WaterSki Magazine

luke
2009-10-15 13:00:25 | 187 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW

It’s tough to find a 23-foot all-purpose water-sports boat for less than $50,000, especially one that comes as tricked-out as the Malibu 23 vRide. But with standard features such as the Illusion X tower, Rockford Fosgate audio, in-dash LCD controls, tandem axle trailer and 400 pounds of subfloor factory ballast, this rig comes fully loaded — with value. Since it’s built on Malibu’s proven V25 Wake hull, riders on a tight budget will find the wakes anything but “entry-level.”

INSIDE THE BOAT

The Malibu 23 vRide’s wraparound lounge will please a big crowd with seat backs angled just right and 5-inch bolsters (compared to the more common 4-inch variety). A swivel seat keeps the driver in the conversation, and the bow seating impresses with twin speakers and a standard filler cushion.

BEHIND THE BOAT

Built on the same legendary platform as the 2007 Wakesetter 23 LSV, this model gives budget-conscious families the opportunity to enjoy one of wakeboarding’s premier wakes. You get clean, medium-size wakes with 400 pounds of stock ballast; however, up the ante with the Malibu Power Wedge and center ballast to unlock its true potential.

SPECS</h3
Base Price: $49,995
Dry Weight: 3,900 lb.
Passengers: 13
Load Cap.: 1,945 lb.
Fuel Cap.: 55 gal.
Ballast: 400 lb. (two 200-lb. rear tanks)

BEST FEATURES

1. Cool Cockpit: Swivel seat, great ergonomics and LCD readouts make for a quality driver area.
2. Bold Graphic: The new Ride logo lets everyone on the lake know what you’re about.
3. Optional Power Wedge: This is one option we recommend to push the 23 vRide’s wakes to their limits.

TEST MEASUREMENTS

Length: 23 ft.
Beam: 100 in.
Bow Width: 60 in.
Bow Length: 65 in.
Floor to Tower: 72 in.
Gunwale Height: 29 in.
Main Lounge: 70 sq. ft.
Sun Pad: 23 sq. ft.
Platform: 11 sq. ft.