PDA

View Full Version : moomba/ski boat newb here, a few ??? about a boat I'm about to look at.....



agonzales1981
06-11-2012, 07:20 PM
This will be my first ski boat. Mainly going to use it to cruise, pull the kids on a tube, anchor down and let the kids swim. I have never wakeboarded though and I absolutely want to try, so obviously I don't need a monster wake. How does this boat sound and what should I look for? What would you guys pay for this boat?

Very Nice 1999 Moomba Outback , 330 HP Indmar, 443 Hours, Tower, Racks, Dual Batteries, Tower Speakers, Never Been In Salt Water (Lake Austin, Lake Travis, and Lake Georgetown only) and Single Axle Trailer. Excellent Condition, Garage Kept and Looks Brand New. Please email me for any questions or additional pictures.

http://i50.tinypic.com/30bn19k.jpg
http://i45.tinypic.com/ipwhvp.jpg

bdwelle
06-11-2012, 07:33 PM
14858We just bought a 2002 Outback LS in March with similar stuff but no tower speakers, 255 hrs., very clean for $17k. That looks pretty clean too. Our market is central California and we had a few other brands to choose from. I am very happy with the Moomba brand.

PatL
06-11-2012, 09:45 PM
I've been very happy with my Outback. Great wake for skiing...most storage of any tournament boat I've ever been on. If wakeboarding is more your thing I would look at a V Drive. One thing I did notice in the picture is it looks like the boat is missing the ski pylon in front of the engine box (maybe its just the pic but cant see it). That would suck if your in to slalom skiing. If just recreational skiing no big deal...ski from the tower or the rear tow eye.

agonzales1981
06-11-2012, 09:57 PM
He removed it, I'm not interested in slalom so no big deal. Just saw it and it's very clean, hull shines like new. Couple small tears in back seat otherwise it's clean. Boat sounded good. He wants 15k, is this price out of line?

jmvotto
06-11-2012, 10:47 PM
Seems a little high, but check the nada or Kelly blue book.

http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1999/Moomba/OUTBACK-SK/10123627

jpetty3023
06-11-2012, 10:58 PM
Where are you located? Definitely take a lake test with the owner and I'd be happy to check it out with ya if you'd like and we are close.


Sent from my home phone..

KSmith
06-12-2012, 06:56 AM
Get a V Drive

PatL
06-12-2012, 07:07 AM
Agree with Kraig...if slalom not really your thing then V-Drive is much better choice. Concur with Joe price seems a little on the high side but it is a very clean looking boat.

agonzales1981
06-12-2012, 08:58 AM
V drive really isn't in the budget now. This is really just more of a pleasure boat. If I find that I really enjoy wake boarding we will upgrade in a few years. Thanks for all the replies. The boat is really super clean, the negatives are a few rips in the seats and the rpm gauge didn't work while it was on the hose. The hull looked better than some 5 year old boats and engine was very clean. All he's ever done is change oil so I plan a major tune up which I'll do. Plugs, wires, cap/rotor, impeller, fuel filter, oil/tranny fluid change. Anything else I should do?

cab13367
06-12-2012, 09:19 AM
Honestly, for your intended use, and a v drive is not in the budget, you would be happier with an I/O, a runabout. Then upgrade to a V drive in the future. In my book, the ONLY reason to get a direct drive is if you are a die hard slalom skier and you must have the flattest wake at the expense of everything else.

moombadaze
06-12-2012, 10:01 AM
Agree with Al, a direct drive is not the best pleasure boat to ride around in unless your in very protected waters. I remember a couple years ago at Lake Lanier we stopped to swim in the middle of the lake, Kaneboats was in his outback at the time and he could not stop cause the waves were just a little to big and he would take some over the bow. That being said the direct drive does give some advantages with the prop being tucked up under the boat so kids swimming will not have to worry about it and neither will you, also you will have that swim platform which makes reboarding easier. And that boat will handle like its on a rail and that is a thrill to be experianced.

Go for a ride (demo) with your normal crew and see how it feels.

That boat looks super nice and clean tho.

KSmith
06-12-2012, 10:03 AM
Honestly, for your intended use, and a v drive is not in the budget, you would be happier with an I/O, a runabout. Then upgrade to a V drive in the future. In my book, the ONLY reason to get a direct drive is if you are a die hard slalom skier and you must have the flattest wake at the expense of everything else.

Agreed. If you can't snag a V drive now get an I/O for the time being. That is a die hard slalom boat, you won't know if you like wakeboarding behind it as it has no wake to speak of. Get an I/O and some LaunchPad ballast bags & a pump, that'll give you a better wakeboard wake and the interior will be much more usable & open. I have a High Five Stainless five blade 19 pitch prop that'll fit an Alpha drive you can buy to get better hole shot.

PatL
06-12-2012, 10:18 AM
Didnt even think about it but Moombadaze is right on about the ride. I've owned an I/O and now my Outback and the Outback does have a very rough ride in chop compared to an I/O or V-Drive with the engine in the rear of the boat. If there is one thing I miss about my I/O it was being able to trim the outdrive and go reasonably fast in moderate chop. Also much easier to take waves over the bow in the Outback. Dont get me wrong still love my boat but these are good considerations depending on what you are looking for.

kaneboats
06-12-2012, 10:18 AM
The Outback is a great boat. Don't buy one without the ski pylon though because in 2-3 years you will be trading up for a V-drive. The buyer for your Outback at that time will be a slalom skier who won't touch one without the pylon. It's like taking the wings off an airplane-- nobody is going to want it.

agonzales1981
06-12-2012, 11:53 AM
I appreciate all the replies/advice guys. The guy told me it would take a wave over the bow in chop. We will mainly be anchored in coves and creeks. No wake zones.

iwaterskihard
06-12-2012, 12:42 PM
I certainly don't want to rain on your parade or excitement but feel I should chime in here just a wee bit.

As stated earlier this is a slalom boat. If you're NOT a skier investing in this type of boat will be a waste of money for you! TRUST ME - my family are skiers and we own an Outback DD. It's exactly why we own it! It sounds like you have a family and you will regret this purchase for many reasons: mid engine, no open bow, storage space, lack of boat space to name a few. You mention wanting to tube and wakeboard. I don't believe this year of boat had the built in small bag? Mine did and as soon as it came home the first modification was to remove it and put it up in the rafters of the garage.

If you can't afford the V-Drive please listen to the folks with experience on here and start yyour family off with an I/O boat. You will be way happier in the long run. As well it will give you and your family time to experience the boating life and look forward and decide what it is you need in a boat to meet your families needs?

This boat does look nice and appears to be in good shape. Just doesn't sound like it's the RIGHT boat for you? And after your family has realized what it is you want in an boat remember - you're going to have to try and sell this one! Slalom boats have a much smaller market than all other boats!!!!!

Just trying to help you out dude!

maxpower220
06-12-2012, 01:19 PM
I have a slightly different opinion. You should try to find a V-drive, because it will fit your needs better. However, unless you are going in open water routinely, the inboard is a great boat. For skiing, boarding, etc, the DD boat will hold and maintain speed much better. It will be easier to have others drive (your wife or friends). It will retain value much better than an I/O (but if you buy used the "value" has already dropped). The DD is safer for your kids and you will actually be able to "get creative" when tubing. Just about every wakeboarder buys a DD as a "first" boat when they can, mostly because they couldn't afford a V-drive.

While you may or may not buy that boat, a DD boat is a great boat, a V-drive would be better for you and your situation.

viking
06-12-2012, 01:32 PM
I'm gonna disagree with most of you except for the ski pylon issue. YES - get it back on!

As far as the DD goes for everything else imo............
1.) excellent at skiing
2.) fair at wake for wakeboarding
3.) can make a surf wake
4.) room - "so so". open bow is nice but doghouse takes up room
5.) floating - safer for kiddos with prop tucked up underneath
6.) handling - like a race car but not good in rough water. Sits low and easy to take on water.

As far as the V-Drive goes............
1.) Fair at skiing
2.) Great to Excellent at wake for wakeboarding
3.) Great to Excellent at surf
4.) room - Alot
5.) floating - safer for kiddos with prop tucked up underneath
6.) handling - better than an IO and Better in chop than DD

As far as the IO goes............
1.) Fair at skiing
2.) Fair at wake for wakeboarding
3.) NOT a chance at surf (it's illegal in alot of states)
4.) room - good
5.) floating - if you don't mind a prop and lower unit in your face
6.) handling - good in chop

You are going to pay a premium for DD or V-drive yes but resale is going to be better. If you want a boat that does a little bit of everything then the IO is "OUT". I will be a V-drive owner soon as well since I recreational ski, room is more a priority these days, and I'm getting older and want to Surf more. But I do not regret my purchase of the DD nor would I have been happy with an IO especially after owning my Moomba.

kvand3471
06-12-2012, 02:11 PM
My thoughts are with Viking on this one. I have a DD (Supra Sunsport) and have a family of 4. We don't mind the doghouse at all. I do have a lot more freeboard compared to the outback, but I think the boat would suit him just fine. Remember, he is a beginning wakeboarder. Having the rope up high and small wake is not a bad thing! I learned off of a '96 Ski Nautique and a fly high pole. Resale value is not even comparable to an I/O!

agonzales1981
06-12-2012, 02:29 PM
Once again thank you for all the responses. I'm taking all the advice into consideration.

Ian Brantford
06-12-2012, 02:46 PM
This is the wrong boat for the intended use. It's a specialised ski boat, yet skiing is not a priority, while the things that it doesn't do well are a priority.

I know that it can seem very tempting to find an apparent bargain and jump on it before someone else does. In this case, it's mid-June and no one else has done so. This should be a clue as to whether this boat really is a bargain.

My recommend is that, if you are going to spend money on the wrong thing, spend less. You can probably find an I/O in decent shape for under $10K to hold you over for a couple of seasons. It will do the job that you need at least as well, and will hold you over until a suitable V-drive can be found for the right price.

kaneboats
06-12-2012, 02:48 PM
I'd have to say that other than a couple days on Lake Lanier in heavy seas I had no real problems with my Outback. The biggest problem was that with 6 kids there were 8 of us and we couldn't ever bring friends with us. Loved the boat and love the V-drive more.

agonzales1981
06-12-2012, 03:34 PM
This is the wrong boat for the intended use. It's a specialised ski boat, yet skiing is not a priority, while the things that it doesn't do well are a priority.

I know that it can seem very tempting to find an apparent bargain and jump on it before someone else does. In this case, it's mid-June and no one else has done so. This should be a clue as to whether this boat really is a bargain.

My recommend is that, if you are going to spend money on the wrong thing, spend less. You can probably find an I/O in decent shape for under $10K to hold you over for a couple of seasons. It will do the job that you need at least as well, and will hold you over until a suitable V-drive can be found for the right price.
Yesterday was the first day it was listed. I won't be in open water maybe like some of the lakes you guys are on. I'll be in creeks and coves, if I anchor it will be in no wake zones. Will this boat not pull a tube? I appreciate all the passionate responses though.

Ironcross25
06-12-2012, 03:56 PM
I would have to disagree with the dd being a bad fit if your not a die hard slalom skier. I bought an 05 a few months back and was worried about the wake after reading. You will be fine with the wake for wake boarding. I run a 850 pound fat seat under my rear seat and never fill it full. I fill it so it can stay under the seat and I can clear the wake at 70 ft no problem. I'm no pro but I find It to be just fine. i also like to slalom form time to time so the flat wake is a plus. I always like direct drives and have driven this boat in rough waters and Im not gonna lie its not fun but Its also not a big deal if you can drive a boat and navigate the chop effectively. I don't drive much in chop because I'm usually done boarding and hanging out in the swim cove. I would love a v drive but budget was in mind and lets face it I'm 32 and not breaking records wakeboarding. hope this helps

viking
06-12-2012, 04:13 PM
Will this boat not pull a tube? I appreciate all the passionate responses though.

Ha! It will yank the arms off a 200lb slalom skier in open water. It'll tow a tube no problemo :)

zabooda
06-12-2012, 04:14 PM
I would recommend inspecting the ski pylon mount as it is unusual to have one missing. The DD will do you just fine wakeboarding. No need to spend another five grand for a v drive that you may never utilize the wake for some time. I can tell you the DD is better at pulling wakeboarders than the v drive (aka cabin cruiser) is pulling skiiers. It is good to know that the price of the boat is only a few grand less than what I paid for my boat in 2002. Wish you the best and be sure to check why the pylon has been removed.

skiyaker
06-12-2012, 06:39 PM
lots of good points here and I can see both sides. In terms of that outback vs I/O no way I'd ever go back to an I/O after owning an inboard. Don't overlook the performance factor or the sexiness of an inboard- if you're a guy who likes things that go fast and turn on a dime then go run around on that outback like it's a sports car- compare it to a bayliner and make your own decision. Absolutely agree with zabooda on the ski pylon.

TRLMoomba
06-12-2012, 06:50 PM
One thing I do not believe anyone touched on is for your first inboard I think it really makes some things easier. I got mine last summer and it was having some fuel and carb issues(purchased it knowing that). I do not think there is an easier engine to work on or around and learn with. I got all of that fixed by late summer last year and redid everyhting else(interior and sound) this winter and my family and I have really enjoyed the heck out of it this early summer. I got this boat being my first direct drive and plan to upgrade over the years, I think NADA on the boat you are looking at is around $13,000. You might work on the price some. But if everything mechanical is there you should have a solid boat to start on. I vote go for it as long as you are comfortable with spending the money, or at least wheeling and dealing until you are not comfortable. By the way these guys on the forums will always stand behind you and help out where ever they can and they have a wealth of knowledge and a little BS but what a great support network to help you in the future, Moomba is definately the way to go even if you decide this is not the boat to go with. My $0.02. Good Luck.

Mikey
06-12-2012, 11:14 PM
You have lots of opinions and valid points to look at and consider. I thought someone mentioned in here to pull skiers from the tower as you are missing the ski pilon. Unless you are pulling absolute light weights,Pulling skiers and tubes from the tower is NOT recommended,as these put a lot more strain on the tower. Use the rear tow hooks if necessary.
As an Outback DD owner ,i agree and dissagree on a few points, These boats do OK in Rough water just be careful,as for room we had a 16 I/O and now we have way more room,these handle like a dream and skiing is second to none in the Vdrives in the SC lineup.
As for the missing pilon you really may want it or one and if not for future resale. Once you get the skiing bug you will really want one.

FamilyMatters
06-13-2012, 12:35 AM
I have an 09 Outback, and we ski wake board, Kneeboard, (tube with some shame). and Surf, I carry up to 10 people and the difference in pulling kids and Newbies with an inboard over an I/O is monumental. This boat is the best for teaching newbies to ski and wakeboard. If I don't have 10 people I put 600 #s of Tube sac in the back and 400#'s Bow sack in the front and it gives wake you enough to get wake to Wake. Plus if you ever drive an inboard I can't imagine going back. This boat does everything but swells well.