TimGT3
07-06-2006, 01:50 AM
After taking delivery of my '06 Outback in May, I have now reached 12.8 hours... Just thought that I would give a little update of my thoughts and experiences thus far.
First off, I have experienced no problems/issues either mechanical or with construction. The only modification needed was on the mirror mounting as the factory "pad" that snaps onto the clamp screw is too thick to slide over the windshield. The store replaced it with a thinner piece of plastic when I brought it in for the first oil change.
That brings me to the service side. Following Indmar recommendations, I had the first oil change performed at 12 hours by the dealer along with the initial 12 hour items (shaft alignment, systems inspections, inspect tranny fluid, etc.) for just under $200. I delivered the boat to them on a Tuesday evening and it was done the following day. Very happy with that.
Lake Norman, where the launch just 2 miles down the road, is just a little choppy for my liking and very difficult to get good free ski runs in. For the last two outtings I have been taking it down to the next lake in the chain, Mountain Island Lake which is a 15 minute tow. The lake is much smaller (can cover the lake end to end in about 20 minutes) but it is extremely water sport friendly. There are several other Moombas which frequent the lake as well. We're having a great time there!
My only problems thus far are with the lights on my tow vehicle (1990 F150 4WD) -- I keep blowing the fuse for the running lights whenever I hook the trailer up and just the other day, I temporarially lost my turn signals / backup lights. I'll have to take it to a trailer shop to have the entire electrical system looked at. Lastly is my driving ability -- I seem to be getting worse at loading onto the trailer. I have difficulty with steering and directing the boat at low speeds. When loading, I can have the boat lined up with the trailer, but it seems as soon as I get close to the trailer, the front rotates too far to the left and/or the rear rotates too far to the right. My newest method is to aim for the right guide pole and as a result, the boat automatically pivots perfectly straight onto the trailer. Oh, and I still have yet to fully get the hang of reverse.
Other misc notes: The bow filler cushion is more of an annoyance than anything else -- It is difficult to get in place, and when not in use, it takes up a good chunk of storage. The boat cover support rods double nicely as an engine cover prop rod. EVERYONE has smacked their head on the bimini top at least once -- I'm contemplating hanging caution tape on the ends of it. Despite what a lot of people say here, the fuel gauge works perfectly. I have estimated an average useage of about 4 gallons/hour; approx. 6 hours between trips to the pump.
All in all, these first 12+ hours have been very enjoyable. Hopefully it will remain this way for the entire life of the boat. Moomba has done a very nice job and my dealer seems to be top notch. Thumbs up all 'round.
Tim
First off, I have experienced no problems/issues either mechanical or with construction. The only modification needed was on the mirror mounting as the factory "pad" that snaps onto the clamp screw is too thick to slide over the windshield. The store replaced it with a thinner piece of plastic when I brought it in for the first oil change.
That brings me to the service side. Following Indmar recommendations, I had the first oil change performed at 12 hours by the dealer along with the initial 12 hour items (shaft alignment, systems inspections, inspect tranny fluid, etc.) for just under $200. I delivered the boat to them on a Tuesday evening and it was done the following day. Very happy with that.
Lake Norman, where the launch just 2 miles down the road, is just a little choppy for my liking and very difficult to get good free ski runs in. For the last two outtings I have been taking it down to the next lake in the chain, Mountain Island Lake which is a 15 minute tow. The lake is much smaller (can cover the lake end to end in about 20 minutes) but it is extremely water sport friendly. There are several other Moombas which frequent the lake as well. We're having a great time there!
My only problems thus far are with the lights on my tow vehicle (1990 F150 4WD) -- I keep blowing the fuse for the running lights whenever I hook the trailer up and just the other day, I temporarially lost my turn signals / backup lights. I'll have to take it to a trailer shop to have the entire electrical system looked at. Lastly is my driving ability -- I seem to be getting worse at loading onto the trailer. I have difficulty with steering and directing the boat at low speeds. When loading, I can have the boat lined up with the trailer, but it seems as soon as I get close to the trailer, the front rotates too far to the left and/or the rear rotates too far to the right. My newest method is to aim for the right guide pole and as a result, the boat automatically pivots perfectly straight onto the trailer. Oh, and I still have yet to fully get the hang of reverse.
Other misc notes: The bow filler cushion is more of an annoyance than anything else -- It is difficult to get in place, and when not in use, it takes up a good chunk of storage. The boat cover support rods double nicely as an engine cover prop rod. EVERYONE has smacked their head on the bimini top at least once -- I'm contemplating hanging caution tape on the ends of it. Despite what a lot of people say here, the fuel gauge works perfectly. I have estimated an average useage of about 4 gallons/hour; approx. 6 hours between trips to the pump.
All in all, these first 12+ hours have been very enjoyable. Hopefully it will remain this way for the entire life of the boat. Moomba has done a very nice job and my dealer seems to be top notch. Thumbs up all 'round.
Tim