21 LX All Around Performance

[MidwestVTX]

Hey Malibu Friends, I've had 2 VTX's and a 2010 VLX that I sold last fall.  I'm now taking a close look at a 2022 21 LX that seems to meet a lot of my requirements.  I read some posts, but was curious how owners felt now that they've had them a few seasons.  

I'm one of those guys that still loves to slalom ski, but need a boat for everyone else who wants to surf (myself included).  I thought the VTX ski wake was awesome, and was perfectly happy with the ski wake on my 2010 VLX with the wake hull.  The videos I've seen skiing behind the 21 LX look OK, but the wake seems to have a lot of white water, as in it's not as clean as what I had on my VLX.  Does any have thoughts/opinions/pics/videos of skiing behind one of these?  Again, my standard to go off is a 2010 VLX, and as long as the ski wake is similar to that, I'm happy.  Also, I assume intermediate surfing is good on this thing too.

Any other positive or negative traits people have had with the 21 LX?  I'm also looking at 22 LSV's, but haven't had much luck.

Thanks!

[85 Barefoot]

Would need a prop change to soften the prop wash IMO but then you’re giving up low speed torque.  The reduction in that boat is much different than boats from 10 years ago. Meeting you need to prop up so that you’re not churning hundreds of gallons of water which makes the hard. I learned the hard way when I bought a Vtx in roughly 2018 when the transmission changed.   

 

I think moderator @ahopkins22LSV may have experimented with some prop work when he had his Vtx

[MidwestVTX]

Thanks, I was actually wondering about the prop.  I noticed these new ones are coming with 15" props instead of 13s or 14s. The one I'm looking at has a high torque prop too.  I was planning on buying another prop to experiment a little, plus have a spare.  However I thought the 21 LX still had 1.5:1 transmission, which is what my older VLX had?

Also noticed the new props are OJ and I've always had Acmes.  For some reason if you put a 21 LX in Acmes website, it still recommends 14 or 14.5 inch props.  I know that's a whole other thread, but found it interesting when I came across it.

Edited April 16 by MidwestVTX

[Five Cent Worth]

Our first Bu was a 2017 21' VLX.  Great boat for the money.  Out performed almost all the other boats in the same class.

[ahopkins22LSV]

On 4/16/2024 at 1:52 PM, 85 Barefoot said:

Would need a prop change to soften the prop wash IMO but then you’re giving up low speed torque.  The reduction in that boat is much different than boats from 10 years ago. Meeting you need to prop up so that you’re not churning hundreds of gallons of water which makes the hard. I learned the hard way when I bought a Vtx in roughly 2018 when the transmission changed.   

 

I think moderator @ahopkins22LSV may have experimented with some prop work when he had his Vtx

I actually didn’t. I used the standard props on both our 19&20. I forget the model numbers but I could look up the build sheets. The 2020 performed better but I also had the M5 over the 6.0 409. 

[MidwestVTX]

I really would like a 2020 or 2021 VLX too.  I like the traditional bow, but will say that the 21 LX interior layout is very nice.  Just a little concerned the wider front affects the ski and surf performance.  I know someone who has the LX and is lukewarm on it.  It's pretty far away from me, otherwise I'd try it out.  Thus, I'm here asking you all.  Thanks for your replies!  

[85 Barefoot]

I had the first year they did the LX, 19 maybe?  I liked it.  I appreciated its honesty.  Hard to call it an axis cross, but it kind of was.  A little smaller feeling but which was fine for us. 

[MidwestVTX]

Looks like I'm going to pull the trigger on this thing.  I'll post feedback when I get it on the water in a few weeks.  Thanks for your posts!