(unlocked) Your opinion wanted on '99 epic pricing?!

[Waked]

Long time lurker, first time poster here.  What do you think is the "right" price for this boat?

http://www.blueplastic.com/boat

[eagle1wi]

What would you consider if you didn't get this boat?  Are there others you would compare it to?  I think you will be suprised at what similar boats go for that I would consider good multi-sport boats.  Malibu Response LX? ProStar 205?  For the price of entry for this type of boat I think it is a great deal at $22.5

What are the things you will do with the boat?  I think that is a bigger factor (fit for what you do) than the price you pay.  If you are a hardcore boarder maybe an X-Star or Wakesetter are the only things that will make you happy (and probably much more $$$).  If you ski as well these probably won't work and you are back to the E22 in question as being a good "crossover" boat and at a good price.

There are always compromises somewhere.  Let us know more of what you need it to do, how much you will use it etc.

[Waked]

I am really just comparing this boat with other epics for mixed use (boarding and skiing).  The v-drive boats are nice too , with the additional seating available while skiing, especially.  What do you think of this particular epic versus others in the range?

[Lakeside]

Check the NADA used boat prices for a place to start. ?

In terms of depreciation, our '99 E22 has only cost us a couple of hundred dollars since we bought it almost two years ago. ?In this regard, it's cost us next to nothing to own the boat! ?(Of course, you have gas, maintenance, insurance, etc. to consider.) ?But the boat itself is holding its value better than I would have expected.

Is there a "collectible" factor that is beginning to kick in. ?With just over 600 Epics built with Toyota/Lexus quality and the fact that they sip gas, perhaps the Toyota/Lexus name is worth more than we realize. ?

Time will tell, but maybe we have the Chris-Crafts of future generations!

[sailtl]

Trying to slalom ski behind a V drive is tough. The wake is a little big to get through without beating your knees hard.

[Waked]

Thanks Sailtl, that is really good info to know.

[eagle1wi]

I agree with Sailtl, if you ski I would stick with direct drive models in your search, no matter the manufacturer.  Getting the weight in the center of the boat provides some great tracking at higher speeds as well.

If you aren't a hardcore slalom skier you can always ski of the rear pylon if you are loaded with people and just out playing for the day.  If you are a slalom junkie you aren't going to like the additional weight of the people in the rear seats anyway whether it is a DD or a V-Drive model. 

I have an E21 and when we are "bumming around" I think it would be nice to have V-drive seating but then I have ski'd V-drives (other makes) and I wouldn't be as happy owning one since I ski the majority of the time. Probably why you never see a V-drive pulling a slalom tournament. 

Never got a pull from and S22 yet, they sure look nice though. 

Craig

[cyclone]

The good thing about the D drive epics, they make a nice curvy wake with a lip. It's got a definite pocket, you have to set the rope length to get it in the right spot at a given speed. It's clean and shapely at about 17.5 mph, with weight (2k) at about 22.5mph.

[liljulzs]

What is the rope length for a 1999 Epic 22 that’s best for slalom skiing? We are trying out for the first time (not skied in 20 years... about 550 lbs on Boat today, but other times 2000 ish, love to know the sweet. Spot.

[formerathlete]

If you haven't skied in 20 years, I'd say your sweet spot is going to be 15' or MAYBE 22' off. More than that and you must have been pro last time you skied. I'd start with 15' off and see how it feels.  It also depends on boat speed and that will depend on how well it comes back to you. Maybe start at 15' off and 32mph and go from there.