WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2009-11-20 15:42:23 | 3229 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
Families looking to upgrade from the I/O market to the style and performance of a Malibu should consider the vRide. Part of the value-conscious Ride series, this 21-foot V-drive includes a standard tower, 500-pound ballast tank and tandem-axle trailer in its around-$40K base MSRP. This wakeboard and ski boat also features all the luxurious fit and finish details that Malibu is known for, such as billet interior emblems and a self-draining ice chest, making it ideal for boat owners ready to trade up or anyone interested in a budget-friendly introduction to Malibu’s line.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
If you take a tour through the Malibu factory, you’ll see that the Ride series is built right alongside all the other boats in the line. The rigorous construction standards and attention to precise detail apply to these entry-level boats just as much as the higher-end models. So when you get behind the wheel of the vRide, the solid handling and balanced design of a Malibu are noticeable right away.

Out of the box, the vRide produces narrow, mellow wakes with the help of the SV23 Wake hull and 500-pound center ballast tank. The wake size is great for beginning or advancing intermediate riders. If you’re ready for advanced-level wakes, opt for 400 pounds of additional ballast in two optional rear tanks, which will churn up meatier wakes suitable for more difficult moves.

SPECS
Passengers: 10
Dry weight: 3,000 lb.
Draft: 24 in.
Load capacity: 1,480 lb.
Fuel capacity: 35 gal.
Storage capacity: 72 cu. ft.
Bow: 11 cu. ft.
Center: 33 cu. ft.
Rear: 28 cu. ft.
Platform: 13 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 29 in.
Sun-pad area: 25 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $40,900
Engine: Malibu LCR 5.7L, 320 hp
Prop: Acme 13.5 x 16 four-blade
Cruise: Malibu Precision Pro
Ballast: One center tank: 500 lb.
Tower: Illusion X with quick-pin release
Pylon: Swivel, retractable
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Driver’s seat: Swivel, adjustable lumbar support
Dash: Hand-wrapped vinyl, billet aluminum insert, tilt steering wheel,
25th-anniversary features
Gauges: 5-inch Medallion, plus LCD
Gas fill: Dual rear
Coolers: 60 qt., under side seating
Cup holders: 11, plastic
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Teak
Table: Removable
Trailer: Tandem axle, disc brakes
Graphics: Ride series
Colors: 21 color options in any
combination, including breast-cancer-awareness pink

OPTIONS
Engine: Indmar HammerHead 5.7L, 383 hp; Malibu Monsoon 5.7L, 340 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Ballast: 900 lb. total with addition of two rear tanks (200 lb. each); LCD dash gauge
Tower: Titan III
Racks: Swivel, clamp
Wake shaper: On-the-fly or manually adjustable foil
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Sony deck with MP3 input and 1-gigabyte MP3 capacity, four Rockford Fosgate speakers, remote, tower speakers, XM satellite radio
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber featuring 25th-anniversary logodriver’s seat Bolster
Misc.: Heater, shower, bow filler cushion, Bimini top, driver’s seat heater

Also in this line:
Ride XTI
Combines a center-mounted engine and sun pad in a unique seating arrangement.

iRide
Built on the same hull but with a traditional direct-drive interior layout.

Phone: 209.383.7469
Web: MALIBUBOATS.com