Buying a MALIBU!!

[mac19]

Hello I''ve been lurking around the forum for a few months and let me say thank you, it has been a wealth of information. I've never owned a malibu and I'm about to . I was looking at purchaseing an 05-06 23 LSV this fall or winter. My original goal was to purchase a boat with less than 200hr's. set up for family wake surfing boat 95% of the time. maybe a bit of wake boarding as well. I hadn't really considered the 247 because it was a bit out of my price range Then recently this boat popped up

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?/topic/24248-2006-wakesetter-247-with-400-hp-hammerhead/

I'm fairly new to boats and brand new to Malibu, how many hours are to many? 461HR's is this thing dead or does this motor potentialy have lots of life left? Is an 05-06 23 lsv just as good for wake surfing and am I better off with a 23 LSV with less hours? When setting up the wake for surfing how much benefit is the power wedge Vs manual wedge when fine tuning the wake. Is this 247 definately a better wake surfing boat and worth the xtra hours VS's a lower hour 23LSV. Below is an example of a 23LSV im interested in.

http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=820187

I live many miles away but my brother inlaw lives with in driving distance and can go look at the boat in person and test drive the boat. The boat owner said he can take it to a marine mechanic for an inspection, if I do this what items should I have inspected and looked at(compression test,etc.)? And the million dollar question what time of the year is the best time for buyers to have the most selection at the best price? or does it not really change throughout the seasons? and finally does anybody know the seller? once again you guys have a great site with so much info thanks for the great resource!!!!

Respectfully -Mac19

[REW]

416 Hours is still pretty young what matters most is how was it cared for. the fact that the 247 is at a repo speaks a lot of what may be lurking in the future for repairs and problems. that said if you get it at a great price and are a bit of a mechanic you could have a great boat with a bit of work. If you are not a mechanic and wont be doing your own work I would recomend the boat that hast been cared for the best, reguardless of engine hours.

Hope this heps.

REW

[boardnxtx]

Do you need the size of the 247? They will both be good surf boats and a good wave can be achieved without the use of the wedge, but the power wedge is a nice addition. I'm like you, I like low hours. The hours on the 247 would steer me away, but by no means is it a lot, cause these boats will last if well taken care of. The 23LSV has a good start to achieving the wave you'll want, with the addition of the 750lb sacs in the rear. But, this all comes down to personal preference. The 247 is a true lake limo, but the LSV has plenty of room too. Try and test drive each one if you can. If this is your first BU, I definitely wouldn't buy without making sure the one you pick is the one for you.

[hethj7]

Personally, I'd be all over that 23LSV if I was ready to buy now. From my limited research, it seems like a great deal if the boat is truly clean and problem free.

[Pistol Pete]

Both boats look good.

All I have to say is that I personally know DanP and have known him for quite a while. I've been to his house and skied on his boats (several Malibus). I can tell you that he is a 100% straight-up guy. What he says in his ad is the absolute truth. I know that whenever he does something to a boat, he does it right! No cutting corners, no cheap way out.

Just my .02 Good luck with your decision.

[Dan P]

I'm seriously not trying to sell you on my boat over the 23 LSV, but you stated your goal was to have a boat "set up for family wake surfing 95% of the time".

While I have never tried wake surfing, I believe the guys that do will tell you that the 247 is the boat of choice, and the power wedge is a big plus. Additionally, the extra power of the 400 HP Hammerhead is much more desireable, if not necessary.

[mac19]

I'm seriously not trying to sell you on my boat over the 23 LSV, but you stated your goal was to have a boat "set up for family wake surfing 95% of the time".

While I have never tried wake surfing, I believe the guys that do will tell you that the 247 is the boat of choice, and the power wedge is a big plus. Additionally, the extra power of the 400 HP Hammerhead is much more desireable, if not necessary.

Hey Dan The boat would probably be headed north if I had another 2k I'm a little short and I don't finance toys. We'll see if it's still around when I'm 2K richer. Any Idea what the fuel consumption is like compared to the monsoon?

Respectfully -CamD

[Dan P]

Hey Dan The boat would probably be headed north if I had another 2k

I thought you were the guy in Alabama. Where are you?

Any Idea what the fuel consumption is like compared to the monsoon?

Since the Hammerhead has only slightly bigger displacement, my guess is that it doesn't burn much more fuel. But to be honest, I've never checked fuel consumption on any of my boats. All I know for sure is that I use a lot more fuel when I'm pulling inflatables and skiers than I do when pulling wakeboarders and foilers. Higher RPM's = more fuel.

Respectfully -CamD

Edited July 25, 2010 by Dan P

[mac19]

Hey Dan I spoke with u a few nights ago. My brother inlaw is in Sacramento and I'm in Alberta. In the discription you mention no stereo, does this meen no deck or no stereo period, amps, speakers and wiring all gone? Let me know if u decide to move on the price at all, if it comes within my budget the trigger will be pulled

Edited July 25, 2010 by mac19