vRide vs. Outback V vs. Crownline 19--What and WHY

So you may remember a month or so back I was asking for opinions and help before heading to the boat show in deciding between the Malibu vRide, the Moomba Outback V and the Crownline 19SS. I’ve made a purchase, and I wanted to say thanks for all the info and share my research and learning for anyone else that might be interested in comparing contrasting the Outback V and the vRide.


Crownline 19SS
Because I want to wake surf, and the lack of ballast I excluded this boat early. It is a nice well-built boat in my opinion though. I would recommend one to my parents.


My Moomba Outback V Experience

A nice, entry level wakeboarding boat. This boat would get the job done, and if you never had a chance to see and sit in a Malibu vRide this would likely be the boat of your dreams.

After seeing the competition and looking at this boat again a number of things stood out. Firstly, the height of the gunnels is too low. This forces them to set the seating height too low so when you are sitting down your knees have to go somewhere, either stick up in air or forces you to push your feet out farther and stretch your legs. Awkward seating. The seats are also not as soft, supportive, or as thick vinyl material wise.

Technology. When compared to the competition the technology on the Outback V looks about a decade out of date. Now, there is nothing wrong with analog dials. But it is certainly not state of the art by any means.


The Tower. The tower is fine; in fact it’s just like everyone else’s and all the aftermarket ones. But it’s too heavy and too awkward for one person to take up and down without help in my opinion. Because I have a lift and a standard height dock roof I will be taking the tower up and down every time I come and go. That’s the only reason I took this so seriously. If you don’t have a dock and trailer your boat everywhere, this probably makes no difference, other than which one looks better to you.

The Ballast. This is fine, there are plenty of options. The bags are soft rubber/plastic bags, just like all the after market ones.


The Rear Storage Compartment. This is okay, and again just like most other boats you would see. Doesn’t lock.


Price. My idea going in was the Outback V was similar to the vRide, but thousands cheaper. That sounded very appealing to me. Going in I was leaning towards the vRide because I liked the tower, but I didn’t think I could get one for what I wanted to spend and would probably end up with the Outback V. Well to make a long story short, that was not what I experienced. I see the “best boat show incentives” post on the board here. Thought I’d point something out on the Moomba pick 4. I thought this was AWESOME. I used their website (which is very neat btw.) to build my own 2008 Outback V. Used the pick 4. Took that with me to the boat show. Well what you may not know is that if you build a boat, and use the pick 4 you are going to pay the MSRP on the build a boat from the site. Those 4 options are your negotiations. They quoted me exactly what the MSRP was on the boat, and wouldn’t come down off that if I used the pick 4. I don’t know anyone that pays MSRP for a new boat. So, just throwing this out there for your information. With or without the pick 4 you’d probably get about the same deal. Most people I know expect around 10% off the MSRP price or more on a new boat.


The Dealer. The salesman I worked with was nice enough, and very knowledgeable about the boat and about wakeboarding. When I was ready to start talking pricing, a sales manager basically took over. He was okay, but I kind of felt like he was treating me like a child that knew nothing. The way he answered my questions made me feel stupid. Well, I am not that young these days, 27. I have my Bachelor and Master’s degree in Computer Science. I do very well financially. Nuff said.

They also mentioned several times that the building they were in was for sale, and they’d be moving soon. Where? Well LIKELY out east of Kansas City. I know they were saying this to let me know they’d be closer to me. Which is cool. But honestly, it made me nervous. I don’t like instability in my boat dealer. I want to know the dealer is going to be around forever, and moving around, especially with no answers of exactly where your moving to makes me nervous. The other dealers in KC --Crownline, Malibu, Ebbtide all three of those dealers have been in the same place for like 30 or 40 years. Maybe it makes no difference to most people. But stability makes me feel good about the dealer.

Doug – I didn’t get to work with Rick, he wasn’t there the first time I was talking with them, I spoke with him briefly the second time I went to the boat show, but that was as after I’d shown my wife and our friends the Moomba, and we were walking away towards the Malibu booth. I’d already pretty much decided against the Moomba at this point.

Don’t take this post the wrong way. I’m Not saying that they aren’t a great dealership. I just didn’t get that far with them. That’s all.



My Malibu vRide Experience

The vRide is the other boat I was looking at. Another entry level wakeboarding boat. About the same length/size as the Moomba. In looking at the vRide after spending an hour or so sitting in the Outback V I believe it’s a superior boat, really a level higher than the Outback V. Here’s why.

Construction: All around better. Point to anything on the boat. Compare it to the Outback V, and it will be constructed better hands down. Seating is higher, more comfortable, and thicker/higher quality material.

Technology: Absolutely state of the art. Compare it to any other boat on the market, it’s as high tech as there is. Everything is computer controlled, computer controlled throttle, more advanced stereo with 1 gig memory, completely digital dash, with tons of computer options to view information about your boat.


Tower: It’s a very neat design, with counter-weighted pulley system. Pull two pins and it comes down. This can be taken up and down by one person. It’s not awkward, it’s weight is not unbearable because the pulleys bear much of the weight.


The Ballast: Completely automated just like the competitors. But the ballast is in hard heavy-duty tanks not plastic bags. Tanks have shutoff valves too. Very clean design. Looks professional because the tanks are all covered with carpet and concealed in the rear compartment.


Rear Storage Compartment: About the same as the Outback V. BUT more solid construction. Take a look at the big welded metal framework, it’s amazing when compared to the Outback V. The covers have an aluminum honeycomb core which gives them a much more solid feel. Also, the rear compartments LOCK. That is nice when I head into the Marina or Toad Cove to have a drink everything can be locked up.

The wedge: I got the backing plate, but not the actual wedge. It’s not allowed on my lake so it would only get me into trouble. If I want to use it when I head off to another lake I can buy the wedge part for $500 from the dealer, and it installs with 2 bolts. Easy on easy off. As someone with an engineering background I’m not a big fan of it though. I’m sure it works well, but I don’t like the idea of 1000+ lbs of stress on my fiberglass transom.


Price: Much more willing to negotiate price. In the end a vRide might only cost you a thousand or two more than the Outback V. It was worth it to me.


The Dealer: Of course it depends on where you live. In my situation (Kansas City, MO) the Malibu dealer has been in business and working in the same building for like 30 or 40 years. Throughout the transaction they always treated me with the up-most respect and like I was a part of the family. I can’t say too much more because our relationship is just starting but so far I have been impressed.


Anyways, wanted to provide an update, and hopefully help other newbies looking to get into an entry level wakeboarding boat.

(Message edited by tj_in_kc on January 27, 2008)

(Message edited by tj_in_kc on January 27, 2008)

Hope you enjoy the Bu. The V-ride hull was Malibu's flagship wake hull until 2005. You won't be disappointed with the wake.

congrats. excellent choice. you cant go wronf when buying a malibu. im sure you will have many years of enjoyment from that boat.

thanks for the great post...it's very informative and should help people narrowing down their options on a new boat.

and congrats...thats a sweet boat

I would have gone with Moomba LSV with Gravity Games Ballast.


vRide... great boat!

Great experience, thanks.

"I would have gone with Moomba LSV with Gravity Games Ballast. "

One of the alltime greatest posts I've seen. Thanks for that

LSV wasn't an option for me. Neither was MC or Tige. Their boats are too big, and too heavy for my private lake.

21ft max
3100lb max

you will be very pleased with the vride - i had the same type of situation a year ago. i decided on the vride and the thing rides, looks and handles like a dream. i have no regrets about it!
Good Choice!!

Is the backing plate like a wake plate / trim tab? We're looking at Malibu's and I don't like the idea of the wedge either.

JMB,

No, it's not like a wake plate. It's not an adjustable thing. It's just a stainless steel plating that the wedge attaches too. If you disconnect the wedge, there is nothing hanging down, just the stainless/chrome looking plate on the back.

The wedge from Malibu is the only device of it's kind; from what i understand it does a heck of a job creating a larger wake. If you are that good and you need a wake that big it's probably worth it. I'm NOT that good, so i don't need the extra wake. And i don't like the idea of that much pressure/stress on the structural integrity of the boat.

i have not seen any research to back this up. Just my thoughts....

hey TJ,

sent you an private msg, just checking to see if you got it?

thanks

-Chase

"The wedge from Malibu is the only device of it's kind"
Not so much

The Switch blade is an option on Centurions
http://www.switchbladewake.com/p/how_it_works_demo.php

Every good invention has it's imitators.

I like how they are going like 12mph when they have the "switchblade" deployed to show the big wake...

I agree the Power wedge is a great imitator of the Switchblade.
12 MPH where did you get that

lol, knock it off guys. that isn't what this thread is about

That's just what it looks like to me. There is definetely a noticeable speed difference there watch it again.

Yes sir chase

Ok your right Party pooper

tj (tj_in_kc) Nice post on your experience!

TJ, out of curiosity, did you check out the new Centurion Falcon V? I'm not sure if Centurion has a dealer in KC, but the boat is priced right, has a lot of what you were looking for and has a lot of features that blow the Moomba away. Just curious, that's all. V-ride has always been a great boarder's boat.

Regarding the switchblade, did I read where they are working on a newer, smaller model?

to funny...

I have been in Several Centurions with the Switchblade that is exactlly how it looks when you adjust them speed was 22 or so MPH

Ok Ok This is my last post I can't help myself

(Message edited by krbaugh on January 28, 2008)

Right Kevin and the wake was curling right behind the swim platform. Ok put down the magic coolaid...

lol it does start out slow, but it speeds up

So you have not been in many Centurions with the Switchblade but that ok
Sorry that is what happens even when the boat is unbalanced the more the Swichblade is deployed the more it balances the wake. Plus when it is set to Negative it is lifting the back of the boat and pushing down the nose.



(Message edited by krbaugh on January 28, 2008)

Patrick.

You are right the Falcon V does look pretty awesome. I did consider this, yet only briefly as it's weight is 3700lbs+

Max dry weight on my private lake is 3100lbs.


ALSO -- Don't ever take what i say as being expert opinion. I am a fairly educated person, but certainly not any kind of wakeboard expert. I had never heard of the Switchblade before this. It was my understanding that Malibu had a patent on the wedge type technology, but obviously i was wrong....

Chase, I replied to your email, using the address on your profile...

thanks TJ, but im not sure if it went through as i havent recieved an email with it yet.

did you use the private messsage?

TJ,
As a former Malibu owner and now Supra owner (same company makes both Moomba and Supra) I couldn’t help but respond. As I’m reading through your reasons for buying the Malibu it seems to me that you are trying to justify your purchase. You are naming similarities as reasons for buying the Malibu over the Moomba. For example, both boats use similar construction techniques including honeycomb aluminum rear decking, heavy weight vinyl, digital throttle control, etc.

You mentioned the tower… anyone know of a cable assist inside the tower on the Illusion X? I can’t find this feature anywhere on the Malibu web site. TJ, I would make sure the dealer shows you how to use it vs. the standard tower… sounds like a marketing gimmick to me, or a flat out fib by the dealer.

You also pointed out how much you liked the Moomba L4 warranty, but went with an inferior Malibu warranty. I’m confused on that logic.

Finally, you mentioned the dealer. I’m not in to bashing on people, as I have helped the local Malibu dealer at shows, etc. in the past. I’ll just say this and let you draw your own conclusions… I had a Malibu VLX on order in 2005, but by the time it was all done… I bought a Supra. It was and still is the dealer that made the difference. Oh, did I mention I live in Smithville.

Malibu has an older building and a location that’s not convenient to any lake other than Smithville, remember I live there. They have a 4 bay shop which is why they have such long lead times on repairs. It took me like 6 weeks to get the fins on the bottom of my boat reattached (I didn’t hit anything, and there was a pool of oil in the bottom of the boat. Malibu had always done the service, HMM?) Oh, believe me you will need something fixed this summer.

Xtreme Marine is currently in a large building with double the service bays. They have a large well lit showroom so you can pick through a boat in plain view. Will Xtreme Marine be moving… probably. Is it because of stability, no. Is it because they want to provide the best most convenient customer experience, yes. Will they be moving closer to you, yes.

I’m not sure who you spoke with at Xtreme Marine, but I’m sure they didn’t intend to treat you as anything less than a smart person, as evidenced by your numerous degrees and financial standing.

Facts are facts, if you want an entry level towboat get a Moomba. You can option one up as much as you want or can afford. If you want a loaded boat, buy a Supra.

If you didn’t buy a Moomba because the gunwales are a few inches shorter and the seats sit lower I get that. But you’re kinda bashing on my dealer, Xtreme Marine, even though you said you aren’t. Dollar for dollar the Moomba is the best boat for the money.

Have fun this summer in your new boat. Hopefully we will cross paths and do some surfing together.

Good Luck

the malibu does have a cable system in the illusion.

how does it work? Is it functional or just a gimmic?

TK i have the illusion x and it does have a cable in it but it doesnt help the weight of it.it still takes two people to take down which sucks because i was told that its spring loaded when we bought it. can anyone explain this?

Tim. I know you work at Moomba; you were the salesman i was working with. Believe me the decision had nothing to do with you, you were great. I mention how knowledgeable you were in the post.

As for the rest of your post, just read mine again man. I'm not bashing your dealership. I don't mention the name or say a single thing that's not a direct result of my personal experience.

You guys did mention you were moving several times. Where? Didn't say; only that it would be out by me (East of KC). I'm not accusing your dealership of anything. Closing a dealership, changing owners and making statements that your current location is for sale and you will be moving is less than stability to me. Again, I’m not making any implications as to why you are doing this or assuming anything. I didn’t say you weren’t financially stable. No, I said stable as in some one that stays in the same place and does things the same way for a long period of time. A guy that is in a relationship with the same girl for a long time is stable. A guy that has a different smoking hot girl every few months is not stable. Not saying ones right, ones not. I prefer stability in my dealership. Most of the other dealers in my area (Malibu, Ebbtide, and Crownline) have been in the same location for 30+ years. At the boat show nothing more was shared with me other than you were going to be moving in the near future.

The rest of the post is what it is; a comparison between the two boats. I narrowed my choices to those two boats. I went to the boat show and spent and hour or more in each boat.

I’m not trying to justify anything. They both had a 50-50 shot going into the boat show. I outlined what made me pick the Malibu over the Moomba.

I'm not an expert on boats; this is my first one in fact. If i made a statement about a certain component on the Malibu being better than the Moomba, when in fact that component is the same that means the Malibu dealer explained it to me and the Moomba dealer did not. There is no malicious intent to my post.

Remember this post is my personal experience. I am not in the boating industry; I am in no way affiliated with anyone that is. This is my personal experience buying my first boat.

The topic title is comparing and contrasting the three models, that's exactly what it is based on my experience, nothing more nothing less.

Tj don't worry your posts have been fine, nothing more than your own experience and very unbiased. You chose the boat you liked the best and that's all that matters. Tk yes the illusion tower has a spring loaded cable assist to help with lowering that heavy @ss tower. I will say however that loaded up the illusion is still easier to lower than the one on my old Moomba that is a fact.

Dan,
I was told when I was looking, and also was shown how to, that you can crank down the spring a little to increase tension and offset some of the added weight from stuff installed on the tower. And TJ don't worry about it, your posts have all been great, and super positive. It is most likely a very informative post for somebody who is looking at similar or the same boats.

Illusion Tower - the Supra/Moomba tower isn't easy until you make a support to hold it up while you detach the legs, or have a second set of hands. Let's face it... any tower with speakers, light, racks, etc. is gonna be rough at best to get down.

TJ the beauty of these types of message boards is we all get to interpret and respond as we feel necessary within the rules and hopefully our own ethics. I can only account for my own buying experience in '05. Such a positive one from Xtreme Marine that when asked to come work for them I did. As a matter of fact, one owner is a customer and the others have worked here for quite sometime. It really make this a nice family atmosphere.

Hopefully we can assist you with other needs in the future... new surf board!! Rope!! Seriously though, congrats.

thanks alot ill look at the tower next time and see what i can do .

Dan,

Here is an article from WakeWorld on the tower discussing the adjustable tension system. Text is next to the 4th picture down on the page.

http://www.wakeworld.com/getarticle.asp?articleid=713