We are looking to buy a new boat in the next couple months. I found an 03 VLX with 475 hours, perfect pass, ballast, tower racks/speakers. Looks to be in great condition. Are there any problems with the 03s that I should know about? I heard the wedge had some problems this year? Anything else? How is the wakeboard wake? Surf wake? What tower is on the 03s? Is it solid? <BR> <BR>He is asking 27000. Is this a decent deal?

yes, make sure all bolts on the wedge foil are in place, look for stress cracks on the transom from the wedgeplate, Wakeboard wake is great loaded up nicely, surfwake? whats that? Tower should be a titan (very solid), or a Skylon Swoop (solid)

I have an 05 vride (same hull) and the wakeboarding wake is good but throw some extra weight up front and it really gets great. wakesurfing wake, not so much (lots of wash). and you cant get a more solid tower than the titan. like hairbandude said just look for stress cracks around the rudder and the mounting bracket for the wedge. I think 27000 is a lil much. NADA said $26900 as average retail. but given location it could be different. As Donald Trump said "It's not a deal till the other guy is pissed off."<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0>

we got an 03 pushing 700 hrs and have had no problems. Well, the wedge had a problem. On the 03 the wedge has only 2 bolts on each side holding the foil on to the struts. Bolts on one side failed and turned it into a pretzel. <BR> <BR>What was really cool was Malibu warranteed it even though the boat was outta warranty. They sent me the new version which has three bolts per side holding the foil on. This season one of the bolts sheared off. Had it removed and Malibu sent me new bolts. So yea, constantly check your wedge. <BR> <BR>we have the Skylon tower which as been fine, but I would prefer the Titan. Titan is more solid of the two. <BR> <BR>The wake is fine for me, but you will need to add extra weight over the stock ballast. I think it has one of the best wakes for a 21' boat of that era. Its not a finicky wake like some. Easy to keep wake clean and balanced. <BR> <BR>I think $27k is in the ballpark, assuming its not some ass ugly color

I think 27 is a steal if it is a well equipped 03. Nada means nothing more than what a bank will give. Look at the one's for sale. I bet the average price of 2002-2004 VLX's is right around 30-32k.

Thanks for the replies. It is a normal blue/black/white color. I emailed the guy and after the wedge failed he never ordered a new one. He said he take the price of the wedge out of the 27. So he's asking about 26200 or so. <BR> <BR>It does have the Skylon tower. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by boarder82 on November 05, 2009)

Have the 05vRide as well, same hull, and it throws a sick wake. With the right weight i get a good surf wake and the wake at 24mph stock ballast plus 9 people &amp; wedge is awesome. Love that wake.

I have a 04 VLX and love it. I can surf behind mine all day without the wake washed out.

$27k is about average but I would make a lesser offer. I got a steal last march in a 2002 vlx with 200 hours for $23,000. I had to drive to orlando from NC but it was well worth the trip.

The '03 VLX is the same hull used from '96-'04 VLX's and the '05-'08 Vrides. A great hull for both wakeboarding and surfing. I surf behind one all the time. Towers varied but the OEMS's usually were Titan or Skylon. <BR> <BR>Offer $26k if all else pans out.

I searched for months and found only one 2003 vlx (nationwide) for under 28K and it was trashed (although it only had 160 hours) Looked like it had been left outside for all 6 years of its life. I ended up with one that has about 270 hours and babied for around 28k and most that I saw were over 30K (Southern states) TX and OK. Texas has a big malibu contingent it seems so look in that region as well. Mine was a one owner boat and is pretty much cherry except for a couple of stains in the carpet and the vinyl needs a bit of tlc(just cleaning, no gashes at all). <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/3183/747820.jpg" alt="Upload">

This 04 just came up locally for $28k... <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&amp;ad=8710807&amp;lpid=&amp;cat =147" target="_blank">http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&amp;ad=8710807&amp;lpid=&amp;cat =147</a>

I helped my boss find an '04 VLX in great condition, 129 hrs and was basically loaded with options for 27K. But I think he came across the right guy that just wanted to get rid of the boat after his kids went to college.

Asking price on the boat I purchased was $28,500, I offered $22,000 and we settled at $23,000. Moral of this story is always make an offer because they just might take it. My boat looks brand new with original interior and has performed flawlessly for 157 hours this summer.

Looks like some updated pic of the 04 here in UT <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&amp;ad=8771694&amp;cat=147&amp;l pid=0" target="_blank">http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&amp;ad=8771694&amp;cat=147&amp;l pid=0</a>

Nothing wrong with that generation, but if you can find an 05 or newer, id do it. Way newer looking/design