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

[Ian Brantford]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.