More on eBay - the NC "repo" X22 and an E22 from Orlando.

[Rambling Wreck]

I am getting a late start on everything this year. This year is flying by so fast I feel like it will be Thanksgiving before I finish getting the lake place ready for the summer. However, I did get there a few weeks ago and, of course, the first thing I had to do was see if my first boat winterization was successful. The old jalopy fired right up and ran as smooth as can be. I am amazed at how easy it was to winterize the boat-just follow the simple instructions given here on the site. The most challenging thing was replacing the large (2 in.) cap after cleaning the transmission filter and replacing the fluid. Getting that O ring to seat correctly was like putting 5 lbs of crap in a 3 lb sack. I am obviously missing something on that one. Also, my initial plan was to change the plugs after running it for an hour or so but it ran so well that I hesitate to fix something that ain't broken. Capt Rick suggests they be changed annually but Cyclone goes 4.2 million hours before changing! The Autolites are still in place for now. I just knew I would need a Blue Top Optima battery after reading that thread a few weeks ago. I have what appears to be the original Interstate battery. If original, it was installed 8 years ago!! It didn't hesitate, even after listening to the stereo for an hour or so getting other things done before starting the boat. I got it washed and waxed and treated the vinyl. The one thing that didn't come through the winter so well was the swim platform. I somehow walked off without using the cover Cyclone gave me and by the time I checked things in the spring, it looked pretty bad.However, I pressure washed it, sanded it to smooth down the raised grain, used Teak Oil several times (until it stopped absorbing it) and rubbed the final residue off. It looks great again.

Even though the Epic fared well on the lift, my pontoon didn't do as well sitting in the water all winter. In addition to having 75 ft of aluminum that requires a MAJOR cleaning (3 logs x 24.5 ft each), I think there are some other mechanical issues I need to address. I need to pick your brain on tow vehicles, either via PM or when we all get together for the Round Up.

I am now waiting on my bimini top to arrive - due in early May. I am nervous on this one. I hate to mess up the lines of the boat with a top but I am also tired of being told how good my skin looks for a 90 yr old. I hope this one looks good. I saw one like it at the Atlanta Boat Show. At a glance it is more like a tramp top but it does fold like a bimini. Almost all black, including the frame. Only the tower clamps are polished aluminum like the speaker mounts.

[eagle1wi]

Hey Wreck,

That transmission cap is a pain in the arse.  The thing is supposed to sandwich the rubber gasket with the allen bolt on the top that should squish it until it is sealed tight.  The problem is that it is usually painted shut so the allen bolt wont turn without turning the whole cover.  Make that thing turn and you will be home free.  I wasted at least an hour before I figured that one out. 

By the way, original plugs on my 99, I don't have as many hours as Pete, but if it ain't broke...

[breakawaydaze]

Hey Wreck,

That is the battery that was in there when I got it, so maybe she is the original!  There is nothing like hearing an Epic fire up after a long winters nap!  Your right about this year though, I am usually out on the water by mid-Feb, and I have not even gotten the S22 out of storage yet.  I will probably win the "Least Used Epic" award the way this summer's schedule is panning out!  I will, I will, I will be at this years roundup though, no matter what!  Glad to hear the Autolites are still holding strong and since you have not mentioned it, I am glad you have gotten over your lack of a factory depth finder!  We will install one this year for you, really!  And after we screw it all up, we will have Cyclone fix it at the round up!

Can't wait to see the re-furbished repo from Ebay.  I struggled with that one a little bit, alot of boat for the $$, but I did not have time to go look at it.  (Wife not excited about two Epics again either!)

What did you decide with the oil?  Leave the storage oil in for awhile or right over to synthetic?

[tenn162000]

Alright Guys-
I registered the famous "repo" on the boat Registry.  Not quite sure if by the "epic roundup" it will be refurbished, yet! But thanks for Positive thinking...  As far as getting her back into shape - THE oil cap and dip stick have already been replaced by the seller.  One task down- a million more to go.  If anybody is wanting some jetskis or a motorcycle I got them both listed on ebay to pay for the epic x22 aka the "repo."  I struggled with the thought of buying it too, but in the end I couldn't let someone else have all the fun in fixing her up for such a great price.  If she runs smooth and doesn't sink and I can learn a thing or two I think she will be worth the money.  I know all my fraternity brothers are sure glad I bought it and have already offered to pay for gas.   So, if some of you guys need an extra soul on board your epics at the round up - I am sure they will pay top dollar- LOL... Heck- I will still be learning how to wakeboard - I have always been more a water skier (slalom) then an wakeboarder.  TIME TO LEARN!!!

[Rambling Wreck]

Eagle1wi - I had exactly the problem you described with the Allen bolt. Now that I know it is designed to turn independently, I will somehow get it to break free. My fingers ached for 2 days!

Breakaway - since the oil was so dark, I decided to stay with the natural oil I intended to have in it only for the winter. I will run it, and watch it, until I get to 200 hours. Although I have now stolen Pete's expression "beat it like a mule" (excellent visual for a southern boy!), I can't quite go that route for the Epic but I do hope the rings might seat a little better with this oil before going to Mobil 1. Another thought that crossed my mind was that the plugs might might be allowing the engine to load up (as mentioned by a member) but none of the plugs were wet when I fogged the engine and I don't smell gas in the oil. The boat is running so strong and smooth it would really amaze me if that was the case. However, didn't someone find a burned out plug when they changed them even though their boat ran strong as ever? Anyway, if the oil darkens too quickly using the natural oil, I may change the plugs  as a way of finding out if they are contributing. I view it as educational at this point, not crisis management! As you pushed me off the trailer and I fired the Epic up, I still recall you commenting on how good it sounds. That stuck with me all summer - I loved it every time. Right after the holidays, I began to dwell on that sound until the day I dropped it in again and yep, it was sweet-

For those that don't know, not only did Breakaway sell me boat, he then trailered it over to my lake, walked my wife and I through the entire set up, launched me, drove the trailer to my place and parked it  and then walked down to my dock to see I needed help tieing it off. Well, I made up that last part - he did walk down to the dock but it was to make sure I wasn't screwing up his boat! How neat is that!

I went synthetic with the transmission fluid (Mobil 1 out of respect for TF) and then read that this might not be a good idea. Should I go back to the regular cheap stuff? After all, I cherish the idea of fighting again with that O ring!!!

Tenn - Bring the repo down to the Round Up regardless of where you are in the restoration. You may get a lot of ideas as well as free elbow grease while we pour over it!! Earlier you mentioned changing out all of the fluids before firing it up. I assume you also mean the gas. No telling how long it sat and you can bet it wasn't stabilized.

[eagle1wi]

Hey Wreck,

Put that sucker in a vise with brass inserts if you got em (or a cloth - to keep from scratching it up), keep the cap from spinning, and you will be able to break the allen bolt thingy free.  Much easier to get on when it is creating a rubber sandwhich.  I don't know how I got it in there last time without it moving properly, it was probably October, and in Wisconsin there was probably some shrinkage.  It works how it should now that I introduced it to Mr. Vise.

My fingers hurt some but my ego was bruised as well because it took me so long to figure it out.  I kept looking at the thing thinking to myself "What does it matter that one way is loosen and one is tighten, the thing isn't threaded or tapered?"  45 minuted later, OOOOOOOOOOOH, that little thing-a-ma-job should be moving. Idiot, any hack should be able to see that.

[tenn162000]

Well as it turns out I might not be buying the "repo" after all so it might be back on ebay.  My grandfather has fallen ill and I have made arrangments to go back home before picking up the boat in NC.  I offered to send the seller a depoist to show how much I really want the boat and he says he requires payment in full within 10days of end of auction.  I just don't feel comfortable sending a check for over 15k for a Repo boat that could be in horrible (Still, I am hoping good) Condition...  I really hope we can work something out but IF anyone you are interested in the boat It might be back on ebay before to long.... I'll try and keep you all posted.     

[toyotafreak]

Man, a weekend in GA bouncing between seven Epics!!! Sounds like Hedonism II. Or 'Big Love' on HBO 'cept with more action.

Did anyone notice that Breakawaydaze's initials are 'BAD'?

I'd like to apply for 'official photographer' of the 2nd Annual Epic SE Roundup. With any luck, I'll trip, slip and drop the Kodak P850 in the drink so we can go buy a REAL camera with something better than 1/2 second lag and 0.2 frames per second.

Ps. If anyone is interested in digital photography, there's an OUTSTANDING National Geographic out right now (sorry, sans-saggy boobs, Bitzy). It's a special edition all about the subject and even delves into Photoshop. Muy bien. When you see how many rolls of film (at $3/roll film and $5/roll development) are stuffed into a 512MB SD card, you'll be amazed. Also, explains the purpose of many of the features new to digital cameras.

I heard that loose change orbits Pete's noggin. Also, that there may be a honey there wearing a Sunbrella bikini.

Hopefully somebody has a six-year-old POS wakeboard with $39 bindings for me to ride. Either that or I'll suck so bad you'll make me buy beer and wash dishes.

This week I was in New Mexico. I walked over the ground where the first nuke was pickled - the Trinity site. Touched the wires that carried the "oh shit, here we go" pulse. My pee glows now, which is helpful this time of night. What a trip that it's a national monument but the public can only get to it in limited numbers for one day every year or two. I walked around the ranch house they turned into a clean room to assemble the 10 kiloton sucker. BTW, 10 kilotons is big enough to keep larger bushes from growing for over sixty years. BWT number 2, the Soviets pickled a 50 megaton device. If my calculations are correct, that red beast was 5,000 times more powerful than the Trinity bomb. Did you know that the US blew over 300 in our atmosphere? Now THAT's what I call environmental responsibility! NM and AZ are two amazing states - lots of history and a buttload of beautiful, varied terrain. Not too much wakeboaring, though.

Hey, I shot just under 80 on Truth or Consequence, NM's par-three, nine-hole course. Pretty happy with that. Even made the fairway a couple times (the adjacent fairway, but still...). Anybody know what an Oryx is? In short, it's $1,600 for a non-resident license, and it's a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. 10,000's of applicants and like 400 draws per season.

Bored yet, or should I keep blabbing?

Peace. And where the f-bomb is Cal, our VillageIdiot? Hopefully he's off getting rich and famous and isn't just out working on his handicap. Would hate to have to break out some kilotons.

Round up!

[tenn162000]

Well- thought I would update everyone on the famous "repo".  I am currently in Europe on vaction so as much as I don't want my parents to take care of my business it seems I have no other way- haha.  So,  Come Monday my parents are driving to NC to pick up the boat and take her back to Tennessee (Memphis) till I get home.  Wish them luck-  I can't wait!!! 

Anyone have a for sure date on the Round-Up?