The Competition

[hethj7]

Okay, let's say you have a budget of about $35K and are looking at the VLX, LSV, or 23XTI around 2004. You want a boat that can hold a crew of 8 comfortably, want something you can board behind, and something that may support a surfing hobby in the future.

What other manufacturers and models would you also being considering?

[Faith7]

Okay, let's say you have a budget of about $35K and are looking at the VLX, LSV, or 23XTI around 2004. You want a boat that can hold a crew of 8 comfortably, want something you can board behind, and something that may support a surfing hobby in the future.

What other manufacturers and models would you also being considering?

A 2003 or 2005 super air nautique 210. There is a white 2005 in Florida on only inboards that looks mint. My 2 cents.

[hethj7]

Any reason you excluded 2004?

[Bobby Light]

A 2003 or 2005 super air nautique 210. There is a white 2005 in Florida on only inboards that looks mint. My 2 cents.

He said a crew of 8 comfortably, anything more than 5 in that boat is crowded.

[boardnxtx]

I'll second what 06VLX said. I had an 04 210 before I got my BU and the size comparison is night and day. The 210 hull didn't change until 2007 either, so anything before is going to be tiny on the inside. Under the rear deck, the storage is less than half of what you get in a VLX, due to the above floor, triangle shaped ballast tanks. Not much room for storage any where in the boat, other than under the hatch, which is almost the only place in that boat to put a sub (under drivers dash is cramped). Nautique's wake has it's own following, but I love the VLX wake as well. I was looking into 07 210's when I got my BU, but again, the size is still night and day. If you are going to have a good sized crew with you often, you will quickly see how "things" become an issue in the Nautique. I'd stick with looking for an 04-06 VLX or LSV. You won't go wrong and you'll have plenty of room to comfortably fit the crew. Plus, IMO, the surf wake is much better in the BU, when correctly weighted. Put the boats side by side and you will quickly see the size difference. Even though the VLX is only a half a foot longer, the BU is a much bigger boat all around.

[hethj7]

No other thoughts? I know, Bu's rule, but if you're in the market, what else are you looking at? Moomba Mobius LSV? Supra Launch? Anything from Mastercraft or Centurion?

[CumminsBu]

Test them all, see what you like best and will fit your crews needs. All inboard will do what you need, but Malibu just does it better with fit, finish and room. You can't forget the most important part, "the wake."

[MARiley]

x-1/2 (whatever the original x-star was called around then), or a sante with the python

[TrickyNicky]

The top three are Bu, Mastercraft, and Nautique. As far as fit and finish these are where you want to look.

The next two would be Tige and Centurion, but they've really only stepped up their quality in the last few years, so used ones may not be up to par.

Than you have Supra, MB, and the lower end would be moomba.

This is all relative to fit n finish, Wakes will differ between and thats usually a persoanl preference.

Other manufacturers are Epic, axis and gekko(avoid) but I assumed you were looking for a used boat so I didn't list these.

As far as the models, I really have no clue except for Bu's.

Finally, are you goign to be going out for a full day or a couple hours. This makes a huge difference in what can fit 8 people. My VTX can fit 10 ppl because I go from our cottage dock, but If I was trailering for the whole day I wouldn't want more than 6 ppl and a couple kids plus all the equipment food etc..

[boardnxtx]

I honestly like the Epic's and the new round of MB's; both are good sized boats that have a ton of internal ballast and they throw a great wake. Supra's are a good affordable boat, but I hate the fact that they have ballast bags instead of under floor tanks. Definitely messes with the storage issue, but also easy to plug-n-play larger bags. Spend a few weekends test driving boats and you'll quickly narrow down your search.

[hethj7]

Thanks for the responses. This is the kind of input I was looking for.

[Faith7]

Any reason you excluded 2004?

the tower arm is in the way on the'04..it is a real pain..when you look right it is right in the way.

[kisersosay]

Okay, let's say you have a budget of about $35K and are looking at the VLX, LSV, or 23XTI around 2004. You want a boat that can hold a crew of 8 comfortably, want something you can board behind, and something that may support a surfing hobby in the future.

What other manufacturers and models would you also being considering?

The devil is in the details. I can speak personally for Mastercraft and Malibu. They are the cream of the crop. I also hear that Natiques are very solid, well built boats that last forever. I just don't have any peronal experience with them. I had a 1987 MC Prostar that I sold in 2009. When I sold that 21 year old boat in 2009, it ran like it did the day it came from the factory. She was a beauty, just not a good boat for wakeboarding. My 2004 Wakesetter VLX is a beast! It is built like a tank. Look at the build quality of MC and Malibu and compare that to Moomba, Supra and the like. They don't hold a candle to MC or Malibu. Not trying to sound like a snob but these just don't compare. I ride almost every day. My close circle of friends all have wakeboard boats. Here are the boats I ride behind at some point every week;

2006 MC X-Star

2007 Moomba Mobius LSV

2004 Malibu Wakesetter VLX (mine)

2009 Moomba Mobius LSV

2009 Supra Launch

Check out the quality of the vinyl, carpet and gauges. Check out the fit and finish of the boat overall. Spend some time driving them and boarding behind them. I think you will agree that MC and Malibu rise above the rest. The boats drive better, perform better and feel tighter than the competion. The engines even sound better and have much less vibration. There is a reason you pay more for an MC or a Malibu. Take care of them and they will last you a lifetime. My buddy bought a 2009 Moomba Mobius pretty well loaded (tower, ballast, bimin, PP wakeboard pro, tower mirror and trailer) for 41K brand new. Try and find a new Malibu or MC with a full list of options for that price. Not going to happen.

My 2 cents, spend some time and find an MC or Malibu with the options you want. You will be much happier in the long run.

"and that's the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so"............

[fijidaniel]

Man, I could not imagine riding with a crew of 8 in anything smaller than a 23ft.

[Tyger]

It's true you get what you pay for. My first boat was an '05 Moomba LSV. I was great for a starter boat, but the fit, finish and features don't compare to a 'bu. If you find a good deal on a boat, understand what it offers in terms of features. If you haven't spent that much time behind at least one v-drive, the wake from any v-drive is going to be good enough for you. If you are a really progressive rider and are ready to upgrade in a year or two, you aren't going to lose out on a boat that age if you pay a fair price. Resale values for v-drives really flatten out from around 20-30K so if you take care of your boat, you will get close to what you paid for it.

If you want a boat sooner, look for a good deal on a v-drive and understand what it offers. If you want to wait, you won't be sorry with a 'bu or MC.

[elc]

I have gone through the boat buying process a few times... so here is my feedback.

Figure out what is important for you and your family. Figure out your budget and test drive boats in that price range. For example: My priorities were, space, wake board wake, handling and dealer support. I demoed a few boats that were in my price range but the boat I purchased met my high level requirements.

[MizzouMike]

Okay, let's say you have a budget of about $35K and are looking at the VLX, LSV, or 23XTI around 2004. You want a boat that can hold a crew of 8 comfortably, want something you can board behind, and something that may support a surfing hobby in the future.

What other manufacturers and models would you also being considering?

Nice Avatar

[hethj7]

Thanks for all the great responses!

Figuring out my budget seems to be the hard part. Until the end of year bonuses come out, I won't know my budget for sure. But just looking around at what is out there, it is easy to say, "Well for a few more grand, I can get this". Before long, you're $10-15K over your original budget

I certainly love the Bu's. If I do end up in something like a Moomba, it would be a starter boat. Something a little cheaper and something that my wife and I can use to prove to ourselves that we'll actually be on the water as much as we think. After reading posts about friends not showing up for lake trips and knowing that my buddy with the 247 used to beg people to go, maybe we won't make it out as much as we plan. Only time will tell.

It is going to be tough to demo boats around here. No Malibu dealer around anymore. Maybe I can hook up with some people on the boards to get a ride in a VLX, etc. Then at least I can cross stuff off the list before just waiting around for used one to pop up in my area. From what I've seen, when I go to buy a used boat, chances are I'll have to travel for it. I don't want to travel multiple times for test drives just to find out I don't even like the make/syle/size of the boat. I'd rather show up for a test drive knowing I want that boat, and am there just to make sure it runs well and has been cared for.

MizzouMike - Nice name!

[hethj7]

Maybe I should have started a new thread, but figured I'd keep this one going. I made it by Marine World over in Wichita yesterday. They had a 2005 21' Air Nautique. You all were right - the interior space is tiny in that compared to the Malibu and Mastercraft. I don't see any reason to choose that boat over a Bu or Mastercraft, especially considering they are usually just as expensive or higher. The 23LSV obviously is very roomy, but I was also pleasantly surprised at the room in the VLX. I'm definitely keeping it on our list of possibilities. The Mastercraft X-15 right next to the VLX also had plenty of room.

Edited August 13, 2010 by hethj7

[skier_88]

I just came across this link http://www.waterskis.com/Competition-s/173.htm it is about Mastercraft vs. Malibu..... quite pro MC. I can only imagine how this may make the Bu Crew boil. I have been around both boats and love the Bu.

[martinarcher]

You know when the page loads and there's a huge Mastercraft 40th anniversary banner that the page will be unbiased.

[hethj7]

Interesting article, whether any of it is true or not. Mastercraft and Malibu both make great boats. I'm more of a Malibu fan just because that is what I've been around.

As someone who is looking to buy within the next year, I'd buy either. Honestly, one reason I lean towards Malibu is because of The Malibu Crew. I know if I buy a Bu, I'll have a tremendous resource right here for modifications, troubleshooting, etc. That means something to me, especially when there isn't a Malibu or Mastercraft dealer within a few hours of me.

[martinarcher]

Interesting article, whether any of it is true or not. Mastercraft and Malibu both make great boats. I'm more of a Malibu fan just because that is what I've been around.

As someone who is looking to buy within the next year, I'd buy either. Honestly, one reason I lean towards Malibu is because of The Malibu Crew. I know if I buy a Bu, I'll have a tremendous resource right here for modifications, troubleshooting, etc. That means something to me, especially when there isn't a Malibu or Mastercraft dealer within a few hours of me.

Right on. I also think that is a huge reason to buy a Bu and one of the reasons I'll always be a loyal Malibu owner.

[TrickyNicky]

I just came across this link http://www.waterskis...ition-s/173.htm it is about Mastercraft vs. Malibu..... quite pro MC. I can only imagine how this may make the Bu Crew boil. I have been around both boats and love the Bu.

I read that a few weeks ago, At first it made me mad and than I couldn't contain my laughter, of course I was linked to it from MC's very unbiased "TeamTalk". The only thing that upsets me about crap liek that is that some naive knucle-headed buyer is goign to believe it all and it will effect his purchase. Than I reconsider and think, thats probably why MC owners have the reputation that they do, bceause MANY (not all) are naive knuckle-headed owners that believed the first thing they read and didn't spend the time to compare and get whats best for them.