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May 11, 2025, 23:38:56 pm

Author Topic: looking at my first epic  (Read 1572 times)

swordfishman

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looking at my first epic
« on: July 21, 2010, 21:58:32 pm »
Hey all, I have a neighbor across the lake from me with a 99 S22 for sale.  It has 400 hrs on it and while he was asking close to $19k I have him down to $14k.  Any comments on what to look for with the toyota powertrain are appreciated.  Also, any comments from owners of high hours boats would be appreciated.  What tends to break first on these boats, etc.
It is on a lift in a slip so i have good access to the hull for inspecting the gel coat and prop/shaft. 

I always go to the guy who know when I start looking at a new toy.  Love these forums!

Cheers!
Benjamin
Benjamin
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sailtl

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2010, 14:05:27 pm »
I have about 1,300 hours. The only issues I every had were gauge problems, a dirty fuse, some loose wires in connectors. NO drivetrain issues.
Terry

tenn162000

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2010, 20:31:41 pm »
14 seems like a good deal - I wouldn't let mine go for ANYWHERE close to 14K... 
Boating is more then a passion- is a lifestyle.

toyotafreak

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2010, 07:09:36 am »
My S22 has 420 and is in real nice shape. Engine looks new although there are a few bolt/nuts specifically around the tranny mount and v-drive mount that have a bit of cosmetic rust. Engine should idle very very smooth, if not, a set of plug would probably fix. There are two different hour meters - one within the menus on the Message Center, one on the Tech. In mine, the tach is correct and the Message Center is lower because they had reprogrammed the computer which apparently resets the Message Center hour meter. Really, except for those couple cosmetic rust spots, the engine looks shiny, black and new.

I have some evidence that the cushions may be getting a bit tired. The aft corners seem to take a beating and if you spread the seams you can see they're not too far from going sideways. However, they've been like that for many years, so we'll see.

The only other ugly is that I'm seeing discoloration in some of the gelcoat locally. Specifically, I see a yellowed patach around each of the lift loops on the transom, as well as some areas on the forward lower chines. You won't see it from a distance, but it's annoying because relatively new, clearly not something that I caused, and all things gelcoat are tough to fix.

Does it idle nice? Best way to check is to drop it in reverse - it's louder and makes it easier to hear any bounce.

Ask about maintenance, including what fluids, impeller, fuel/water separator at what frequency.

I love my ride, let me tell you. Its style is getting a bit dated compared to the big wakeboats nowadays, but the thing's still so clean and so classic that I never cease to get comments. The best one this year was "Dude, you have a very nice boat there" - and it wasn't like he was getting ready to boat-jack. Home Depot parking lot. Always lots of interest as to the TOYOTA.
Everybody comments on the comfort oand roominess of the boat (some of that is my giant "porch" bimini).

Derek Boyer
derek.boyer@att.net

2000 Epic S22
Powered by Lexus, Fueled by Chevron, Lubricated by Mobil 1 ... DNA by Toyota

swordfishman

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2010, 13:15:53 pm »
Thanks for all the feedback.  The two hours meters and idle/reverse info were exactly what I was after. 
I did find out he had to replace both the prop and the shaft last year when he hit a "stump".  Not uncommon in our lake when the water is low but how would the rudders be left unscathed?  Any comments on this are appreciated.

Thanks again.
Benjamin
01 SX

swordfishman

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2010, 23:39:08 pm »
Well, I checked out the boat today.  The engine sounded strong all fluids looked good.  The hull is showing a lot of sun damage as is the interior.  I presume the hull was white and green when new but now is yellowed to an eggshell.  The epic name is not very discernible.
The biggest concern I had was about 3 inches of water in the base of the hull when sitting level on the boat lift.  When the battery box was open I measured the depth.  Is this normal?
Cheers all and thanks again for all your input.
Benjamin
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ktdust

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2010, 12:28:45 pm »
The bottom of the hull or 'bilge' is used to collect water that enters the boat. The bilge pump (control on the dash) is used to empty it. Mine always has some water in it as it's hard to drain completely, but it isn't normal to have that much water in the bilge. Sounds like he didn't pull the garboard drain plug after using it (The plug is just ahead of the engine); the bilge isn't working; the bilge screen is clogged or they didn't use the bilge pump. Look through posts on the website and you'll find how to check all of the above.

swordfishman

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2010, 13:23:28 pm »
On my current boat the bilge will kick in when I run the engine (key in on position actually) but with this epic we had water on the lift, then went for a ride, came back to the slip and still had water.  Does the master switch on the dash for the bilge completely isolate it or will it still kick in automatically if the boat is running and the float switches indicate water?
I think this boat has some issues. 
Benjamin
01 SX

ktdust

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2010, 16:53:59 pm »
It depends on the type of bilge pump. Mine doesn't have a float to automatically pump. It's either on or off at the dash. Some Epic's do have the auto function and the console button will cycle through 'on', 'auto' and 'off' each time you depress it.
Depress the bilge button and see if it pumps. If not check the power and make sure the screen isn't clogged. The bilge on my boat is almost under the driver's seat. You can access it by removing the panel ahead of the engine.

swordfishman

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2010, 17:09:49 pm »
Good to know.  if I pursue the boat I will look into that.  The other oddity i saw was the idler pulley had an odd twitch in it.  I can't imagine the toyota engineers designed that in but it did not seem to directly correlate to the engine RPM.
Has anyone put an entirely new interior in a 22?  What kind of cost is that?  It would have to include the carpet as well as seat covers.
Benjamin
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breakawaydaze

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Re: looking at my first epic
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2010, 19:53:07 pm »
Well, here is my opinion.....Things don't look too good on this boat so far...Sounds like neglect is a big factor.  14K for a neglected 11 year old boat seems a little steep.  I am not even sure they made a S22 in 1999.  I think they only made a E21 and a E22 the first year.  I dont think the vdrives came until 2000.  But at this point, the gelcoat is fried, the interior is fried, there is 3" of water in the hull, there are obviously some electrical issues, not to mention the stump impact and repairs.  You could easily end up spending 5K on this boat chasing electrical, redoing the entire interior and attempting to rejuvinate the exterior.  Not to say it can't be done, but tenn162 bought a neglected repo boat and at last report had 19K in it and loves it!  I guess I would advise you to decide what condition you want to end up with, and how much you are willing to spend once you get there.  I also think there are more 99s out there in better condition for less money to start with.  Or, you could easily find a perfect one for 19k.  Tenn162 would probably be your best source for reconditioning experience.  If you want to spend more to do less, throw a # out there, I bet there would be some takers on 19K for a really good condition 99 epic!