Malibu vRide vs. Outback V vs. Crownline 19

Hello,

I'm looking to get my first boat, and i was hoping to get some expert opinions from you on this.

I have narrowed my choices to these (all brand-new):

Malibu vRide
Moomba Outback V
Crownline 19' --with waketower


Malibu vRide
I like:
under-transom lighting
neat looking illusion tower
1 gig stereo

I don't like:
the looks of the vRide graphics.
the price

The Outback V:
I like:
It seems very similar to the vRide, but cheaper
I think will be thousands less than the vRide
I like the color schemes better than the vRide

Don't like:
The tower isn't as cool.
No underwater lighting option (not that big of deal)


The Crownline 19:
I like:
The price (completely decked out for about $35k)
The colors/graphics
5 year full warranty (i haven't seem a comparable warranty on any wakeboarding boat)

I don't like:
I/O motor (no wake surfing)
No ballast available.
Maynot be great wake for wakeboarding.

About me:

I'm 27. Just got into wakeboarding a little last year, also like to ski. Would love to try wakesurfing.

Oh, and I live on a private lake with the following restrictions:

max boat weight: 3100lbs
max length: 21ft (swim platforms not included)
max engine: 360 cubic inches

no wake-increasing tools can be deployed.
(can have ballast but not allowed to use. i suspect wedges are allowed but can't be deployed.)

Couple Questions:
******************
Is is necessary to have ballast/wedge to wakesurf behind these boats? What if they are tough on enforcing those rules, and i don't get to use either of those, can i forget about surfing??


Has anyone actually seen the underwater lighting on the Malibus? I can't find a real pic (non-corporate) of it on a boat anywhere.

How long does it take to fill/unload ballast on these boats? If water patrol was coming to check would i have time to dump them w/o getting busted?

How long does the power wedge take to deploy/undeploy? Would i have time to pull that up w/o getting busted??


If anyone has some advice on what might be the best option i'd love to hear your thoughts.


Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Message edited by tj_in_kc on January 05, 2008)