I soliciting feedback on building a 19' 3" Boat.

[Capt Rick]

Here is a chance to give your input in designing a boat. Just like American Idol!
Please copy this excel file and save on your computer with you name.xls, then send to Toyotav8bt@aol.com or attach as reply post.
Capt Rick


http://www.epicmarine.com/Boat1.xls

[toyotafreak]

Most would say I'm a man of too many words, but in this case, Rick's not told us enough. To give thoughtful answers, I need to know which of the following applies:

1) Rick's looking at going into the boat business on his own. Somehow he's planning on getting access to the latest TOYOTA engines. Not sure what market he intends to serve. If it's the wakeboarding market, going small is a very interesting idea considering all the momentum in the industry is in the bigger boats. Not to say that a smart team couldn't build a smaller SAN with a great V-6 and get both a great wake, a value price and crazy economics, but smaller is definitely against the grain. Very interesting idea if you get it right the first time. Also, even if it seems lame, you'll want to have the 5.7L available too. Anything TOYOTA related will have to fight the perception of not enough power, and having that engine in the lineup would squelch a lot of naysayers. Plus, there are people out there (ehem. Fest) that opt for monsters like the 8.1L in the larger boats when most say the engine's overkill.

2) TOYOTA's looking at getting back into the boat business. Let me be the first to say I'll support that in every way so long as it strengthens our ties to TOYOTA. Such a move could only help the Epic community. Not sure I'd recommend repackaging the original hulls, but if you were to, see note about 5.7L above.

3) Rick's just leaked us some clues about the original Epic design process. The boat names are interesting in that I've never heard of any of them, as if these were the options they were choosing between originally? I don't understand the spreadhseet (Rick, I'd love to find time to help dress this up a little assuming you'll let me in on what's up) and why the Epic models are listed as columns on the top part of the sheet.


An interesting easter egg for our Wednesday morning.

[Bitzco]

Personally, I think the smaller boat is a good idea for people with less cash to throw down. Cheaper, more fuel efficient and gets the job done for boarding and/or skiiing. That said, I could never buy one cuz of my 8 kids, four hound dogs, and the piggy we stole from the shed. I bet a lot of early twentyish guys would want them, but we family men couldn't buy em. I looked at the spreadsheet Cap'n but the questions didn't seem to fit. I don't know how to answer yes/no to the question "propulsion" etc. I'd like to respond, but need a better spreadsheet or more info. Good luck with whatever you are doin'

[toyotafreak]

Prop protection, steering in reverse, lower HP requirements. Trim.

Sounds like an IO or that new Volvo drive system.


NOW you're on to something. I've seen pics of the M1UZ with an outdrive shown at Japanese trade shows. Forget about boats, if you guys would invest another friggin thousand million dollars in marinizing engines, I'd say the market for supplying IO or Z-drive packages would be much more lucrative than trying to compete (again) in the hull business.

They sell a lot of Sea Rays and Rinkers and Cobalts with big ugly V-6's and underperforming V-8s. Mercruiser would be a tough nut to crack, but there's no technical roadblock.



Your best asset is the brand name and all the positive things that usually brings, but one problem will be trying to rebuild the trust of the marine industry. What's different this time around?


Lord knows Honda would have a much better shot at this than Toyota because they've already established themselves in the marine segment with good results and carry none of the Epic baggage that Toyota does. Now if Toyota were to come back all-in with new products and full support for the old ones, there's probably be many players willing to offer a second chance. No doubt you guys can put out great products.

[lesman01]

It's definately not Number 2. That's where my head first went but Rick squashed that dream like a bug.

[Capt Rick]

Please help with the spreedsheet. If you email Toyotav8bt@aol.com a revised sheet we can re-post it. Also lets be clear, Toyota Motor Sales at this time has no interest in going back into the Boat business. This is a business venture to tmkemoney.  I have a hull design and would like to build it. The design criteria is to fit in a garage. Any and all your feedback is welcome.

[blindside]

Could you please explain what your looking for on the spreadsheet.  I get the yes/no but what's the deal with the epic model columns?

[Capt Rick]

If you like a feature that is the same as Epic 21 etc then X that line.

[Rambling Wreck]

I love the depth finder on my Epic21. It provides a sense of security when it comes to protecting the expensive prop and shaft. Oh, I forgot, TMS forgot to install it before shipping the boat. I guess I cannot put an X there.

[breakawaydaze]

Wreck,

You really need to get over that!  I will help you install one this summer!  Really I promise!  Please be free of it!

[Rambling Wreck]

Breakaway, it's not the part - it was the attitude. I am way over the part - as you said a long time ago - $100, we install and ski - no biggie. It is the  F--- Y--- response I got when I inquired about it and now asking for assistance- geez. However, you are right - again. I will move on.

[Capt Rick]

Here is a chance to give your input in designing a boat.
Please save a copy
http://www.epicmarine.com/Boat1.xls
   of this excel file on your computer with youre name.xls, then send to Toyotav8bt@aol.com.

 I st question is will a boat on a trailer that is 19" 3" fit in your garage. Yes ____ No ___

Capt Rick