A few questions getting rolling with my new (to me) Moomba Outback V

Over the winter I purchased a 2008 Moomba Outback V from another state. It has factory ballast system and wake plate. I did have a very reputable boat shop do a purchase inspection, oil change, install a new water pump impeller, and winterize. It was delivered to me here in New Mexico around the 1st of the year where I covered and parked it. Now it’s time to get it going for the summer.

Before heading to the lake I would like to fire it up and make sure everything seems good. I have owned a number of stern drive runabouts but the direct/v-drive world is new to me. I’ve seen a few other posts regarding water supply while running it in my driveway. I think I am going to go with making an adapter to connect a hose to the inlet waterline at the V-drive (top port side of the transmission where the inlet line connects). Once I do this, and turn the water on, before starting it, if I leave the water running, will water start to come out of the exhaust flaps (or elsewhere). I’d really like to KNOW I have water going through the engine before starting it. Is there any reason I shouldn’t wait for water to make it’s way through the engine and out the exhaust? Once started, do I have to stay at very low RPM or will the hose deliver enough water to safely run the engine at varying rpm for a bit? While running, other than just seeing if it sounds good and seems to be running well, is there anything else I should check for?

Also, there is a drain plug (that lights up …? ) hanging out of the back of the boat, center, just above the swim deck. Obviously I put that in before putting it in the water. There’s also 2 brass plugs in the glove box. Have to assume they go somewhere. Where?

We’re excited about the new boat and I know I’ll have more questions but you gotta start somewhere!

Thanks for reading this and any input you might have!

Water won’t really get past the impeller with the boat off, as it is a positive displacement pump and you can’t bypass it. So you won’t see water for a minute or so, come out of the exhaust, for a while after you start it.


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Yes, that makes sense. I made the fitting to connect the hose a I described and it worked well. Boat fired right up and sounded good but I think I have an issue with the prop shaft seal. When it was running water is running out of where the drive shaft where it exits the boat - not dripping, but running. I am guessing it's not supposed to do that, is it?

I saw some posts on direct drives and it sounds like the rope in the seal is not that difficult to replace in those. How is it for a V-drive Outback?

I may start a new post on this subject.