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Malibu Wakesetter 247 RX 2008

Wakeboard Boat Review

We’re still wrapping our heads around the Malibu Wakesetter 247 RX a year after it debuted. This wakeboard boat is huge, like the Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV we love so much. But this is a 24.5-foot wakeboard boat that’s a direct-drive. It’s kind of like a cross between a waterski boat and a cruise ship.

Hull: The V25 hull creates great wake-shaping displacement and a solid ride through bigger water for the two-ton Malibu Wakesetter 247 RX. We also really like how the wide beam opened up so much seating.

Ballast: Because of the center-mounted engine, there’s no ballast tank there, so the total available capacity is 900 pounds. We like what Malibu Boats did with the rear tanks, making the port side 200 pounds, the starboard side 350. Why? Because passengers can really only sit on the port side, so you’ll need more ballast to offset your 150-pound friend.

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Tower: The new Illusion XS wakeboard tower comes standard. It’s a dramatic change from the traditional look of the aluminum tube towers and a slight modification from the Illusion X wakeboard tower, thanks to its serrated trailing edge. The optional racks are easy to swivel into the boat with one push of a button.

Wake shaper: If you want to be able to fine-tune wakes, spring for the optional Wedge. As long as you’re doing that, pony up for the Power Wedge, the hydraulic system you can change on the fly from the dash.

Highlight feature: Shift-by-wire throttle. Combine that smooth acceleration from the new cable-free system with the pinpoint handling of a direct-drive and you’ve got a smooth-operating boat.

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The wake: These wakes surprised us by being a little steeper than we’ve seen from other Malibu wakeboard boats. They were great for charging, with long transitions. The peaks were basically perfect.

What We Dig

-Super-wide beam

-Exterior emblems made of stainless steel

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-Hand-wrapped driver’s console

-Wide driver’s seat with side swivel lever

-Removable cockpit table

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-Offset rear ballast

Specs

Length w/o platform: 24’7”

Beam: 8’6”

People: 16

Dry weight: 4,000 lb.

Ballast: 900 lb. total (bow tank*: 350 lb., rear tanks: 200 lb. and 350 lb.)

Tower: Illusion XS wakeboard tower

Racks: Swivel*

Wake shaper: Power Wedge*

Two lounges: 90 sq. ft.

Stereo: Rockford Fosgate black box, eight speakers, remote, satellite-radio ready*

Coolers: 30 qt. and 20 qt.

Fuel: 87 gal.

Trailer: Single or tandem axle*

Base MSRP: $71,905

*Optional

Engine

Standard: Indmar Hammerhead 383 6.2L, 400 hp

Test: Same

Test prop: Acme 13.5 x 15.5 four-blade

Cruise: Precision Pro standard

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