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Sunscape 21 Vs VTX with cut diamond


speedyalex

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I would like some advice on selection of a Malibu. I presently have a 2001 Sunsetter and I'm looking to upgrade to a v-drive. We spend 40% slalom, 40% hydrofoil and 20% wakeboarding so a crossover boat is desirable. As most have read, the VTX with the cut diamond seems to be the boat of choice. My only hesitation is how well the boat handles in rougher water (i.e. 2-3' whitecaps) and would like a little more space if possible. However, I don't want to compromise the slalom wake too much. Does the 21' Sunscape ski much different than the VTX as they have both have the cut diamond hull? In fact, you can order the VLX Wakesetter with the cut diamond hull. How important is 20 vs 21.5 feet? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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You need to demo both boats. No one can decide for you whether the wake compromise is too big for the added space. I really liked the idea of a slalom capable V-drive and was excited to ski behind a 20' cut diamond v-drive. After skiing behind one...I'll be staying with a direct drive. The more convenient layout was really nice but not enough to get me to give up the slalom wake of a direct drive. No.gif Others will disagree with me. To each his own. Slalom wake quality is more important to me than the comfort / convenience of the v-drive layout. The only change I would make from my Sportster would be to a closed bow Response. Thumbup.gif

Demo, demo,...

Edit: The 21.5 footer is on the SV25 Diamond Hull. The 20 is a Cut Diamond.

Edited by NorCaliBu
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I would like some advice on selection of a Malibu. I presently have a 2001 Sunsetter and I'm looking to upgrade to a v-drive. We spend 40% slalom, 40% hydrofoil and 20% wakeboarding so a crossover boat is desirable. As most have read, the VTX with the cut diamond seems to be the boat of choice. My only hesitation is how well the boat handles in rougher water (i.e. 2-3' whitecaps) and would like a little more space if possible. However, I don't want to compromise the slalom wake too much. Does the 21' Sunscape ski much different than the VTX as they have both have the cut diamond hull? In fact, you can order the VLX Wakesetter with the cut diamond hull. How important is 20 vs 21.5 feet? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Huge. I've skied the "old" 21 foot sunscape and the 21.5 diamond and there is a BIG difference. The difference is even larger when comparing the 21.5 to the 20.

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I have no complaints with how the VTX with the cut diamond hull handles in rougher water. 3' waves are not going to provide an awesome ride on any ski boat with a relatively low freeboard, but if you just kept it relatively slow, maybe put some weight in the bow (bow ballast makes this much easier) to reduce porpoising as you come over the waves, you should be able to handle it. The build of any Malibu, no matter what the size, is what will give you confidence going through heavy chop.

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We spend most of our summers in lake Havasu Az where the chop can be pretty bad for even the biggest boats. I just load up all my ballast and find that I can maintain about 20 to 25 mph in even the heaviset chop with my 08 VTX. Like one other said chop aint fun for any boat but you soon figure out what works best for your boat. Also have to pay attention to the throttle and your wife screaming SLOW DOWN you A**. But your stereo can drown that out. lol.

Edited by Malibuswany
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You need to demo both boats. No one can decide for you whether the wake compromise is too big for the added space. I really liked the idea of a slalom capable V-drive and was excited to ski behind a 20' cut diamond v-drive. After skiing behind one...I'll be staying with a direct drive. The more convenient layout was really nice but not enough to get me to give up the slalom wake of a direct drive. No.gif Others will disagree with me. To each his own. Slalom wake quality is more important to me than the comfort / convenience of the v-drive layout. The only change I would make from my Sportster would be to a closed bow Response. Thumbup.gif

Demo, demo,...

Edit: The 21.5 footer is on the SV25 Diamond Hull. The 20 is a Cut Diamond.

What he said!

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