WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2009-11-20 16:14:58 | 1797 views | 1 Comments

BOAT REVIEW
The all-new Wakesetter VTX is the answer for  boat buyers who are looking for Malibu’s superior fit and finish and the powerful performance of a wakeboard-oriented V-drive in an easy-to-tow, easy-to-drive and easy-to-store 20-foot package. With the standard Illusion X tower, Wakesetter series graphics and up to 1,250 pounds of optional ballast, the VTX looks the part of a wakeboarding powerhouse, and has the performance to match. This wakeboard and ski boat features the space for a full day on the lake, but its compact size makes it one of the most manageable boats in Malibu’s lineup.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
A lot of times manufacturers design smaller boats by scaling down their existing models. Not so with the Wakesetter VTX. Malibu’s designers worked from scratch, considering everything from storage solutions to interior comfort to aggressive styling, as they created the all-new 20-foot V-drive. Remarkably, the interior space of this new ride is comparable to some of the 22-footers we’ve been in. Not only is the boat extremely spacious for its size, it also has exceptional handling that will make it the ride to have for many families who wakeboard on lakes with boat-size restrictions.

The wakeboard-oriented 20-footer in Malibu’s line, it comes standard with the V25 hull and Illusion X tower. The optional 1,250-pound ballast system helps offer smooth ramps with excellent shape and size that will impress riders of all abilities. Or opt for the Cut Diamond hull for a recreational ski-friendly performance for the best of both worlds.

SPECS
Passengers: 10
Dry weight: 3,300 lb.
Draft: 22 in.
Load capacity: 1,450 lb.
Fuel capacity: 46 gal.
Storage capacity: 115 cu. ft.
Bow: 37 cu. ft. center 43 cu. ft.
Rear: 35 cu. ft.
Platform: 13 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 29 in.
Sun-pad area: 26 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $51,500
Engine: Malibu LCR 5.7L, 320 hp
Prop: Acme 13.5 x 16 three-blade
Cruise: Malibu Precision Pro
Ballast: 900 lb. total
One center tank: 500 lb.
Two rear tanks: 200 lb. each
Tower: Illusion X with quick-pin release
Pylon: Retractable, swivel
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster, adjustable lumbar support
Dash: Hand-wrapped vinyl, billet aluminum insert, tilt steering wheel,
25th-anniversary features
Gauges: 5-inch Medallion, plus LCD screen
Gas fill: Dual rear
Cooler: 60 qt., under side seating
Cup holders: 16, stainless steel
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Platform: Teak, removable
Table: Removable
Graphics: Wakesetter series graphics with cast stainless-steel Malibu emblems
Colors: 21 colors, including breast-cancer-awareness pink, available in eight color ways

OPTIONS
Engine: Malibu Monsoon 5.7L, 340 hp; Indmar HammerHead 6.2L, 400 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Ballast: One 350 lb. bow tank; LCD gauge
Tower: Titan III
Racks: Swivel
Wake shaper: On-the-fly or manually adjustable foil
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Sony deck MP3 input and 1-gigabyte capacity, four Rockford Fosgate speakers, amp, subwoofer, transom remote, tower speakers, XM satellite radio
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber featuring 25th-anniversary logo, removable
Trailer: Single or tandem axle, disc brakes
Graphics: Core or Grudge vinyl decals
Misc.: Heater, shower, bow filler cushion, Bimini top, driver’s seat heater

Phone: 209.383.7469
Web: Malibuboats.com