WATERSKI Magazine
2002-12-30 15:00:00 | 766 views |
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Outback

Length 20 ft. 4 in.

Beam 95 in.

Seating capacity 10

Fuel capacity 28 gal.

Test prop OJ 13×13 4-blade

Test engine Indmar Assault 5.7L, 310 HP

Top speed 44.3 mph 4,800 rpm

Accel. to 30 mph 4.3 sec 105 ft.

Accel. to 36 mph 5.7 sec 176.6 ft.

Noise levels (db) Neutral 65 D 63 R, 36 mph 93

How does Moomba get away with it? The prices are low, yet the
performance isn’t. It’s all in how the company cuts
costs, from reining in overhead expenses to limiting bells and
whistles to buying materials at volume discounts. Construction and
R&D are where much of the money goes, and the prime exhibit of
that approach is the all-new Outback.

Still positioned as an entry-level family water-sports boat, the
2003 incarnation now features a new hull. The Moomba engineers have
come up with revamped hull dynamics to enhance the wake, the
handling and the overall ride. We enjoyed our test of the deeper
keel and negative chines for better stability, the improved lifting
strake design to help performance and the 12 degrees of deadrise to
shape wakes for skiers and boarders. The nonhooked rear end can
even accommodate the optional hydraulic wake plate, which can
complement the optional one-bag rear ballast.

Though you can outfit it as a wakeboard boat, the
Outback’s real strength is its skiability. We were ecstatic
with the slalom wakes from the new hull. Mid- to high-end skiers
will hit the water happy every set. And the Indmar inboard proved
to be nimble and responsive with a real zip out of the hole as we
put it through its paces.

The Outback also benefits from interior tweaks. The length is 2
inches shorter, but the beam is 3 inches wider, upping the capacity
to 10 passengers. A brand-new rear seat design converts to a sun
deck extension. There’s almost a subliminal effect —
something’s different but you can’t put your finger on
it — from subtle changes that give a modern look, from the
squared-off transom to other harder style lines. Bold use of color
aims for a fresher look. Beyond the style is the storage, lots of
storage, including gull-wing rear storage hatches and an in-floor
cooler.

Checking it all out, the research and development that went into
the new Outback looks like money well spent.

 The Lowdown:

•All-new hull aims to optimize performance with a deeper
keel, negative chines and other changes.

•Multisport functionality with especially good slalom
wakes.

•Impressive handling and power from the Indmar Assault 310
hp engine.

•Passengers benefit from versatile rear seating, roomy bow
and increased capacity.

•Full Beede instrumentation and dual tournament speedos for
the driver.

•Storage is accessible throughout, from bow to stern.

•Great price lets new buyers get skiing or wakeboarding
fast.