1998 Moomba Kanga (changed)

RC4 · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 115 City: Central VA

First off, I'm a beginner wakeboarder, so I'm not looking for the biggest and steepest ramp/wake out there. I just want to know if anybody has experience boarding behind either the Sugar Sand or Sea-Doo jet boats? If so, how are the wakes? Specifically, I'm looking at the Tango or the Sportster, since they are within my price range.

For wakeboarding, do you think I would be better off getting an older Moomba (late 80's or early 90's) or a brand new jet boat? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

Ian_82 · Addict Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 803 City: Longview, WA

id look into a decent I/O with a tower or pylon. you have more room to add ballast when you progress, and face it, they are more manly boats. IMO those sugar sand and sea doo boats are like the Miatas of the lake.

Tyler T · Posted: May 23, 2006 11:22 am Post subject:

You're pretty much gaurunteed to get a better wake out of an older DD than any type of jet boat.

RC4 · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 115 City: Central VA

I found a 1998 Moomba Kanga for $12K OBO. It has 160 hours on it. I guess I have to talk the wife into it first.

What is more important in making a good wake? Is it the design of the keel/hull or the design of the "propulsion" system?

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Jet boats have the worst wake of any boat. Because it sprays water back the wake is very washy and very small. Because of the method of propulsion it keeps speed terribly.

Keeping speed and wake shape are the 2 most important things with regard to wakeboarding. No matter how new you are to wakeboarding you will outgrow a jetboat in less than 1 season and leave you looking for something else.

If you're looking to spend $12k or so check out late 80s early 90s inboards. These boats will hold their value far better than any other boat for the price range and give you the most enjoyment for any watersports.

Making a good wake is the propulsion system first, hull second. Air in the wake causes it to be soft and inconsistent which is why jetboats are the worst offenders. i/os and outboards the propeller sits behind the boat and faces either backwards or up which causes air in the wake. Inboards the prop sits below the hull with no air in contact.

RC4 · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 115 City: Central VA

Looks like I'm gonna get the '98 Kanga if everything goes through. From the reviews I've seen, you can get a pretty big wake if you add weight to them. Is it better to putt the fatsac near the bow or the stern of a boat like this? Since its a closed bow, options are somewhat limited I guess. However, looks like plenty of floorspace otherwise.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

RC4, well to start off you probably won't need to weight it too much for your skill level. But once your ready, you can add some to the stern. But there is a point where adding too much can hurt the wake rather than help it. If you start adding weight, and the wake is all washy and not sharp, put some weight up in the bow. This keeps the balance between the boat and will give you a good clean sharp wake.

BTW, I love those Moomba Kangas, get some pics and put them up here if you get it.

J_DOGG · Posted: May 24, 2006 10:05 am Post subject:

IMO you got great advice above......

Hull shape is the most important factor in creating a nice shaped wake.
Everything else is dictated by that starting point.

JETBOATS SUCK!!!!! period.

RC4 · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 115 City: Central VA

Can you guys suggest some specific problems I should look for on the inboard engine and driveshaft (98 Moomba Kanga)? Everything looks brand new on this boat, but I've never owned an inboard, so I'm wondering what some common issues are. The guy selling it told me that there is a seal around the driveshaft that needs to stay lubricated, and its normal to see it drip (I guess after you pull it out of the water?).

J_DOGG · Posted: May 25, 2006 3:46 am Post subject:

The drip seal for the drive shaft... make sure it's not dumping water or even dripping too much a little is OK but it can go from a little to a lot easy enough.
Ask when and or if that has ever been replaced or repacked depending on what style of packing that boat uses.

Salt water use, stay away unless you are going to use it in salt water.

4 blade or 3 blade prop? 4 blade holds speed better and more so when you add weight.

When was the Impeller replaced last, part of the water cooling system very important.

IMO - for 1998 it should look and function LIKE NEW for the most part...

RC4 · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 115 City: Central VA

Thanks J Dogg.

It hasn't seen any salt water, and the prop is a 4 blade. I'll ask him about the impeller and whether the drip seal has ever been replaced. He says its been garage kept, and from the looks of everything, I believe him. The paint hasn't faded at all.