion and uses half the fuel and produces half the emissions of its combustion-powered equivalent.

Due for release in Spring 2009, details are still scarce on the 23E - it uses a Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive System which "features an extremely powerful and compact drive motor that draws from cutting-edge battery technology". Recharge takes one about hour and the boat incorporates a touch-screen interface for control of stereo and video entertainment along with the GPS Speed Control.

“The EPIC 23E will change the way people think about water-sports," said EPIC Wakeboats CEO Chris Anthony. "Not only is the design more environment-friendly, but it is a more affordable option for boating enthusiasts at a time when everyone is watching their budgets.”

[sparky216]

[malarson]

Great...What's next a hybrid lawnmower??

[MoneyPity]

That Epic sure doesn't need rear ballast but might need some front ballast to get the nose down when not surfing.

Based on how it is riding and the trailer shot the back of that boat with the battery banks probably exceeds 99.9 % of what is done on most ballast systems.

I think flop. I am not crazy about appearance, cost would finish paying off my house and I would be concerned about medium to high speed handling if high speed exists.

Concept is good idea. First generation is questionable and may be flop.

[CrazyJ83]

Great...What's next a hybrid lawnmower??

why waste gas in a lawnmower when it could be in your boat, you need to get yourself one of these... unless your yard is larger then an acre then you need one of these. maybe a little over kill but I still want one LOL

[highrock]

When Epic wanted the place I worked over the summer to become a dealer I was told the price would be about the same. I think its an awesome idea thats going to change the marine industry. Its going to take a while, but I bet before too long other manufactorers will be doing this also.

Great job Epic! This is a FLIP

[Razzman]

As do I highrock, it's a shame so many dump on Epic without even knowing the boats.

[gstauffer]

I think this is very cool concept and should be given a chance.

Do I want to be the guy on the lake to buy the 1st one: No Way, but if it sticks and improves with other manufacturers bringing options to market I would definitely consider it as an option.

Any guesses as to which one of the big 3 or 4 will be the 1st to follow suit if @ all?

[da.bell]

I think it will take some time to get use to. Eventually, I think this will be a FLIP when done. The first year we will hear about a tons of FLOPS becuase it's new and there are going to be issues.

[RubberDucky]

I said something like this should be built a while back in one of my post. I am glad to see a concept like this come out. Having a small generator to supply a electric motor is so much more effiecient than to do it mechanically by going through a trans and gear boxes. You have instant torque and are able to take a lot of load with an electic motor and better acceleration times (in cars not sure the effect on a boat).
This technology has been proven to work and has been working for quite some time now, just wonder why it too so long to come out. This technology is in Diesel electric trains. They use the diesel motor to turn a 6ft in diameter generator to supply electricity to all the eletric motors.
Thats my 2 cents.
as for flip or flop I am going with flip in ten years or so that is all we are going to see in boats, or a version of it.