View Boat HouseMy review of the 09 vlx... A few of us were given the opportunity to drive ride and photo the new vlx. So Friday afternoon we met up at the launch. The weather was great 80 degrees and only a couple boats on the lake. Perfect. We load up the boat with fat sacs and gear and off we go. First impression- the boat has more room in it. The bow is bigger and there seems to be more little niches for the driver to store stuff. The new interior fixes all the little things you never really thought about until they fixed it. Examples there are power outlets everywhere. The step off the back is a blessing (surprising I didn’t think I would care but it was really nice). The new side panel at the driver’s helm is great storage for all the drivers needs. The new captain’s chair is awesome. It sits higher than previous models and all the controls are within reach from the seated position( no more little latch way down under to swivel, and the lumbar knob is set back further to not be an ankle grabber when facing back). Also the seat got a little shorter so when the bolster is up you don’t have as big of a shelf between your legs.
We were lucky enough to get a boat with the maliview. Wow. As a 900 dollar option it is worth every cent. It gives you all the important info and then some. A 10 year old can figure it out in 5 minutes and a 40 year old can have it figured out in 10 min. the operation is simple and to the point. The pre sets are awesome from the factory and creating your own is as easy as pie. The only thing I would change would be to get rid of everything else and put it all on the maliview. The screen is easy to read (even in direct sunlight). And even easier to navigate. THIS IS A MUST HAVE! With video options and camera options I have to say this is by far the best thing ever. All other manufacturers had better take note as people use it they are going to demand it.
Ok now the goods the wake. We ran the gamete of wake size and shape. We started with the stock settings and worked are way up to the point of filling up bags. All I can say is this boat really doesn’t need bags. The wakeboard wake is awesome from beginner to pro there will be no need for extra ballast. The trough has been laid out and the ramp is long and smooth we ran the boat at 22 and 24 the wake was incredible. I have to say Malibu hit it. This boat will make everyone on the boat happy from the guy how just learned how to get up to the pro who wants to hit 1080`s. with stock ballast. We were so impressed with it that we didn’t even bother adding sacks. There literally was no need.
Now on to my favorite part the surf wave. (As a lot of you know I prefer to surf). Holy crap bat man is how I will start this part. We used the factory presets to start. The regular side was good as good as my 07 with a 750 sac. We put 2 riders on it. Rider A 5’3” and 150# and rider B 5’10” or so and easy230#. Rider A had no problem riding it on a short board a little close to the boat but very ride able. Rider B had a little more difficulty staying in the pocket. But could manage it. Keep in mind this is with the stuck pre set surf setting. So we start checking it out and the stock setting doesn’t fill the bow and keeps the wedge all the way down so of course we fill the nose and bump the wedge up. Rider A now can easily do tricks and ride back in the 10 foot range. Rider B can also now ride it easily and run back to about the 8 foot mark. I have to say that for stock ballast this boat put out an awesome surf wave the beginner and intermediate rider will love it and the pro will find that he wants a little bit more but can do everything he wants to. Now the dark sides take everything I just said and make it bigger better and cleaner. It honestly makes me want to change my preference the goofy riders will never want a fat sac because they won’t need it. The wave is long tall meaty and almost intimidating.
Now let’s add some weight. We filled a 725# bag in the locker. The boat at this point is barely leaning over witch in itself is a weird feeling. So we throw rider b in the water get him up and in the first ten seconds you can tell by the look on his face alone he is happy. The wave is long hip high nice long transition and most important still clean. Rider B is amazed the wave is extremely fun at this point. Now rider A – being that I’m rider A all I can say at this point I’m thinking that this is a sm. Version of the enzo. I can easily get 15+ feet back and come roaring up to the back of the boat without even trying. For me the wave is above my waist is rampy you don’t feel like I’m charging up a wall and the push is awesome and effortless. So now were thinking if a 750 did this what will more do so we fill a 400 on the seats.
Rider A (me ) gets back on it now here’s where it gets funny there really wasn’t a big difference. Now I know in my 07 400# makes all the difference. I have to say I was just as happy without it. Which made my day no exposed bags lying around and a wave that frankly is one of the best I have ever ridden? That being said my comparisons are as follows Malibu- 247 w/3k over stock, 23lsv 2500 over stock, vlx diamond 3k over stock vlx wake 1500over stock. Centurion- enzo 24 enzo bag over stock, 23 enzo with enzo sac over stock. Master craft- x-45 1500 over stock, x-2 2k over stock. As you can see I have surfed behind a few boats. The 09 vlx will be the surf machine you desire with nothing more than a 750 in the locker.
Over all the boat is fantastic I would like to thank the guys at BAKES MARINE for the opportunity to drive, ride, surf and all around climb all over this boat and play with everything. It is hands down amazing and I loved every inch of it. Now if I was you I would quit reading this and go to the dealer for your own test drive. Also I’m tasking donations for supplying you with this great review please send checks to I need a new vlx fund... lol jk. I hope this info and pictures help you out. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Happy boating to you all
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