Wakeboard Boat Review
This Malibu Wakesetter VTX wakeboard boat thinks it’s bigger than it is. Basically, this boat wants to be just like the Malibu Wakesetter VLX and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV, the flagship wakeboard boats of the lineup, yet do it all in a 20-foot package. It comes close to succeeding.
Hull: The V25 Wake hull is the most common design for the Malibu Wakesetter lineup, so the Malibu Wakesetter VTX isn’t denied that treatment. There is the option of getting the Cut Diamond hull with it if you want quieter wakes. The dimensions make it especially easy to drive on the water and trailer off it.
Ballast: Some much longer wakeboard boats than the Malibu Wakesetter VTX don’t have close to this level of ballast. It comes with a 900-pound factory ballast system — 200 in each of the rear tanks, 500 in the center. The optional bow tank adds another 350 pounds. That adds up to a very effective amount for this 20-foot boat.
Tower: Malibu’s Illusion X tower is the standard here. It’s a swooping, cast-aluminum design that’s anchored well to the rear of the windshield for maximum driver visibility. It all folds down into the boat with quick-pin release.
Wake shaper: Malibu’s Power Wedge is designed and machined in-house, so it shares the same precision craftsmanship as the rest of the boat. It’s an option we recommend so you can add up to 1,200 more pounds of displacement.
Highlight feature: The Rockford Fosgate sound system. No more need to bring along a Monster cable or any CDs thanks to the USB port in the glove box. We had an iPod shuffle with us, but Malibu throws in a 1-gig pocket drive with this optional system.
The wake: We stuck at 70 feet and 22 mph for consistent pop and no wash over on the wake. The lip was rampy and roundish, and the landing and transition were both long. Less is more with the speed and the VTX’s size, so go slower for the best shape.
What We Dig
Great speed control standard
Very garage-friendly length
Storage pockets and tray under pad
Billet aluminum dash insert
Multilayered upholstery
Lots of LCD controls
Specs
Length w/o platform: 20’
Beam: 8’2”
People: 10
Dry weight: 3,300 lb.
Ballast: 1,250 lb. total (center tank: 500 lb.; two rear tanks: 200 lb. each; bow tank*: 350 lb.)
Tower: Illusion X wakeboard tower
Racks*: Swivel
Wake shaper*: Power Wedge
Main lounge: 56 sq. ft.
Stereo*: Rockford Fosgate unit with USB port and 1-gig hard drive, 1-gig USB pocket drive, up to four Rockford Fosgate speakers, amp, subwoofer, transom remote, swivel tower speakers, Sirius satellite radio-ready
Cooler: 60 qt.
Fuel: 46 gal.
Trailer*: Single or tandem axle
Base MSRP: $54,921
*Optional
Engine
Standard: Indmar LCR 5.7L, 320 hp
Test: Indmar Monsoon 5.7L, 340 hp
Test prop: Acme 13.5 x 16 three-blade
Cruise: Malibu Precision Pro
