$30K boat options

[ecpunk]

First post, so be gentle. I'd like to start by saying that I'm really surprised how friendly and helpful people are in this forum. I've been lurking for a bit, and usually in other types of forums, I would have read a lot of flame type posts by now. I didn't consider posting until I read consistent post after post of helpful info.

I've researched a lot of different boats, and I've only ridden in a couple of them to see the wake, and really only been able to get a good look of many of the boats on dry land.

I'm looking for something that probably doesn't exist. First of all... I'm primarily a *cough* skier *cough*. I can't help it, some people are just born that way. I really do like to wakeboard too, as well as do dumb things like attempt to barefoot. We have an old Sea Ray that I've been riding behind my whole life, and now that we're building a house on a the lake (see below), I'm ready to get something that I can live with for a while. As I said, we like to do a little of everything, but nothing at the competition level. It'll just be me, my wife, and my 2 yr old in the boat, but we'll probably have another kid in the next year... as well as the occasional leech friend

Here are the requirements for the boat:

Decent ramp for WB
Semi-flat at 33-34 mph
V-drive (love the space)
Longer is better
~$30K
...wife friendly - has to look sharp, don't ask why, because I don't know

Thanks in advance for any advice. I look forward to getting some feedback.


Two boat lift to follow this winter and 2400sq/ft garage for storage/fun.

[Wakebrad]

For a skier and wakeboarder, I've always leaned towards a Malibu with a wedge. That way you don't have to put as much weight in there for a good wake, raise and lower the wedge depending on which sport you're doing. I'd check out the early 2000s VLX maybe.

[chawk610]

I am sure you will get the right boat... Lots of knowledge on this forum... I just have to say NICE PIECE OF PROPERTY!

[ecpunk]

Thanks for the encouragement . Once I get moved in (early next year), we're always in the cove, and you're welcome to stop by!

Here is ballpark what I'm looking for. This boat looks slick, seems a lot of you have a similar boat, and I think it will fit my needs. I think the price is pretty close to right, it does have low hours, and seems to be in good condition. Anyone have any major negatives to mention?

http://bham.craigslist.org/boa/2553384014.html

[BorderBoarder]

Shameless plug, but I agree about Malibu with wedge and I happen to have one of the best looking Malibu Vride's (IMO) for sale on onlyinboards.com right now. Don't know how to add a link with my phone so check out the 2006 Malibu Vride on their site. It's the blue and black one with the blue topdeck. Shoot me an email if you like and I'll be happy to answer any questions, send more pics, or give you my phone# to chat.

Jeremy

[chawk610]

I like the Moomba! I have an '08 Mobius LS. I think this time of year you definately have some barginning power as well!

[Chattwake]

Call my local dealer, Joyce, at 423 336 1088 and ask her what she has in inventory. She's selling stuff at invoice to blow out some boats right now. She is a moomba/malibu/axis/supra dealer.

[ecpunk]

Thanks for the offer Jeremy, but I couldn't get my wife on board with the blue. She doesn't have to agree with everything I do, but it sure helps

Chawk, agreed. I'm finding a LOT of boats popping up this week alone. I'm unfortunately going to be out of town for 2 weeks, and I'm not sure when people start winterizing their boats. I really need to ride in one to know if its the one.

Chatt, I'll give her a call, maybe she'll have something in my range

[ecpunk]

I put a small bit of money on one to hold it for a week. I'm out of town, so I haven't seen the boat in person yet. I'm driving the truck to see it when I get back. If its nearly as nice as all the pics, then I'll be bringing it home. Wish me luck!

[Gibster786]

I don't know how people feel about centurion on here. They are nice boats. I looked at a 06 Avalanche C4 for around that price. I used to work on these boats only doing audio and tower setups. I rode behind them almost everyday. I would have one now but my buddy didn't want to order 20 boats like they wanted and they gave the contract to someone else.

[ecpunk]

I like the Centurion, and think that they probably make a quality boat now. In the past at least, they were primarily known for surfing. They may make a good wakeboard and skiing wake too, but I've just not got the time to find out right now. I basically narrowed my choices down to the boats I've ridden behind and the super popular ones.

[ecpunk]

Finally took the plunge, and I'm very satisfied. I picked up this 05 last week, and had it out all weekend. I'm really working on dialing in the wake and experimenting with what works best for me. We really had a good time, and I got to ride behind it a bit. I'm beat though. I made the 1250 mile round trip to pick it up in one day, and had to go straight to the hospital on the way home... thought my wife's appendix was about to go, but it turned out to be something less life threatening... still may require surgery, but not as big of a deal

Anyway, I spent Saturday morning cleaning it up, and cleaning bugs off the tower. I tore out the old sub that was in it, cleaned the ballast sacks, steamed the carpet, cleaned the engine, seats, etc. I need to put some good protectant onto everything. I'll probably get 1-2 more weeks out of it before putting it up for winter. I'm going to redo the stereo, add a switch for the second battery, change cupholders, and maybe add a better mirror this winter. I'm excited that I found a deal though, and I really appreciate the advice from everyone.

I actually stole this pic from the previous owner. I spent so much time riding around and having fun that I forgot to take pics of my own!

[FlyZone CR]

Awesome, congrats!

[anw7405]

nice boat! I heard 05 and up moomba's are good quality boats.

[STANG KILLA SS]

sweet! you will love it. great choice. i had a yellow 03 LSV before my '11. if you have any questions let me know.
i personally liked to run the ski locker full, a 400 lbs on top of it in the walk way, and the rears empty, and the wake plate almost 3/4 way up.

[slidin_out]

[LaynDoor]

like the "ghost" sitting in the back... was poking around onlyinboards yesterday and noticed the listing is still up / same pic.

Nice boat man... pics of the stock wake?

[ecpunk]

Thats a ninja in the back... came with the boat... although I can't find it now.

I'm actually going out tomorrow. I will be less freaked out/excited this weekend and will take some pics and video of the wake. More to come!


I'll do some ballast testing too. Its getting colder here though (sub 80 in the day and 40 at night), so I'll be winterizing next week.

BONUS:

As it turns out... my stepfather called me the other day and asked me if I bought a Moomba. I said yes, he said "like the ones they build in Maryville"? I said thats the one and only. He said that he'd just been out to lunch with the purchasing manager. My stepdad is in sales for a freight company, and manages Moomba's account. No kickbacks or anything for me, but I'm getting a private factory tour at least Score!

[ecpunk]

I didn't have a lot of time to fine tune the wake, but this video was at about 18mph with just me and my wife in the boat. Its hard to tell what it looks like without someone behind the boat. Next year! For now, winterize.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BnqBc20Yk