Short 2017 LSV23 review

[Sailvi767]

Had a bit more time with the new boat and surfed it for the first time. I had a 2016 VLX prior. Both boats with the 450 and the 2277 prop. LSV has a surfpipe and diamond hull. VLX had the wake hull. 

Top speed was 42MPH with the VLX. The LSV ran 41.4 today with the surfpipe. 3500 RPM is about 25.6 and probably the sweet spot for cruise. Handling to me seems the same between both boats. Both drive better then the G23. LSV is quieter as discussed in another thread. The LSV has less bow rise then the VLX but the G23 is the king here with virtually no bow rise. Surfing I would rank the boats with the LSV best, G23 second and the VLX last but all are very close. The LSV wave was longer with more push then the VLX. The G23 wake is a different shape. It may be I am just used to a Malibu wake and biased. G23 was internal only ballast with both bu's having plug and play. I can't see any degradation of the surf wake with the diamond hull and the wakeboard wake looked excellent. The LSV accelerated to 23 MPH with wedge two clicks down, full ballast plus 1500 lbs of PNP and 700 lbs in crew weight with no issues using the 2277. Not sure however it would do the same with a 2401 I will try later.

The stereo is a improvement over the 2016 and so far the Bluetooth has been perfect. Had issues with the 2016. G23 Stereo with waveform is better. The shower location seemed better on the 2017 until I discovered the hose is to short to reach the swim platform. I will order a longer hose however Malibu needs to build them with a longer hose. The self venting PNP bags are a nice feature on the 2017's. The 2017 has the ladder and it's a hit with everyone. Should have had it on the 2016. Our Golden Retriever figured it out in a couple of tries and gets in the boat on her own now! Have the electric seat on the 17 and wife loves it for surfing. She can see over the bow without standing. Another hit! Surfing at the above mentioned weights the boat is running 3400 to 3800 depending on wedge setting. The Ski wake does look better then the VLX and blows away the G23. Perhaps the diamond hull works but until I ski it can't really say. 

Overall we like the boat. I am hoping it has fewer issues then the 2016. So far it's been flawless.  

 

[2THEL8K]

Great review, I have a 17 on order with the diamond hull, no surf pipe, and the standard 410.  Appreciate your comparison as I was initially leaning towards the VLX, glad we went the LSV route.

[ahopkins22LSV]

Maybe I missed it in another thread but, pics??!!

[TallRedRider]

Sailvi, 

You need to change the boat listed in your avatar.  It sounds like you are going to keep the new one.