Looking for 23 Foot XTI or VLX

[SkiBumPMC]

I am looking for a 23 Foot Malibu 23 Footer, either a VLX or an XTI.

• Anyone selling a 23 Foot XTI or VLX
  
• I would prefer "No Tower"
  
• Low Hours
  
• I would prefer no "Tricked Out" graphics or "Funky" colors.
  
• 10 Years from now, I suspect we'll look back at those graphics & colors and say "That's sooo 2000's"
  

I realize what I am looking for is tough, which is why I am starting to look now.

I have a 1999 Sunsetter VLX (21 Foot) with 300 Hours in nearly perfect shape that I will sell, once I find what I am looking for. I need a bigger boat for the water I live on.

Edited August 31, 2010 by SkiBumPMC

[Bawshogg]

Your gonna be hard pressed to find a 23 foot VLX. VLX is the moniker used for the 21 ft. Wakesetter. Look for an 23 XTI or an LSV, which is the name used for the 23 ft boats.

[Roselaw1]

If you don't want a tower and no "tricked out graphics" or "funky colors", you should probably be looking at a Sunscape 23 LSV. They don't come with the wakesetter graphics. Generally are just clean sleak looking. Good luck with your search.

Edited August 31, 2010 by Roselaw1

[SkiBumPMC]

Thanks...

I am really getting confused with Malibu models and the cooresponding Hull types...SV23 Diamond, SV23 Wake, etc. It seems the hulls changed in certain years, so I really need to figure out what boat and what year to look for.

I learned my 99 VLX has an SV23 Wake Hull. It skis OK, but I have never been happy with the wake. I knew that when I bought it, though, but figured it it would be better than any I/O and I didn't think a DD would handle the rough water, so I opted for the V-Drive.

The dealer I bought my BU from is telling me that anything (XTI or LSV) with the SV23 Diamond Hull will ski better than what I have now. He even said I'd be happier with a 23 LSV with a Diamond Hull, compared to my 21 VLX. I figure the XTI with a Diamond Hull would be the ideal boat for me, because I love Direct Drive Handling, I slalom ski and I believe that will handle the rough water, well enough.

I guess I am trying to find that elusive boat that skis well, handles rough water and can hold a lot of people, comfortably.

Edited August 31, 2010 by SkiBumPMC

[chadwick02]

I've got a bud with a 21 XTI, and on a good day many will agree that the ski wake between a 21XTI and my 21LSV is very comparable. The 21XTI does handle a bit better, but the LSV has way more room and seating. Rear seating in the XTI is not available when you are puling from a center mounted pylon. If you dont have a tower that does not leave you with many options... I'd assume similar comparison for a 23XTI to a 23LSV. I'd look real close at a 23LSV. 23LSV: http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=818277

[REW]

Thanks...

I am really getting confused with Malibu models and the cooresponding Hull types...SV23 Diamond, SV23 Wake, etc. It seems the hulls changed in certain years, so I really need to figure out what boat and what year to look for.

I learned my 99 VLX has an SV23 Wake Hull. It skis OK, but I have never been happy with the wake. I knew that when I bought it, though, but figured it it would be better than any I/O and I didn't think a DD would handle the rough water, so I opted for the V-Drive.

The dealer I bought my BU from is telling me that anything (XTI or LSV) with the SV23 Diamond Hull will ski better than what I have now. He even said I'd be happier with a 23 LSV with a Diamond Hull, compared to my 21 VLX. I figure the XTI with a Diamond Hull would be the ideal boat for me, because I love Direct Drive Handling, I slalom ski and I believe that will handle the rough water, well enough.

I guess I am trying to find that elusive boat that skis well, handles rough water and can hold a lot of people, comfortably.

There have been a couple of XTi's on the site in the past year or so. You should be able to find one. Also remember the graphics come off.

REW

[EchelonMike]

Thanks...

I am really getting confused with Malibu models and the cooresponding Hull types...SV23 Diamond, SV23 Wake, etc. It seems the hulls changed in certain years, so I really need to figure out what boat and what year to look for.

I learned my 99 VLX has an SV23 Wake Hull. It skis OK, but I have never been happy with the wake. I knew that when I bought it, though, but figured it it would be better than any I/O and I didn't think a DD would handle the rough water, so I opted for the V-Drive.

The dealer I bought my BU from is telling me that anything (XTI or LSV) with the SV23 Diamond Hull will ski better than what I have now. He even said I'd be happier with a 23 LSV with a Diamond Hull, compared to my 21 VLX. I figure the XTI with a Diamond Hull would be the ideal boat for me, because I love Direct Drive Handling, I slalom ski and I believe that will handle the rough water, well enough.

I guess I am trying to find that elusive boat that skis well, handles rough water and can hold a lot of people, comfortably.

Get a 23 XTI - and get a tower too, even if you are not a wakeboarder. I use it for storing skis and boards, and a high mounted place for lights, speakers, and bimini is totally worth it for that alone. Plus all my kids want to board vs ski. Here's a pic of mine:

I got into this boat from a smaller 20 ft Echelon LX. I am a slalom skier and the 23 XTI has an amazingly good slalom wake for a 23 footer. If you are a tournament short line skier, it's not for you, but if you like to carve glass and pull hard tthrough the wakes in "training" for slalom course runs, it's a great boat. Tons and tons of storage, love the handling of the center engine, and filling ballast and dropping the wedge and you can catch serious air on a board. I think it's easily the best crossover boat out there.

Good luck in your search!

-- Mike