https://www.jdpower.com/boats/2023/malibu-boats/power-boats

(There's a drop down menu to select other years.  This was formerly nada blue book.  It's not perfect, but not a bad reference point, and what many banks/credit unions use to determine how much they'll loan on a particular boat, if I understand correctly).

1 hour ago, Suggy said:

I've been absent for a while here... you have a thread on why you didn't like the 26LSV? This is a bit of a shocker. The 26LSV is a beast.

There’s a lot to like about it. The wave is great and the rough water ride is the best in the lineup. And who doesn’t love an LT4? Am I right…??

My reasons are splitting hairs, I guess. 

1) No front ballast. I just don’t understand this design decision. Why do we need a walk thru bow? It’s not a Bayliner. Nobody uses these boats like that. As a result, the nose runs a little high (with full ballast and wedge) for such a big, long boat. And to dial the wave in I found we needed to add lead up there anyway. It makes no sense to me that Malibu would change the ballast recipe on just ONE boat… 

2) The boat is really BIG on the trailer, just big enough to make it super hard for us to get in and out of our storage unit (requires a 90° turn). This is a “me” issue but it really added friction to our process. Those 18 extra inches are noticeable. I kinda feel like the 26 LSV is boat you buy and put on a lift. That’s not us (yet). 

3) It’s sooo expensive. Like more than it should be. It’s basically priced like an M240 / M242. That plus the size make the 26 a tough boat to flip (I was able to sell mine). I just think Malibu reached a bit too far with this one. 

For all these reasons, I’m back in a 25 this year. 

@Woodski you helped me quite a bit when I purchased the boat, and I thank you…. I will have to look at it…. After many convo with previous owner he was trying to set it up just for that, I don’t remember the rpm, it’s been quite a few months… my goal is to teach my hatchlings how to ski (lost sport down here) I’m old and that all w me use to do, then eventually get a bare foot set up and get there. @amartin I will just purchase, I’m not keen on getting something that’s used and may not be accurate….. if I can’t get it right with that I will suck it up and haul it to and Inmar/malibu dealership and “just get it right”, nothing worse than being stuck on the water with problems…. I love this boat and it will be around for a long time….. unless it sinks… lol I will post results here.. again thanks for all the help, I’m not use (bc I’m old) to getting help from pro’s like everyone here…. 

10 hours ago, UWSkier said:

Somebody got an amazing boat. Hope they slalom ski and don't just slam it like surf dorks. 😂

Amen brother! I appreciate you sharing that. I think I shared this with you a couple years ago. My mom’s side of the family is from Arkansas. My uncle has 2 homes on lake Hamilton. He introduced us to the water. He was a prominent skier. I could never get up on 2 so he encouraged me to try 1. Got up the first time. I fell in love right away. I was probably 12/13. Slalom is all I know ♥️

sounds like the same issue i had on my 01 sunsetter. Here is the thread