At 24 feet, 2 inches and 7,500 pounds, Malibu’s flagship M242 combines with 4,719 pounds of equivalent ballast (with the Power Wedge III deployed) to quickly and easily kick up professional-level wakesurfing waves and wakeboarding wakes. The Power Wedge III is a transom-mounted foil that drags the stern deeper, creating large, rideable surfaces. It also adjusts the shape and size of wakes and waves, from beginner to pro. Surf Gate features integrated plates on each side of the transom that allow seamless transfers from one side to the other. Onscreen diagrams make the Power Wedge III and Surf Gate easy to use.

Comfort abounds aboard the M242 thanks to deep seating and supple upholstery. High freeboard offers support and keeps out spray, even in the bow, where a unique removable center cushion hinges out of the seat storage compartment. Armrests, speakers and wireless chargers are among the other amenities in front. Aft, the Max Pivot seat ranks high in versatility. It converts to a rear-facing bench, a table or a daybed. At the transom, the backrests for the lounge seats flip up so passengers can enjoy the comfort of the large sun pad above the engine compartment while socializing with everybody else on board. Integrated misters help you and your crew stay cool on hot days.

At the helm, I found Malibu’s signature dual-touchscreen Command Center easy to learn. Performance settings display on the center screen, with control over the Surf Gate, Power Wedge, boatspeed and ballast. A rotary dial with tactile buttons conveniently mounted above the throttle provides redundant, eyes-free control over the audio, Surf Gate and Power Wedge. A secondary touchscreen controls lighting, audio and other systems. The audio and lighting systems feature zone control. Choose your colors for the bow, tower and lounge. A new touchscreen mounted in the cockpit provides control of everything as well.

There are numerous other features aboard the M242. Since writing space is limited, you’ll have to go see this new Malibu for yourself to learn about them.

High Points

• Power Wedge III and Surf Gate make creating and shaping wakes and waves simple.
• G10+ tower folds at the turn of a dial, holds a lot of boards, and is equipped with misters for keeping everybody cool on hot days.
• Stern Turn thruster control is integrated into the handle of the throttle, making maneuvering in tight spots much easier.
• Continuous locker space beneath the sun pad and engine-compartment doors allows for ample board, vest and rope storage.

How We Tested

• Engine: Monsoon LT4 607 hp/606 ft.-lb.
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/18″ x 14″ nibral
• Gear Ratio: 1.50:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Crew Weight: 460 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Malibu M242 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Malibu’s 2024 Wakesetter 23 LSV sports a contemporary new look. Like the 26 LSV, it’s graced by new contours, an angular rub rail, and customizable gelcoat and metal-flake options. In the cockpit, pop-up seatbacks add additional rear-facing seating to the wraparound bench. The Max Pivot seat slides forward to offer stadiumlike viewing of wake riders. It also converts to a picnic table or lies flat into a sun bed. Redesigned transom seats are more ready than ever to lounge at the cove with additional recline. Deploying the massive ­flip-down swim step, now available in a powered version, makes for easy transitions in and out of the water. Or enjoy it as the coolest seat in the house while at the cove or sandbar.

The features are all cool, but the 23 LSV’s wake potential seals the deal. At its core is Malibu’s Wake Plus hull, a shape designed to displace maximum water at slower board-riding speeds, but also cut through oversize wakes and keep spray out of the boat on windy, choppy days. Factory ballast is next, enclosed within four molded subfloor tanks and optimally placed for each individual model. Add the optional Power Wedge III hydrofoil, which has a simulated weight of 1,500 pounds at max deployment, and the total tops a dreamy 4,400 pounds of wake-boosting potential. Change the Power Wedge angle to influence wake height and length, catering to recreational riders to top pros. The Malibu Surf Gate vertical tabs, mounted alongside the swim platform at the rear hull corners, divert water flow off the hull to create a clean wake face on a rider’s preferred side.

That’s a lot of balls in the air. Thankfully, Malibu’s helm Command Center maintains control via one of the most intuitive touchscreen interfaces on the market. A few taps and we had all wake features dialed in and saved under individual rider presets. A second 7-inch touchscreen handles other functions, including lighting and music. As to the power required, Malibu’s Monsoon M5Di provided 360 hp and 400 foot-pounds of torque, enough to get even the most ­heavily loaded boat out of the water.

High Points

• Go Home function simplifies running post-surf, emptying all ballast, and stowing the Power Wedge III and Surf Gate hardware.
• Max Pivot sliding seat adds great versatility to the layout.
• Optional G10+ tower features color-matched tubing, speakers, ratcheting board racks, a life-jacket hanger, and gas-assist shocks for weightless folding.
• RGB lighting can be personalized to individual zones on the boat and synced to music playlists.

How We Tested

• Engine: 360 hp Malibu Monsoon M5Di
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/16.5″ x 14″ nibral
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 42 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.

Given the growth of the inboard watersports boat market over the last decade, it should come as no surprise that the trend of offering bigger and bigger models has only—for lack of a better term—grown. Manufacturers such as Centurion, Malibu and MasterCraft all offer models 26 feet or longer. But does bigger always mean better? Not necessarily. Fortunately, for prospective buyers who need something smaller, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Most brands offer at least one model 21 feet or under, and several offer multiple. While the advantages of larger boats specific to wakeboarding and wakesurfing are fairly obvious, such as more room for friends, larger ballast systems for superior waves, etc., there are a lot of benefits to smaller boats.

The most obvious advantage is the purchase price. Generally, a 20- to 22-foot model is going to cost significantly less than a 25- to 26-footer. The second biggest economic advantage for smaller boats is fuel efficiency. Less fuel consumed means more wallet savings. Plus, if you’re a boater who needs to trailer your boat to and from your favorite riding spots, a smaller boat means better gas mileage for the tow vehicle (and quite possibly a cheaper ­vehicle that doesn’t require such a large tow rating).

Along with being easier to tow, smaller boat models are much easier to store, especially if you need to keep one in a standard-size garage. Every model listed in this roundup features a collapsible tower, making it ideal for storing in tighter places. The ­smaller size also presents an advantage when it comes to handling. A 20-foot boat is going to be easier to maneuver than its ­26-foot sibling. MasterCraft’s XT20 is 6 feet, 5 inches shorter, 2 inches narrower and 1,800 pounds lighter than the Yacht ­Certified X26, so you know it’s going to be less demanding to handle in tight quarters.

With all the advancements in hull design and wave-shaping technologies, the smaller boats in the watersports segment are able to produce better wakes and waves than ever before. In years past, buyers who wanted clean surf waves with plenty of push for all the riders in their family often had to go for the bigger boats that displaced more water. In 2024, that’s not always the case. All the boats in our list can create waves that cater to all types of different riding levels and styles. You won’t be able to bring 16 or 17 of your closest friends; however, you can have a blast on the water with everybody you can bring, and you’ll likely save some money while doing it.

Here’s a look at eight of the best wakeboats under 21 feet.

Check out our list of eight great small, inboard-powered watersports boats. If you’re seeking easy stowage and lower costs, your next ride may be on this list.

MasterCraft XT20

The MasterCraft XT20 has undergone a complete overhaul, and MasterCraft spent a lot of effort making sure this 20-footer has the power of larger versions. The updated SurfStar technology allows the XT20 to produce smooth, symmetrical wakeboarding wakes as well as large waves with lots of push. Everyone onboard will be comfortable thanks to the convertible rear bench and transom lounge seats, which were made with triple-density foam and incredibly plush vinyl by MasterCraft. Customers can choose to go more simply with a new build or take this 20-footer to the next level with all the bells and whistles MasterCraft has to offer. The XT line is one of the most customizable on the market.

Pricing and Specs

Heyday H20

The Heyday H20, which is brand-new for 2023, builds on the success of its larger sibling, the H22. Heyday has established a strong presence in the market by providing excellent performance at a very competitive price. The H20 is the only boat in the lineup without an automatic surf system, but it isn’t required because it still produces a good wave that can be enhanced with an additional wave shaper that can be attached on a suction cup. The rear-facing transom seats, which are unmatched by any other manufacturer’s chairs, and the power-folding swimstep are two things we adore about the H20. This makes storing the H20 in a garage or other small locations much easier.

Pricing and Specs

Moomba Mondo

Buyers can now enjoy reliable performance at a more affordable price because of Moomba’s constant improvements to the models’ abilities and performance. The 20-foot Moomba Mondo is the smallest in the fleet, but it produces some very entertaining wakes and waves thanks to an amazing 3,700 pounds of ballast, the Swell Surf System plates, and AutoWake technology. The Mondo’s AutoWake system is essential since it uses onboard sensors to track the boat’s running attitude. The Swell Surf System and ballast will automatically adjust as necessary to maintain the wake or wave at the ideal location. This takes a ton of the guesswork out of setting the Mondo up, which is great for new users or veteran riders alike, because it means less time trying to figure things out and more time on the water having fun.

Pricing and Specs

Axis A20

Since the brand’s beginnings, the Axis A20 has been a mainstay in the range, and in 2020 it had a significant update. The A20 is a fantastic choice for families looking to get into the watersports scene thanks to a better running surface and a more comfortable ride. It is impossible to emphasize how simple the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems are to use for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Because of its adaptability, the A20 is excellent for riders who are just learning to stand up or who want to expand their repertoire of tricks.

Pricing and Specs

Malibu 21 LX

The Malibu 21 LX, introduced in 2022, is a model that draws inspiration from a number of previous Malibu models and transforms them into a multisport, family-friendly vehicle. One obvious example of this is the hybrid bow, featured on the 21 LX, which has lines that are similar to those of a traditional bow but an interior portion that is shaped like a larger pickle fork bow, providing greater space for passengers. Wake Plus and Diamond are the two hull styles available to buyers. While Diamond is designed for customers who also wish to water ski more aggressively behind the 21 LX, Wake Plus is intended for those leaning more toward wakesurfing and wakeboarding performance. As for the wakes and waves, the combination of Surf Gate and Power Wedge III ensure the 21 LX can be quickly and easily tweaked for all different levels and styles of riding. Opt in for the Surf Band remote and the rider can control those systems from their wrist while riding.

Pricing and Specs

Nautique GS20

For 2023, the Nautique GS20 has undergone a total makeover and is all-new. It is hailed as a true crossover performer since it can tow a skier around the slalom course in a matter of minutes after pulling a great wakesurf session with good waves. The GS20’s hull borrows design influences from its Super Air Nautique and Ski Nautique G23 relatives, enabling it to perform better in both extremes than you’d assume for a 20-foot V-drive. The Nautique Surf System plates that were tooled into the boat’s transom enable the GS20 to produce wakesurfing waves that can be adjusted for both novice and experienced riders. NSS plates are also much smaller than other surf system plates on the market, allowing for quick transfers from side to side when wakesurfing.

Pricing and Specs

Supra SR

The 20’11” Supra SR provides the sporty, aggressive appearance for which Supra has grown renowned, along with all-around performance that is suitable for both novice and experienced riders. The SR, which is the largest boat on this list at just under 21 feet, is rated for 14 passengers, more than any other vessel. If you invite some friends along, the 3,300 pounds of ballast and Supra’s Swell Surf System will produce huge, entertaining waves. The standard AutoWake technology from Supra makes the on-water experience easier and more enjoyable for both the captain and the rider.

Pricing and Specs

Tigé 20 RZX

Even though it is exactly 20 feet long, Tigé’s pickle-fork-shaped 20RZX can accommodate 13 people and 3,000 pounds of ballast. The 20 RZX keeps things simple and organized by placing the Clear Screen, which is positioned vertically, as the only screen in the cockpit. The 20 RZX’s systems can still be swiftly and simply managed with a few finger taps thanks to the single screen on the right of the steering wheel, which gives the captain a clear line of sight and minimizes distractions. The 20 RZX is a snap to set up and ride thanks to preset settings for surfing, wakeboarding, and water skiing, and the TAPS 3T surf plates make it simple to adjust the waves for different types of riders.

Pricing and Specs

Three More to Check Out!

• ATX 20 Type-S
• Malibu 20 VTX
• MasterCraft NXT20

The post Eight Great Small Wake Boats 2024 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Not just a 25 LSV with an extra foot added, the new 26 LSV offers higher gunwales for deeper seating of up to 18 and a more comfortable ride. New hullside geometry offers buyers a plethora of custom gelcoat options.

Like the hullsides, the high-end interior, including Soft Grip vinyl colors, offers nearly endless color customization.

Interior and Accessories

Wraparound seating provides several cool, unique 26 LSV features. First, a portside storage locker houses a custom cooler (and whatever other items you want to put in it) and acts as a rear-facing backrest. Slide the convertible aft bench forward, pop up the backrest, and crew have a continuous bench to watch all the fun behind the boat. The convertible bench itself is also new, dubbed the Max-Pivot Seat by Malibu. This quickly and easily converts into an aft-facing seat, but it can also become an elevated table or position into a lay-flat bed, converting the wraparound seating into a sun pad. ­Other amenities include wireless phone chargers throughout and transom seats with adjustable backrests. 

Malibu’s integrated Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems reside at the heart of the 26 LSV’s performance. Surf Gate tabs pivot off both transom sides, helping redirect the water flow to create epic wakesurf waves. The Power Wedge III is a hydrofoil-like device that drops below the running surface. It pulls the rear of the boat deeper, thereby creating cleaner, more potent wakes and waves. Riders choose from six positions, creating rampier or mellower options. With 6,100 pounds of onboard ballast (including the Power Wedge III), wakes are world-class and customizable for beginners to the ultra-advanced.

The helm boasts easy-to-use Command Center displays. Front and center, the main touchscreen allows a quick and easy setup for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, cruising and more. New diagrams depict the positions offered by the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III, and how to change the wake or wave shape. To the left is a vertically oriented touchscreen for controlling music, lighting, the blower and the bilge pump. To the right is Malibu’s patented command dial and touchpad buttons for quickly adjusting Surf Left and Surf Right settings, the Power Wedge III position, audio volume, cruise-control speed and more.

How We Tested

• Engine: Malibu Monsoon LT4 606 hp/607 lb.-ft. torque
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/1784 18″ x 14″ nibral
• Gear Ratio: 1.50:1 Fuel Load: 71 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

High Points

• Surf Band adjusts Power Wedge III, Cruise, Surf Gate and stereo while riding.
• Bow design keeps the nose up going over rollers.
• Surf Gate paired with Power Wedge III offers pro-level adjustability for any rider.

Low Points

• Ultra-picky riders cannot fine-tune or customize the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III as much as other brands’ wakesurf systems.

Another Competitor

Another 26-footer to shop against is Centurion’s Ri265. While size and many specs are similar with the 26 LSV, it has a smaller 92-gallon fuel capacity.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.

Tapping in at 26 feet, 5 inches in length overall and rated to carry a total of 18 watersports fans, the Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV offers room aplenty. Its bow maintains a traditional shape, with an attractive sheerline and design contours in the hullsides that allow for a variety of custom gelcoat patterns and colors that scream fresh and new.

The 26 LSV’s wraparound seating is truly spacious and includes a unique storage locker that doubles as an adjustable backrest. The all-new, trademarked, Max-Pivot Seat is another highlight. Many wakeboats include rear benches that face the transom, but few also turn into a table, and even fewer turn into a bed. That’s next-level lounging—and next-level thinking from the design team at Malibu.

At the helm, the Wakesetter 26 LSV boasts the intuitive, trademarked Malibu Command Center. The main center-mounted touchscreen displays the engine’s vital readings and gives access to system controls such as the ballast tanks, trademarked Surf Gate, Power Wedge III and cruise control. A secondary touchscreen to the left of the wheel controls accessories like the stereo and much more. To the right is Malibu’s signature Sport Dial, which provides control of stereo volume and cruise-control speeds without removing your eyes from the water. A wireless phone charger adds convenience; you can leave those pesky cords at home. 

Even with only two testers in the boat, the surf wave is incredible. Attribute this to Malibu’s industry-leading surf system with 4,600 pounds of hard-tank ballast and Power Wedge III adding an additional 1,500 pounds. Adjusting the Power Wedge III quickly changes the shape and style of the wave, from steep and rampy to long and mellow. Riders of any ability will be comfortable behind the 26 LSV. Getting on plane isn’t an issue either, thanks to the 606 ponies churning inside the Malibu Monsoon LT4 engine and the 606 foot-pounds of torque it puts out. Need help docking? Opt for the trademarked Stern Turn thruster.

Seeking a boat that’s as comfortable to lounge on with friends as it is to play behind while wakesurfing or wakeboarding? Check out the Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV.

High Points

• Surf Band adjusts Power Wedge III, Cruise, Surf Gate and stereo while riding.
• Bow design keeps the nose up going over rollers.
• Surf Gate paired with Power Wedge III offers pro-level adjustability for any rider.

How We Tested

• Engine: Monsoon LT4 606 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/1784 18″ x 14″
• Gear Ratio: 1.50:1 Fuel Load: 71 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Pricing and Specs

More Information

Malibu Boats Facebook

Malibu Boats Instagram

The post 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.

Malibu’s Wakesetter 22 LSV combines the traditional LSV bow styling with updated design cues and a sheerline embodying more attitude. 

Thanks to Malibu’s upholstery, overall spaciousness and deep seating, you’ll find comfort throughout the 22 LSV. The seating offers versatility too, with the optional Malibu Wake View Bench able to flip over to become rear-facing, and pop-up seats available on both the port and starboard sides. Storage proves ample underneath the seats, as well as in the rear lockers.

Equipped with Malibu’s trademarked Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems, the 22 LSV kicks up wakes and waves that generate smiles. The 4,000-pound max factory ballast—big for a 22-footer—and a handful of spectators ensure that the riding surfaces grow. Malibu’s hull design guarantees clean, symmetrical, and customizable wakes and waves. Adjusting the Power Wedge quickly alters the size and attitude of the wakes and waves, and the rider can make all the adjustments they want by wearing Malibu’s Surf Band. Whether pulling a first-timer or an advanced wakeboarder, the Wakesetter 22 LSV can do the job.

A large transom walk-through makes getting aboard easy and removes the problem of people stepping on the seats. The flip-down swim step makes getting out of the water easier and serves as a great -submerged seat for chilling.

The trademarked Malibu Command Center means that all the 22 LSV’s functions are adjusted easily at the helm utilizing two large touchscreens and a smart-control knob array. The main center-mounted touchscreen displays boat vitals and gives access to system controls such as ballast tanks, Surf Gate tabs, the Power Wedge and cruise control. A secondary touchscreen controls stereo volume and cruise control. To the right, find the Sport Dial, which allows adjustment of Surf Gate, the Power Wedge, cruise-control speeds and volume without having to take your eyes off the water.

Boat buyers seeking an easy-to-trailer boat that offers a traditional bow with updated styling and all the bells and whistles expected today should trial a Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV. 

High Points

• Choose Wake Plus hull for wake-sports performance, and Diamond hull for both wake- and water-skiing.
• Power Wedge III gets it on plane with zero bow rise.
• Malibu Soft Grip floor is comfortable and convenient.

How We Tested

• Engine: Monsoon M5Di 360 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/3537 16.5″ x 14″
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 39 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Pricing and Specs

More Information

Visit Malibu Homepage

Find A Dealer

Build Your Boat

Malibu Boats Facebook

Malibu Boats Instagram

The post 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.

Tapping in at 26 feet, 5 inches in length overall and rated to carry a total of 18 watersports fans, the Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV offers room aplenty. Its bow maintains a traditional shape, with an attractive sheerline and design contours in the hullsides that allow for a variety of custom gelcoat patterns and colors that scream fresh and new.

The 26 LSV’s wraparound seating is truly spacious and includes a unique storage locker that doubles as an adjustable backrest. The all-new, trademarked, Max-Pivot Seat is another highlight. Many wakeboats include rear benches that face the transom, but few also turn into a table, and even fewer turn into a bed. That’s next-level lounging—and next-level thinking from the design team at Malibu.

At the helm, the Wakesetter 26 LSV boasts the intuitive, trademarked Malibu Command Center. The main center-mounted touchscreen displays the engine’s vital readings and gives access to system controls such as the ballast tanks, trademarked Surf Gate, Power Wedge III and cruise control. A secondary touchscreen to the left of the wheel controls accessories like the stereo and much more. To the right is Malibu’s signature Sport Dial, which provides control of stereo volume and cruise-control speeds without removing your eyes from the water. A wireless phone charger adds convenience; you can leave those pesky cords at home. 

Even with only two testers in the boat, the surf wave is incredible. Attribute this to Malibu’s industry-leading surf system with 4,600 pounds of hard-tank ballast and Power Wedge III adding an additional 1,500 pounds. Adjusting the Power Wedge III quickly changes the shape and style of the wave, from steep and rampy to long and mellow. Riders of any ability will be comfortable behind the 26 LSV. Getting on plane isn’t an issue either, thanks to the 606 ponies churning inside the Malibu Monsoon LT4 engine and the 606 foot-pounds of torque it puts out. Need help docking? Opt for the trademarked Stern Turn thruster.

Seeking a boat that’s as comfortable to lounge on with friends as it is to play behind while wakesurfing or wakeboarding? Check out the Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV.

High Points

• Surf Band adjusts Power Wedge III, Cruise, Surf Gate and stereo while riding.
• Bow design keeps the nose up going over rollers.
• Surf Gate paired with Power Wedge III offers pro-level adjustability for any rider.

How We Tested

• Engine: Monsoon LT4 606 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/1784 18″ x 14″
• Gear Ratio: 1.50:1 Fuel Load: 71 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.

Malibu’s Wakesetter 22 LSV combines the traditional LSV bow styling with updated design cues and a sheerline embodying more attitude. 

Thanks to Malibu’s upholstery, overall spaciousness and deep seating, you’ll find comfort throughout the 22 LSV. The seating offers versatility too, with the optional Malibu Wake View Bench able to flip over to become rear-facing, and pop-up seats available on both the port and starboard sides. Storage proves ample underneath the seats, as well as in the rear lockers.

Equipped with Malibu’s trademarked Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems, the 22 LSV kicks up wakes and waves that generate smiles. The 4,000-pound max factory ballast—big for a 22-footer—and a handful of spectators ensure that the riding surfaces grow. Malibu’s hull design guarantees clean, symmetrical, and customizable wakes and waves. Adjusting the Power Wedge quickly alters the size and attitude of the wakes and waves, and the rider can make all the adjustments they want by wearing Malibu’s Surf Band. Whether pulling a first-timer or an advanced wakeboarder, the Wakesetter 22 LSV can do the job.

A large transom walk-through makes getting aboard easy and removes the problem of people stepping on the seats. The flip-down swim step makes getting out of the water easier and serves as a great -submerged seat for chilling.

The trademarked Malibu Command Center means that all the 22 LSV’s functions are adjusted easily at the helm utilizing two large touchscreens and a smart-control knob array. The main center-mounted touchscreen displays boat vitals and gives access to system controls such as ballast tanks, Surf Gate tabs, the Power Wedge and cruise control. A secondary touchscreen controls stereo volume and cruise control. To the right, find the Sport Dial, which allows adjustment of Surf Gate, the Power Wedge, cruise-control speeds and volume without having to take your eyes off the water.

Boat buyers seeking an easy-to-trailer boat that offers a traditional bow with updated styling and all the bells and whistles expected today should trial a Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV. 

High Points

• Choose Wake Plus hull for wake-sports performance, and Diamond hull for both wake- and water-skiing.
• Power Wedge III gets it on plane with zero bow rise.
• Malibu Soft Grip floor is comfortable and convenient.

How We Tested

• Engine: Monsoon M5Di 360 hp
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/3537 16.5″ x 14″
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 39 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.

We tested gas boats, diesel boats, electric boats, jet boats, outboard boats, inboard boats, sterndrive boats and surface-drive boats. We exceeded 150 mph on the water, and we cruised at displacement speeds. V-hull boats represented the lion’s share of our test pool, but we also ran plenty of catamarans in addition to some RIBs, a proa and even a hydrofoil. Coupled with our editors nearly 200 years of combined experience testing boats, this provides the Boating Tech Team with a river of experience that is broad and deep.

Each year, we apply that experience and select the most coveted award in recreational boating: the Boat of the Year (BOTY). Candidates must stand out in the category in which they reside or in the mission they are intended to fulfill. We do not pit a sport-fisher against a wakeboat, for example. Rather, if a wakeboat strikes us as a candidate, we assess how it innovates in that realm. So, the Boat of the Year is the boat that stands out in its category more than any other boat we tested stands out in any other category.

We announce the Boat of the Year winner in January. The five boats here are the 2022 BOTY finalists and themselves represent great boats for the missions in which they serve. Which boat will be the Boat of the Year? Find out in January.

Read Next: Learn more about Boat of the Year!

Malibu Wakesetter 21 LX

Marrying the bow seating space of a pickle-fork hull with the attractive lines of a traditional bow, this boat is actually offered with two hulls, one optimized for wake sports and the other allowing wake sports and water-skiing. Its G5 Tower and Integrated Surf Platform also won our editors praise.

Read Next: 2022 Malibu Wakesetter 21 LX

Taiga Orca PWC

Billed as the world’s first electric-powered PWC, we found its direct-drive simple to operate and discovered that it does not exhibit the idle steering issues of lag between forward, neutral and reverse that plague many PWC. Its lightweight carbon-fiber composite hull helps maximize efficiency.

Read Next: 2022 Taiga Orca Carbon

Scarab 285

Offering 600 hp, currently the most for a jet runabout, this boat proved quieter than others during our testing. We also liked that the BRP engines can be adjusted to stop the annoying “spin and creep” evidenced at idle by other jet boats. Uniquely for jet boats, custom vinyl, flooring and gelcoat are available.

Read Next: 2022 Scarab Jet 285 ID

Sea-Doo Switch

Here’s a boat that gets a family afloat for under $30,000, is trailerable with a midsize car, and is so truly easy to pilot and dock with handle-bar steering that it opens the world of recreational boating to a wider audience. Its customizable interior, with removable seats and accessories, lets owners set it up to suit the day.

Read Next: 2022 Sea-Doo Switch 21 Cruise

Solace 415CS

This diesel-powered center-console delivers superior range and seakeeping compared to its outboard-powered counterpart, which we documented side by side during a 400-mile round-trip cruise to the Bahamas Out Islands. The jack-shafted Volvo Penta Aquamatic system allows for the inclusion of an electric motor to make this a hybrid-powered vessel.

Read Next: 2022 Solace 415CS

The post Boat of the Year Finalists for 2022 appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

When introduced in 2006, Malibu’s Wakesetter 247 supersized the ­market. It was big in terms of length and also passenger capacity. With its 1,450 pounds of potential ballast and Malibu’s proprietary Power Wedge wake-shaper, it also produced awesome wakes. The 2022 Wakesetter 25 LSV ­carries on that tradition. At 25 feet, it remains big, now with an 18-passenger capacity. It also offers the third-generation Power Wedge and adds Malibu’s Surf Gate technology to dish up endless waves for the surf crowd. The biggest influence on wake size, however, will always be ballast. Here, compared to the original 247, the 25 LSV offers 250 percent more capacity. That’s not just supersizing. That’s super-duper-sizing.

Because it’s designed to displace more water, Malibu’s WakePlus hull naturally boosts wake size, but it’s the 3,680 pounds of potential ballast that really pumps up the volume. Distributed between a pair of molded, L-shaped tanks at the stern and a central tank between helm and port console, it adds 2,380 pounds below the floor, keeping the center of gravity low without eating up ­storage space. Flexible ballast bags, plumbed to easily fill and drain in plug-and-play fashion, can be added in stern storage compartments for another 1,300 pounds.

Malibu’s Power Wedge III continues to fine-tune that ballast-boosted wave while mimicking up to an additional 1,500 pounds. The hydrofoil-type wedge adjusts to multiple angles, pulling the boat’s stern deeper into the water as it arcs downward to further boost wake size and produce a ramplike shape with exceptional pop. As it approaches vertical, the wave lengthens and mellows, but retain its considerable mass. In this way, it mimics the old-school moving of ballast fore or aft, while giving the LSV the equivalent of over 5,000 pounds of ballast for those seeking a pro-level riding experience.

To create ideal surf waves, add the ­optional Surf Gate, a pair of vertical tabs located at transom corners that individually deploy outward to delay the convergence point of water coming off each side of the hull. Surf Gate builds and shapes a near-ideal surf wave on a rider’s preferred side. Surf Gate’s fast action also allows experienced riders to cross over and surf the opposite wake without missing a beat.

Three features make up Malibu’s ­Integrated Surf Platform (ISP) and are easily controlled via the Malibu ­Command ­Center, a set of 12- and 7-inch intuitive touchscreens at the helm. Simple ­presets are available for basic ride setups. ­Additional presets allow locking in an individual rider’s preferred setup of ballast load, wedge angle, Surf Gate deployment and speed. Malibu also offers the Surf Band, a bracelet controller that lets the rider adjust settings in real time.

Engine

Our test boat’s standard 430 hp ­Malibu Monsoon M6Di benefited from 460 foot-pounds of torque to push the LSV’s substantial weight through the water and power riders from a deepwater start with surprising ease. Should you want more, the optional LT4 pushes those figures to 607 hp and 606 foot-pounds. While conventional wisdom suggests that any wake-sports boat chugs fuel, the M6Di ­consumed between 6 to 8 gph at surf speeds and around 10 gph at wakeboarding speeds in our testing.

Interior and Accessories

As to the passenger experience, the 25 LSV offers a luxurious interior feel, with the appropriate focus on the action taking place in its wake. Seating follows a traditional layout, with a familiar bow ­cockpit, an ergonomic helm seat, and a perimeter bench wrapping most of the main cockpit. However, numerous features stand out. A pop-up cushion in the port bench creates an aft-facing backrest that mirrors the adjacent seat to starboard. Malibu’s Multi-View bench seat offers forward-facing seating against the engine compartment or slides into the cockpit using its flip-over backrest to focus occupants’ attention behind. That same seatback can pivot 90 degrees to fashion a snack table. Transom seats are handy when gearing up to ride, or easily transition into recliners when hanging out in the cove. The optional Natalie seat in the bow, named for the engineer’s wife who suggested it, adds a seatback in the windshield walk-through while doing double-duty to block wind. Plenty of storage is offered below the seat bottoms, ­behind the starboard bench’s seatback, and within the consoles.

MasterCraft’s XT25 ($163,000 well-equipped) likewise delivers impressive wakes and surf waves, with a traditionally shaped bow, 18-passenger capacity and luxurious feel. Both models are evidence of just how far the market has evolved—and how far ­supersizing has progressed.

High Points 

• Large rotary dial and tactile buttons allow for easy adjustment of wake settings and stereo volume while keeping your eyes on the water.
• Generous freeboard provides secure seating, a drier ride, more ballast and storage.
• Optional flip-down steps allow crew to board or disembark without stepping on the vinyl.

Low Points 

• Bow is playpen-style only, meaning crew sit with legs up rather than feet on the floor.
• Competitive models incorporate a dedicated anchor locker at the bow.

How We Tested

• Engine: Malibu Monsoon M6Di
• Drive/Props: V-drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15.5″ 4-blade nibral
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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