Malibu Boats: Best Ski Models And Features

Malibu boats are a popular choice for water skiing, with a range of models that cater to different needs and preferences. When it comes to water skiing, factors such as wake size, comfort, and boat features that provide consistent pulls and performance in slalom, trick, and jump skiing are crucial. One of the most prominent models for water skiing is the Response TXi, a 13-time world record-holding, tournament-approved boat that satisfies everyone from hardcore slalom skiers to those who enjoy free skiing on the weekends. Another notable option is the Wakesetter 20 VTX, which offers a versatile hull that excels in both wakeboarding and surfing, making it a great choice for families who enjoy a variety of water sports.

Malibu Wakesetter 20 VTX

The Malibu Wakesetter 20 VTX is a versatile triple-sport boat that can be used for skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. It is easily trailerable and can fit in most garages. The boat has a maximum capacity of 11 people and an approximate dry weight of 3,950 lbs.

The Wakesetter 20 VTX is equipped with a powerful 360 hp Malibu Monsoon M5Di engine, delivering an impressive 400 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine provides exceptional throttle control, whether ballasted down or running light and fast. The boat also features a specially shaped Diamond Hull, which helps generate respectable wakeboard and wakesurf waves while still allowing for slalom skiing.

The interior of the Wakesetter 20 VTX offers plush seating and a range of convenient features, including a 12-inch MaliView touchscreen that allows finger-tap control of the ballast, Power Wedge III, Surf Gate, and navigation. The boat also comes with a variety of towers and options, such as a center-mounted ski pylon and a short wing windshield.

One of the standout features of the Wakesetter 20 VTX is its attention to detail and styling, which is described as being "as good as it gets." The boat also offers a smooth and quiet ride, with minimal spray and a soft, readily crossable wake at slalom speeds.

In terms of safety, the Wakesetter 20 VTX is equipped with features such as dual auto bilge pumps, a bilge blower, navigation lights, and a horn. It also has LED courtesy lights, accent lighting, and illuminated storage areas for added convenience.

Overall, the Malibu Wakesetter 20 VTX is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and high-performance boat for watersports, offering a unique combination of power, comfort, and style.

Malibu Response TXi

The Malibu Response TXi is a world-class, tournament-approved ski boat, with a 13-time world record holding status. It is designed for all ski levels, from hardcore slalom skiers to free skiers. The TXi is a three-event boat, with high-performance capabilities in slalom, trick and jump skiing.

The TXi's hull is a unique, innovative T-Cut Diamond design, which is the foundation of its exceptional performance. This design allows for a soft, flat wake, which is essential for waterskiing. The hull is also wider at the bow, with adjusted chines and angled strakes, giving a more forgiving wake and a better ride on the water. The TXi's hull is cut with precise tolerances, thanks to its CAD design and production via a five-axis router.

The TXi has two models: the base and the Malibu Open Edition. The base model can be upgraded to include Zero Off speed control technology. The Malibu Open Edition comes with 10 luxury and functional upgrades, including a 7-inch touchscreen, side storage, billet grab handles, and upgraded steering wheel. The Open Edition also includes Zero Off speed control technology as standard.

The TXi has a spacious interior, with a short-wing windshield, which allows skiers to optimise their performance and reach further to the side without obstruction. The boat has a well-designed, ergonomic interior, with superior cockpit visibility, and state-of-the-art electronics. The captain benefits from an ergonomic and luxurious helm, with the Malibu Operating System, allowing for the perfect pull every time. The TXi also has plenty of storage, with rear-hatch lids, and a custom ski storage rack, so you can carefully store your ski without displacing passengers.

The TXi is powered by the industry-leading Malibu Monsoon M6Di or M5Di engines, which offer increased reliability, durability, and lower emissions. The engines are also whisper-quiet, so you can enjoy a conversation without having to compete with the engine noise.

Malibu Wakesetter LSV 23

The Malibu Wakesetter LSV 23 is a top-selling towboat, offering the perfect balance of performance, space, and agility. It is a sleek, luxury sports V-drive boat, with a traditional bow that cuts through surf waves and keeps out spray on windy days.

The LSV 23 is a versatile boat, ideal for families, with a capacity of 16 people. It is highly customisable, with four board rack options, and the option to add up to four racks in total. The standard G5 Tower can be upgraded to the G10+ Tower, which features RGB lighting, tower misters, and overhead lighting. The boat also features a walkthrough transom design, with redesigned seats that have a laid-back lounger feel.

The LSV 23 is equipped with the Malibu Command Center, which has an ultra-wide, low-profile screen, rider and driver profiles, and simplified functionality. The boat also has a patented Flip-Down Swim Step, which makes it easy for people and pets to get in and out of the water.

The LSV 23 has a dry weight of 5,700 lbs, a weight capacity of 2,256 lbs, and a fuel capacity of 65 gallons. It has been voted Wakeboard Boat of the Year four years in a row.

Malibu Cut Diamond Hull

The Malibu Cut Diamond Hull is a running surface that is as versatile as it is innovative. It is tournament-approved for waterskiing and can also produce powerful surf waves and perfectly-formed wakeboard wakes. This makes it the best all-around running surface for families who want to enjoy smooth waterski wakes, surf waves, and wakeboarding wakes all in one day.

The Cut Diamond Hull is available on the Wakesetter 20 VTX, which is a triple threat and the ultimate multi-sport boat. The VTX stands for versatility, and the 20 VTX is a true marine engineering marvel that lives up to its name. It is fun to drive, easy to store, and simple to trailer, making it a great choice for families who want to enjoy a variety of water sports.

The Cut Diamond Hull is also available on the Malibu 20 VTX's bigger sibling, the Malibu 22 LSV. The 22 LSV is a versatile boat that offers a multi-sport experience, with a combination of wake, surf, and ski that has no equal. It has a spacious interior that can be easily transformed into a wake stadium, and it delivers an elevated captain's experience with its ultra-plush power helm seat and luxurious Malibu Command Center.

The Cut Diamond Hull is a testament to Malibu's relentless innovation and commitment to providing the best water ski boat experience. With its versatility, performance, and attention to detail, the Malibu Cut Diamond Hull is sure to enhance your time on the water and provide unforgettable memories for you and your family.

Malibu Monsoon Engines

The Malibu Monsoon LT4 is a supercharged engine that stands out for its superior performance and durability. With 607 HP, it delivers an impressive balance of power and efficiency. The LT4 was specifically designed with ease of maintenance, serviceability, and operation in mind, ensuring you spend less time worrying about your engine and more time enjoying your time on the water.

The M5Di and M6Di engines also showcase exceptional performance, with the M5Di offering 360 HP and the M6Di delivering 430 HP. These engines are known for their low sound levels at various RPMs and impressive fuel economy, comparable to smaller engines. Additionally, the M5Di is designed to provide more efficiency, while the M6Di serves as the standard engine for some of the largest Malibu boats.

The Malibu Monsoon engines are built with unrivalled quality and attention to detail. They feature cast aluminium block and cylinder heads, cast aluminium marine oil pans, dual equal cam phasing, glycol-cooled oil/transmission heat exchangers, and mess-free oil changes with cartridge-style oil filters. The engines are designed to be powerful and efficient, delivering peak torque at around 3,000 RPMs for optimal performance and fuel economy.

In summary, the Malibu Monsoon Engines offer award-winning performance and unmatched reliability. With their innovative design, power, and efficiency, these engines ensure an exceptional boating experience, whether you're a recreational skier or a competitive athlete.

Frequently asked questions