First boat! Took a chance...

[CookieMonster]

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/nrla07si/IMG_20150417_173658.jpg.png (http://s872.photobucket.com/user/nrla07si/media/IMG_20150417_173658.jpg.png.html)

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/nrla07si/edd280b2-a682-4549-81ad-59f592ea42dd.png (http://s872.photobucket.com/user/nrla07si/media/edd280b2-a682-4549-81ad-59f592ea42dd.png.html)

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/nrla07si/1429464419732.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/user/nrla07si/media/1429464419732.jpg.html)

Excuse the pics, they were taken on the ride back from purchasing and it was filthy. So, I took a chance on buying a boat that I couldn't get a mechanic to inspect before buying. Drove 8 hours to get it, test drove like a champ. It has trouble from 35mph up where it struggles to get enough fuel, probably because it wasn't winterized. I'm going to change the fuel filter, clean the carb and get the injectors checked out. Ran it with the front ballast full and 7 people yesterday. It comes out the whole like a champ and puts out a great wake.

Speakers: all new WetSounds, 6 cabin speakers, 2 tower 10s, 2 1500 watt amps, and a JL 12 sub. I'd give the sound system 10/10, appearance 8/10, and 9/10 on performance. Let me know what you guys think!

[kaneboats]

She looks pretty dang good. Welcome to the family.

[sivs1]

Looks good, am sure she's fine and you'll love every minute of it. Learn to do your own maintenance, can be a life saver...

[CookieMonster]

Thanks guys! I have a couple questions (I'm sure I'll have many more in the coming months). 1) what would be a good trailer lock? Should I lock the hitch or the wheel? Also, where is the best place online to get a good quality cover that's custom fit to the mobius? And I how do I tell if my tower can fold? I unscrewed 2 black pins in it but it would only fold forward and that's not going to work..

[sivs1]

Thanks guys! I have a couple questions (I'm sure I'll have many more in the coming months). 1) what would be a good trailer lock? Should I lock the hitch or the wheel? Also, where is the best place online to get a good quality cover that's custom fit to the mobius? And I how do I tell if my tower can fold? I unscrewed 2 black pins in it but it would only fold forward and that's not going to work..

I use this lock while trailed is hitched to the truck http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000W0MOLQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also remove and take the folder away tongue pin with me when stored, it's garage kept, so doesn't matter much.

Take a look at Evolution Covers. I do not have one, but when the time comes to replace mine, that's where I will be going.

[CookieMonster]

Ok, thanks. That cover looks great. Any idea what they charge? Didn't see it on the website. Also, my boat will be in my driveway for the summer so I need a lock while it's parked. I guess I could just take the folder pin off like you mentioned.

[gregski]

Thanks guys! I have a couple questions (I'm sure I'll have many more in the coming months). 1) what would be a good trailer lock? Should I lock the hitch or the wheel? Also, where is the best place online to get a good quality cover that's custom fit to the mobius? And I how do I tell if my tower can fold? I unscrewed 2 black pins in it but it would only fold forward and that's not going to work..
1)This really depends on your situation. No lock is 100% secure, they just deter theft by requiring time and tools to defeat. How secure do you need? How many inconveniences are you willing to accept for security? I use a coupler lock like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SCVYKU/. It is pretty easy and it always stays on the trailer (used instead of the little latch pin). It's actually a pretty good lock despite the use of a fairly thin metal rod. The rod is hidden above the guts of the hitch and brake mechanism so it would take some doing to get at it. But that wouldn't stop a wrecker from just winching the thing onto a trailer, you would need wheel locks for that. You can also open the tongue foldaway and put a stout lock through there. If you need high security, you need to use all of them (and probably not leave your boat outside)

2)Search the forums a bit. The general consensus is that the Evolution covers are the best but the most expensive. I use a Westland (ordered from Overtons or any of the typical boat supply websites). I like it, it's a good cover and I paid half of what the Evolution covers cost.

3)Your tower will fold back. When you remove the black knobs, fold the short legs back. (Have two people, that little leg tends to just fall down on it's own and will damage the gunwale - lots of people add a little pad where this legs hits). Then just lower the tower down.

[patrick232]

Congrats,
1) black boats like the 3m three step process to make them shine like from the factory.
2) your tower might fold forward into the bow

[mnpracing]

tower folds forward on this boat.

[Gabbyg88]

Nice boat! Your tower will fold forward. I am not sure if your tower hits the gunwale not allowing the tower to rest on the bow. My tower hit the gunwale and I didn't feel comfortable with the tower hitting or sitting on the gunwale. I built a wooden tower support that supports the tower from the tongue of the trailer just behind the swing away tongue. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/9c8b8294e89a16b819844be31763b59f.jpg

[CookieMonster]

Yea It folds forward like that. I didn't let it go all the way down because it looked like it was pulling on the wires. I like that wooden tower you built. Do you have anymore pics of it? I'd like to get a better look to see if I could make one.

The boat doesn't need to all that secure. If I can get the tower to fold I'm going to leave it under my carport. I live in a small town so I'm not that worried about it, I'd sleep a little better having some type of lock on it though.

[CookieMonster]

Also, I had some major problems backing the trailer up. I know it's probably because my truck has a 4 flat and the boat has a 5 flat, but it worked sometimes and sometimes the brakes would lock up. Is there a way to disengage the trailer brakes without an adapter? I'm going to put an adapter when I have time, but the wife wants me to take her on the lake this evening and I don't have time. I read something about putting the 5th pin on the 1st pin on the truck and that would work? Any ideas?

[csm]

When the boat is unhooked from the truck, I fold the tongue and put a flexible cable lock through my spare tire, around the trailer, and through the little eyelet that is under the tongue.

When i had my '05, I built a box out of scrap plywood, and put some soft material on the outside (kid's playmat). I would just place that on my bow, and the tower would rest on it.

[viking]

I used floaties on my rad-a-cage tower when folding forward. Put one on the top where it met the very front of the bow and on the sides where it was close but the foam made it snug.

[Gabbyg88]

I will get more pictures, hopefully in the next day or two

[sivs1]

Also, I had some major problems backing the trailer up. I know it's probably because my truck has a 4 flat and the boat has a 5 flat, but it worked sometimes and sometimes the brakes would lock up. Is there a way to disengage the trailer brakes without an adapter? I'm going to put an adapter when I have time, but the wife wants me to take her on the lake this evening and I don't have time. I read something about putting the 5th pin on the 1st pin on the truck and that would work? Any ideas?

Brakes should lock when backing if you do not have the 5 pin. Do a quick search on here for Backing Up adapter, you'll find a few options for you to get by for now.

[viking]

Also, I had some major problems backing the trailer up. I know it's probably because my truck has a 4 flat and the boat has a 5 flat, but it worked sometimes and sometimes the brakes would lock up. Is there a way to disengage the trailer brakes without an adapter? I'm going to put an adapter when I have time, but the wife wants me to take her on the lake this evening and I don't have time. I read something about putting the 5th pin on the 1st pin on the truck and that would work? Any ideas?

Put a nickel (or if you can find the lockout key in the materials) in the recessed part of the tongue so the piston doesn't move back in the compressed position - surge braking.

[CookieMonster]

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab289/nrla07si/IMG_5558.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/user/nrla07si/media/IMG_5558.jpg.html)

Where should I put the nickel, in the red circle or the green?

[sivs1]

RED, it will prevent the hitch from sliding back.

[CookieMonster]

Awesome, thanks! So it'll be ok for the moment with the 4 pin with a nickel inserted?

[sivs1]

you'll want to remove the nickel while traveling, only insert the nickel when backing up.

[parrothd]

First mod...


http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/UFP-Brake-Lockout-Cap--Top-Lockout-Upgrade-34359_p_1096.html#.VTVP-9JVhHw

[kaneboats]

Be very careful backing up without disabling the trailer brakes. I believe that was identified as one of the causes of the axle failures sustained by so many with the Boatmate trailers.

[CookieMonster]

Does that replace the little black pin?

[CookieMonster]

Will do. Now that I know how to keep it from locking it shouldn't be a problem.

[uniwarking]

First mod...


http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/UFP-Brake-Lockout-Cap--Top-Lockout-Upgrade-34359_p_1096.html#.VTVP-9JVhHw

This is good advice, snaps back to normal braking once you pull forward. I have this in my trailer... The cheesy plastic ones are prone to coming off as well.

Besides that, I would work on getting the truck setup with a 5 or 7 pin trailer harness ASAP.

Nice boat!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CookieMonster]

Thanks! I ordered the lockout cap. The $6 shipping on a $10 part was a bit much. I'm going to order a 5 pin harness/ adapter today and hopefully install soon.

[CookieMonster]

Next question: the previous owner (who's knowledge of boats in general was nonexistent) said that the ballast bag would fill automatically without moving the switch to the fill position. So, I closed the valve under the back seat to keep it from doing so. When I want to fill it I just open the valve. It empties out fine. Any idea what the problem could be?

[kaneboats]

Do a search on "sprinkler valve" and you will find more information than you could ever dream of.

[mark540]

Check the sprinkler valve, there should be a manifold with 1, 2 , or 3 depending on many bags you have. There is a bypass on these valves, that may be open. You never know though if some one thought they were smarter than the factory, maybe there are no valves, or everything is hard wired hot. But i would start with the valves first.

[kaneboats]

They also get crap in them and need to be cleaned out or replaced.

[CookieMonster]

Check the sprinkler valve, there should be a manifold with 1, 2 , or 3 depending on many bags you have. There is a bypass on these valves, that may be open. You never know though if some one thought they were smarter than the factory, maybe there are no valves, or everything is hard wired hot. But i would start with the valves first.

I looked at the valve. I'll check it out again this evening and see if it really does fill on its own. On a related note, it doesn't have the optional rear bags, just the front. I'm a complete novice wakeboarder so I don't think I need the rear bags as of now; but does anyone know if they come plumbed for the rear bags and how much it would be to get them installed? I know I'd need new switches mounted for them. This will probably be something for me to tackle during winter.

[kaneboats]

Most likely not. That one was sold with Gravity I or Gravity III. If it was Gravity I, then it would only have been plumbed for one bag. If it was GIII, then it should have plumbing and you would just need bags. When you decide to upgrade be sure to talk to Wakemakers about the best way to expand your system.

[mark540]

I am getting a new Mondo tomorrow and have already picked up new rear bags so I will be off loading 2 new 650 lb bags. Ill put it up in the for sale section once I take ownership, if you have any interest.

[mark540]

I did a lot a research several years back and replaced my stock valves with high flow versions, they basically cut my fill times by about a third. The valve is the biggest restriction in the line. I see if they will let me take a look at the valves on my old Supra when I am at the dealer tomorrow. They are not a diaphragm style they are flapper full flow.

[Gabbyg88]

Yea It folds forward like that. I didn't let it go all the way down because it looked like it was pulling on the wires. I like that wooden tower you built. Do you have anymore pics of it? I'd like to get a better look to see if I could make one.

The boat doesn't need to all that secure. If I can get the tower to fold I'm going to leave it under my carport. I live in a small town so I'm not that worried about it, I'd sleep a little better having some type of lock on it though.
Here some pictures of my tower support I built when I bought my boat.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/0afe12c66803199f7a145c76693e6290.jpg
Cut out around swing away tongue and pin.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/b6ab6ce7f2b42abe93d67b92bcbd5c42.jpg
Cut out for tower.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/886b9c65292b1cfb951f111d21832256.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/586457a5af0d0236374628c245bb1a9c.jpg

[kaneboats]

I did a lot a research several years back and replaced my stock valves with high flow versions, they basically cut my fill times by about a third. The valve is the biggest restriction in the line. I see if they will let me take a look at the valves on my old Supra when I am at the dealer tomorrow. They are not a diaphragm style they are flapper full flow.

I eliminated a couple of mine but still use the one for the front bag as it's still a 400 and fills pretty quick with two pumps running.

I have a bunch of old ones in a box plus other parts if he needs them. Will end up throwing them out if not.

[Beejwest]

I don't ballast for wakeboarding, only surfing or empty for skiing. I've been thinking about taking out my valves all together. Kane, which ones did you pull out? How is yours set up now? I really just want to do the reversible upgrade from wakemakers, but I just signed papers on a new house so gotta pay for closing/moving/new furniture.

[mark540]

I may have my old sprinkler valves and he or anyone else that needs them is welcome to them.

If and when you uprade to a 3 bag system, if yours indeed is a gravity l, you can pick up some fittings from a sprinkler warehouse place on line and create a manifold for three valves. These systems use a single pump with sprinkler valves to fill the appropriate bag. . When anyone of the switches are thrown, it enegizes the pump and the appropriate valve filling that bag. You can fill one or all at the same time. My Supra had a Rule 2000 gph for the fill pump. Each bag has a dedicated drain that exits through a thru hull fitting higher than the bag.

You may want to look around for someone that ripped out their old system in favor of the new Jabsco style pumps, that would save work piece mailing it together. I know there are some that have done this on the forum, and with the new system.

At this point it may be easier, but slightly more expensive to get two Jabsco or Johnson reversible pumps, hose, clamps, intake through hull, vent through hull, , and switches. No extra pumps or manifold, they fill and drain with the same line. Cleaner and flow quit a bit faster.

[mark540]

I don't ballast for wakeboarding, only surfing or empty for skiing. I've been thinking about taking out my valves all together. Kane, which ones did you pull out? How is yours set up now? I really just want to do the reversible upgrade from wakemakers, but I just signed papers on a new house so gotta pay for closing/moving/new furniture.

If you take the valves out the bags where there are no valve will fill unless you close the main valve by the pump. The factory pump is centrifugal and will not stop flow going past it especially when moving. You can run a test, flip the bypass on the sprinkler valve and see if the bag fills. The Jabsco is a positive displacement pump and will act as a valve when not running.

[mnpracing]

First mod...


http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/UFP-Brake-Lockout-Cap--Top-Lockout-Upgrade-34359_p_1096.html#.VTVP-9JVhHw

never knew this was an option...slick

[CookieMonster]

Tried the nickel trick, no luck. It got wedged in between the coupling and tongue. Still wouldn't back up unless I was on flat ground. Hopefully the replacement pin comes in soon.

Thanks for all the advice with the ballast guys. I did a test yesterday and when I leave the valve open it will fill while in motion. I probably won't add rear bags until next winter, after I've had a full summer of wakeboarding to help decide what I want to go with. For now I'm going to focus on getting the boat cleaned up and fixing the small problems that the previous owner neglected.

[samvq1]

As far as backing up, my dealer told me that flipping the plug so that only the three small pins are connected will allow the trailer to back up. I don't know if it works or if he is crazy. I haven't tried it because my truck had the 7 way harness already installed. Can't hurt to try though.

[mikenehrkorn]

As far as backing up, my dealer told me that flipping the plug so that only the three small pins are connected will allow the trailer to back up. I don't know if it works or if he is crazy. I haven't tried it because my truck had the 7 way harness already installed. Can't hurt to try though.

When I first bought my Moomba I also did not have a 5-flat plug and this does work -- just flip the plug and then turn on your headlights which provides the backing up signal.

[CookieMonster]

When I first bought my Moomba I also did not have a 5-flat plug and this does work -- just flip the plug and then turn on your headlights which provides the backing up signal.

I'll definitely try this. Thanks.

[CookieMonster]

I'm also looking at getting perfect pass installed. I want to go with the paddle wheel version because I'll be all a lake most of the time. I found this listing on ebay, it says the gauge isn't included, other than that is this all I need? Is it a good deal?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190915085558?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[beat taco]

Plug the blue wire pin from the boat to the brown wire pin from the truck. Then turning on your headlights will send power to the back up solenoid on the trailer.

[CookieMonster]

Here some pictures of my tower support I built when I bought my boat.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/0afe12c66803199f7a145c76693e6290.jpg
Cut out around swing away tongue and pin.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/b6ab6ce7f2b42abe93d67b92bcbd5c42.jpg
Cut out for tower.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/886b9c65292b1cfb951f111d21832256.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/20/586457a5af0d0236374628c245bb1a9c.jpg

Thanks! I'm going to try to make one of these for sure

[trayson]

Definitely do your research before piecing a PP system together. All of the individual parts for PP add up in cost if you're missing anything. and if you find out that you need a firmware upgrade or a master module upgrade to make items work together, PP charges a lot for those.

I do most my boating on a river with current, so Paddlewheel is a must for me. The GPS gives you "land speed" so it's in theory more accurate and supposedly has less surging. But if you can't lock a GPS signal that could be a problem. GPS is easier in that you don't have to have a paddle wheel installed. But paddlewheel is nice in that it also gives you water temp.

I hated PP with GPS when I was riding on the river. Setting the speed to like 8mph when going upstream and than TRYING to change the speed to 14 when going downsteam was crazy. I couldn't adjust the speed fast enough and I dropped my surfer. The whole "are we going upsteam or downstream" and then having to readjust my PP setting was annoying to say the least. And to have your surf setting need to change from day to day depending on how the current's flowing? Lame.

Ride Steady is another manufacturer that gas basically the same product but might be a little less expensive.

[parrothd]

Use can use GPS or paddle wheel, just need to enable the paddle wheel, maybe not on the stargazer model. I have both but use the paddle wheel since I'm in the river.

[CookieMonster]

Ok, I'll have to do more research. I'm on a lake so I don't necessarily need a paddle wheel. What do you think I'd be looking at total? Around $1500-$2000 after install? I'm not sure I'll have the spare cash to do it any time soon. How difficult is it to wakeboard without it if you have a decent driver?

[trayson]

Ok, I'll have to do more research. I'm on a lake so I don't necessarily need a paddle wheel. What do you think I'd be looking at total? Around $1500-$2000 after install? I'm not sure I'll have the spare cash to do it any time soon. How difficult is it to wakeboard without it if you have a decent driver?

Well, I was wakeboarding before PP was invented, LOL.

That said, the best way to do it is do some test runs and find out what RPM your boat is at with a wakeboarder behind it. (or speed). Use a GPS app to calibrate your speedo.

You'll be fine. it's just a convenience that makes it easier.

[parrothd]

http://www.perfectpass.com/?q=systems

[mmandley]

We had the old version of Moomba Cruise on the LSV, We managed just fine. You can do like Trayson is sugested.

We also just went by RPM. It does effect you when you do the turn around because the boat will slow down a bit.

Even now that we have Digital Cruise Pro I still set the cruise by RPM it just holds a lot better.

[CookieMonster]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/22/567bcd8aa79cc06941d619c9e8b0dc67.jpg

Got it under the carport! A little sketchy but it'll do until I can build a more permanent solution. Ordering a Westland cover today.

[trayson]

Got it under the carport! A little sketchy but it'll do until I can build a more permanent solution. Ordering a Westland cover today.

Did you take into consideration the covers by Great Lakes Boat Top? They make the factory covers for a lot of manufacturers including Moomba. I've been pretty happy with mine and since they make the OEM covers they are going to fit well.

http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/

[CookieMonster]

Did you take into consideration the covers by Great Lakes Boat Top? They make the factory covers for a lot of manufacturers including Moomba. I've been pretty happy with mine and since they make the OEM covers they are going to fit well.

http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/

I submitted my info for a quote. The westland cover from iboats will be right at $500 with a vented pole/ support.

[trayson]

I submitted my info for a quote. The westland cover from iboats will be right at $500 with a vented pole/ support.

Damn, that's cheap. what fabric will it be made of? My great lakes is their "storm shield" fabric. I REALLY like that it fits tight enough that I can tow with it on.

[CookieMonster]

Sharkskin Supreme is the material. I've heard good things about them fitting tight, it is a custom fit. How much was yours from great lakes?

http://boatcovers.iboats.com/Moomba/Mobius_LSV_(2003-2005)_Westland-MOO156/13822/?cart_id=518249273

[trayson]

Sharkskin Supreme is the material. I've heard good things about them fitting tight, it is a custom fit. How much was yours from great lakes?

http://boatcovers.iboats.com/Moomba/Mobius_LSV_(2003-2005)_Westland-MOO156/13822/?cart_id=518249273

Over $30k, but it came with a free boat attached. However, the shipping charges were a bitch!

[parrothd]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/22/567bcd8aa79cc06941d619c9e8b0dc67.jpg

Got it under the carport! A little sketchy but it'll do until I can build a more permanent solution. Ordering a Westland cover today.

Whats up with the poles?!?! If you lay the tower down gently none of that stuff is needed...

[CookieMonster]

Over $30k, but it came with a free boat attached. However, the shipping charges were a bitch!

haha I bet!

[CookieMonster]

Whats up with the poles?!?! If you lay the tower down gently none of that stuff is needed...

I saw how someone else built a bracket to hold theirs up so that's my temporary stand. I just don't want it touching the hull.

[parrothd]

21878

:) .........

[gregski]

Sharkskin Supreme is the material. I've heard good things about them fitting tight, it is a custom fit. How much was yours from great lakes?

http://boatcovers.iboats.com/Moomba/Mobius_LSV_(2003-2005)_Westland-MOO156/13822/?cart_id=518249273

Yeah, that's the same material of mine. It is holding up well and fits tight.

[CookieMonster]

Yeah, that's the same material of mine. It is holding up well and fits tight.

Good. Is there any reason to not buy a black cover? I think it would look best.

[gregski]

Good. Is there any reason to not buy a black cover? I think it would look best.
The sun is brutal here and will fade everything, even things "UV resistant". I went with the charcoal grey just thinking that it would blend out better when parts started to fade.

[CookieMonster]

The sun is brutal here and will fade everything, even things "UV resistant". I went with the charcoal grey just thinking that it would blend out better when parts started to fade.

I went ahead and got the black. I got the pole w/ the vent and read that since the material is "breathable" the black won't keep it any hotter than grey.

[JHutch]

You might check baldmikes.com for Westland Boat covers. I got a shark skin supreme for my 2008 XLV for under $400 on one of his sales.