Moomba Mobius XLV

OVERVIEW
Moomba's flagship is revamped for 2008 with new features, styling and performance upgrades, including a new hull design and wake enhancements. And with the optional Gravity Games Edition package that was on our test model, buyers get a tournament-style ride right out of the box.

WHAT WE DIG
• Audio features, Kicker four-channel amp and six speakers
• Easy iPod/MP3 connector
• Black-faced 5-inch Beede gauges
• Contest-ready Gravity Games Edition
• Stainless rub rail for durability and style

FEATURES

Highlight Feature
Again, let's revisit that tower. This big XLV manages well with this beefy tower. Out on our test sessions, it seemed firm both as we went through double-ups and as the rider cut back and forth.

Hull
The 2008 XLV's updated hull design does more than create better wakes. It also offers quicker planning and better fuel efficiency, thanks to new positions for the lifting strakes that help the hull displace water with less resistance. But the real benefits are found behind the boat, where changes to deadrise and rocker create a better balance of transition and vertical lip.

Ballast
The new XLV Gravity Games Edition comes armed with 1,950 pounds of

ballast, enough weight to produce some serious wakes. The system loads the boat with one massive 1,150-pound bow bag that works in tandem with twin 400-pound bags in the rear.

Tower
Solid is how our testers described the standard Rad-a-Cage tower on the XLV. Constructed with 2.375-inch tubing, it's tough and sturdy. And with the Gravity Games Edition package, it comes complete with a mirror bracket and board racks.

Wake Shaper
Moomba's hydraulic wake plate might be our favorite feature of the Gravity Games Edition package. The adjustable plate allows riders to fine-tune the wakes behind the XLV to their liking and can help smooth the ride in rough water.

Wake
This boat is made for riding, so we weren't surprised to find a versatile wake behind the XLV that was generally rampy and fairly narrow with predictable pop, which is great for wake-to-wake tricks. And with the adjustable wake plate, beginners can mellow the wakes, then progress their skills fast.

SPECS
Length w/o platform: 23'
Beam: 8'2"
People: 16
Dry weight: 3,600 lb.
Ballast: 650 lb. bow bag
Tower: Rad-a-Cage
Main lounge: 59 sq. ft.

For more information, please visit www.moomba.com.