Wakeboard Boat Review
When Malibu asked if we wanted to keep this Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV wakeboard boat for the rest of the day to, uh, test it further, we were beyond stoked. This is the biggest V-drive wakeboard boat in Malibu’s lineup and probably the biggest wraparound lounge ever for this size boat. Best. Session. Ever.
Hull: The V25 design is a tested wakeboarding-oriented hull from Malibu’s designers, who are on the water all the time to perfect its trademark wakes. Besides the excellent running surface, the interior of the hull sports Malibu’s patented Fiberglass Engine Chassis System, with eight engine mounts integrated with the stringers to offer a very soft, stable ride.
Ballast: We really liked the LCD dash display that showed the levels of the ballast tanks. This 247 comes with a 1,100-pound factory ballast system — two tanks at 250 each, one center tank at 600. To further weigh down this hefty boat, we recommend the optional 350-pound bow tank.
Tower: Malibu’s wakeboard boat towers still sport some of the most secure racks, easiest fold-downs and best driver visibility. New this year is the Illusion XS wakeboard tower, which adds a knifelike serrated edge to the profile. It’s a wicked look that goes well with the attitude of the Malibu Wakesetter series.
Wake shaper: The optional Power Wedge allowed us to tailor the wake shape on the fly, billed as creating the equivalent of up to 1,200 pounds of displacement. The Wedge gauge is very easy to read – how could we not push it to “big”?
Highlight feature: Rider Presets
Malibu really encouraged us to try out the new Rider Presets, which let each of us store our personal settings for speed, ballast and the position of the Power Wedge. It’s pretty intuitive, especially with Malibu’s LCD-heavy dash.
The wake: One of the best wakes we saw in our tests. Super peaky and clean, and they didn’t give, just launched so great for moves into the flats. We liked 70 feet at 21 mph. Double-ups were clean. Wakes were wide, so make sure you have good rope length to find the sweet spot.
What We Dig
-New USB stereo port for iPods
-Plush hand-wrapped dash
-Easy-to-swivel driver’s seat
-Massively long main lounge
-400 hp engine standard
-Power Wedge to tailor wake shape
Specs
Length w/o platform: 24’7”
Beam: 8’6”
People: 16
Dry weight: 4,000 lb.
Ballast: 1,450 lb. total (bow tank*: 350 lb., center tank: 600 lb., rear tanks: 250 lb. each)
Tower: Illusion XS
Racks: Swivel*
Wake shaper: Power Wedge*
Main lounge: 82 sq. ft.
Stereo: Rockford-Fosgate black box, 8 speakers, remote, satellite-radio ready*
Coolers: 53 and 81 qt.
Fuel: 87 gal.
Trailer: Single or tandem axle*
Base MSRP: $72,857
*Optional
Engine
Standard: Indmar Hammerhead 383 ETX/CAT 6.2L, 400 hp
Test: Same
Test prop: Acme 13.5×16 four-blade
Cruise: Precision Pro standard
