Buying New Boat - Direct Drive ski boat - comments please?

[Toronto boater]

I currently have a 1991 Sunbird Corsair, 19ft cuddy with a 4.3 I/O OMC Cobra. I am an avid slalom skiier and am looking to upgrade to a more specialized ski boat, which is also newer and more reliable. I am considering a direct drive ski boat, in the $20,000 to $25,000 range and wanted suggestions. To buy a Mastercraft, Malibu or Correct Craft (ski nautique) in that price range, I would have to go as far back as a 1999 to 2002 model. If I am prepared to buy a Moomba, I can go closer to a 2005 model or so. I know that the Moomba is a downgrade from the others, but at my skill level and needs, I would be prepared to do it, provided that the boat is RELIABLE.

So my question is, because I am very concerned about reliability, should I opt for the Moomba (which is newer) or am I better off with an older model from the "big three".
And how far back should I go, if I want to minimize any reliabilty issues? Ideally, I would stay in the 5 years or less range, but this will be very expensive for a ski boat.

One more question re: direct drives - this is my first one, and I like the fact that I can currently trim up my I/O in shallow water. There is one area of the lake which is shallow (my sister's dock) and I would need to go there periodically - what is the minimum depth I would be able to go (very slowly) with a direct drive that cannot be trimmed up?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Buying New Boat - Direct Drive ski boat - comments please?

Well, I'm not sure that reliability is really an issue with most ski/wake boats. They all typically use GM V8's with varying horsepower, but usually 300-425HP depending on engine size and performance package. Any of the Big 3 will be just fine regarding propulsion, as they will use similar (if not the same) powerplants. You need to sit/drive/ski behind the boat you intend to buy as the major difference between them is going to be handling/steering and the shape of the wake behind the boat. Ballast systems are always a nice feature to adjust weight distribution to achieve the best wake for any given situation. The other factor you should look at is the towing system, either PerfectPass or ZeroOff. If you tournament ski, it is more of an issue, if you don't then either one is probably fine.

As far as depth goes, as long as you have about 36" of water, you should be fine. Less than that and you should avoid it as those props/shafts get expensive and don't take hitting underwater obstructions very well.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Buying New Boat - Direct Drive ski boat - comments please?

Draft on an inboard will vary from about 22" to 26". The deeper V hulls will be at the higher end of the draft. That gives you a lot more clearance in shallow water than a sterndrive. If you get too little, however, your prop is in the mud or rocks. Usually the centerline skegs extend below the prop so they would hit first. A D-drive will probably be cheaper in the USA than in Ontario and there should be many available in your price range. Most will be very reliable. If you find one with a managed and injected engine it should be more reliable than a carbed engine, but not always.
There are Tige's in the price range you want but they tend to be a bit heavier than most. Sanger's are great but their draft is a couple inches deeper than something like a Malibu Response and they are harder to find. Centurion and Supreme also have D-drive ski boats in your price range. A quick look through OnlyInboards would give you some idea on availability.
Mechanically they are all quite similar.

 

[Toronto boater]

Re: Buying New Boat - Direct Drive ski boat - comments please?

Thanks to all for the helpful replies. Cheers.