Thread: looking for a ski boat

I found my 08 Tige 20V on OnlyInboards.com
Found the dealer & worked a deal.

I still have the enzo up for sale. great boat.

We've had a few ski boats (Ski Nautique Air Nautique, Mastercraft X-Star, and a Malibu Wakesetter) and Mlaibus are by far the best one. Can't go wrong

I love Malibus, but all the people I know who have bought them in the last few years have had problems with the seat vinyl while under warranty. Either the vinyl started coming apart in high traffic areas like where you step into the boat from the dock or it started developing some kind of pink stain that can't be cleaned off (apparently this is a common problem). All were covered under warranty although the stain problem took a little bit of complaining iirc. They tried to tell him it was the fault of his cover, but he was using the Malibu cover that came with the boat. It's going to stink if the problems recur within a few years and they have to pay for it out of pocket now that their warranties are going out.

The Wakesetter VLX is absolutely a top tier boat IMO and I'd love to own one, but I'd have to wonder if Correct Craft & Mastercraft boat owners are having these types of issues.

^ What is it that sets the Malibu apart from their competitors? I'm seriously interested simply because I haven't had a lot of experience with MC or newer Nautiques.

The pink stain is mildew.

It is the vinyl that is used, and it doesnt have the mildew resistant fabric. in it.

I know that the seat foam in the Nautiques is wrapped in plastic, and or they use a foam that doesnt trap water. No water=no mildew.

I have worked on all of the big brands of tournament ski boats, and they all have there strong and weak points.

If I was going to get a boat, 2006 and up, I think I would get a Nautique.
Long term resale value, better engines, quieter transmission, the engine sits level, thicker fiberglass, better quality on all the tactile parts, and they just sound better.

I've owned Nautiques, Malibus, Sangers, American Skier, and worked on Supras, Ski Centurions, and MasterCrafts in 25 years of servicing tournament ski boats.

Drive them all, and choose the one that is right for you, that does what you want.

Have a look on the forums,

Planet Nautique, Malibu Crew, and whatever the MasterCraft site is...

The other thing to consider is what kind of person your dealer is. If you've heard he is a prick, don't buy a boat from him.

I can tell you some of the slimy techniques the dealers of certain brands will use on you...especially when you want to get out of there and not come back.

I know that the seat foam in the Nautiques is wrapped in plastic, and or they use a foam that doesnt trap water. No water=no mildew.

When I recovered my Nautique's back seat bottom there was a layer of plastic between the foam and the vinyl. It was only on the top part of the foam; it did not completely encase the foam. It's a 1993 and I'm very happy with how well the rest of the interior is holding up (including the seat back for the rear seat).

I can tell you some of the slimy techniques the dealers of certain brands will use on you...especially when you want to get out of there and not come back.

I have no plans to upgrade any time soon, but please do.

I'm a member on CorrectCraftFan. I have accounts at Planet Nautique and Malibu Crew, but mostly for access to their classifieds section. Where are you located?

Originally Posted by Skack

When I recovered my Nautique's back seat bottom there was a layer of plastic between the foam and the vinyl. It was only on the top part of the foam; it did not completely encase the foam. It's a 1993 and I'm very happy with how well the rest of the interior is holding up (including the seat back for the rear seat).



I have no plans to upgrade any time soon, but please do.

I'm a member on CorrectCraftFan. I have accounts at Planet Nautique and Malibu Crew, but mostly for access to their classifieds section. Where are you located?

Slimy technique no. 1. When you just want to get the hell out of the dealer, cuz he is a turd, you give him the "we're just going to go and have lunch, and think about it " line, he gives you $10 to "pick up a sandwich and drink for him, and then we can talk when you come back...I don't come back, but I do phone him and thank him for the $10 credit towards my lunch!
Slimy technique no. 2. When you're sitting in the driver's seat, the dealer casually puts his leg on the tow post so that you can't get out, making it awkward to leave... so you sit there and they try and sell you a boat... I stand up and announce, "We're done, I'm not buying a boat from you."

These are the things that some of the factories teach their dealers to do... no kidding!

I am based in North Vancouver, BC.

Yes the interior on our Wakesetter has proved to be the only problem. It hasn't peeled significantly but does stain way too easily. Still the best boat IMO and can sure crank you outta the water and throw you on a double up!

I love the Wakesetter wake, but I need to step up my toeside game. Toeside on my Nautique is perfect for me. I just can't seem to clear the Wakesetter wake on anything other than heelside.

Since we're on the topic of praising Malibus...One of my friends has an 08 Wakesetter for sale here in NC. Great color combo (navy blue on white), some nice upgrades (board racks, stereo, LEDs, etc), and he's throwing in an Inland Surfer surfboard and two fat sacs + a pump. Bought in spring of 09, so you get warranty until 2012. If anybody is interested in a great boat let me know and I'll get you in touch with him. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, but they have a baby due next summer so he won't be able to enjoy it much until 2012.

Don't know anyone at the moment, but I'll keep it in mind!