WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2009-10-08 10:53:53 | 2213 views | 6 Comments

BOAT REVIEW

What happens when a new company bursts into the inboard market and crams all the innovation they've developed over the years into one boat? Answer: You get the Epic 23V–and no options. Epic filled its flagship with so many standard features, on this wakeboard and ski boat there's really no such thing as an option. Well, except for the bimini top, which is the Epic 23V's only possible upgrade. But trust us, once you see that sparkling tower and the wake churned up by the 4,000-pound factory ballast, you won't even notice the sun beating down on you.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Thanks to the Drop Zone hull and two tons of ballast, the Epic 23V's wakes have the type of size that every rider dreams about–regardless of his or her level. Beginners will be stoked on the pop they get on the steeper transitions from the unweighted boat, and advanced riders will love the straight-up boots they'll get when it's loaded down. Looking for air of the more horizontal variety? No worries–use the standard wake plate to tone back the incline and take those clean transitions into the flats. The news is just as sunny from the driver's seat. Epic's patent-pending vector-steering system and pair of rudders give you the kind of locked-in feel that means the world when you're charging through meaty double-ups. And the transom audio setup, yet another first on this boat, is a truly amazing innovation. The eight-speaker system, which rests just above the swim platform, is closer to the rider where it's less affected by wind and less intrusive to passenger conversations. In this boat, everybody wins.

SPECS
Passengers: 14
Dry weight: 3,000 lbs.
Draft: 36 in.
Fuel capacity: 55 gal.
Storage capacity: 78 cu. ft.
Bow: 12 cu. ft.
Center: 36 cu. ft.
Rear: 30 cu. ft.
Platform: 11.5 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 26 in.
Sun-pad area: 30 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: See local dealer
Engine: Volvo 8.1L, 375 hp
Prop: OJ 14.25 x 14.5 four-blade
Cruise: PerfectPass
Ballast: 4,000 lb. total
One bow tank: 1,200 lb.
Two rear tanks: 1,400 lb. each
Tower: Samson, collapsible
Racks:  Swivel
Wake shaper: On-the-fly adjustable plate
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Clarion deck with MP3 input, six interior speakers and eight transom speakers, amp, subwoofer, two remotes, Sirius satellite radio
Driver's seat: Swivel, bolster
Dash: Vinyl-wrapped, tilt steering wheel
Gauges: 5-inch Faria
Gas fill: Dual rear
Cooler: 85 qt., under walk-through
Cup holders: 20, stainless steel
Rub rail: Plastic
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Trailer: Tandem axle with disc brakes
Misc.: Heater, boat cover
Graphics: Custom
Colors: Custom

OPTIONS
Misc.: Bimini top

Phone: 858.922.7735
Web: epicboats.com