Malibu Wakesetter VLX Wins Riders Choice Awards

I was surprised that this Riders Choice Awards result didn't get more chatter in the forums considering that the MasterCraft X-Star has dominated this category since it came out with its current hull back in 2003. I thought this, along with Amber Wing's win in the Top Pro Females category, was going to cause a lot of buzz (and the inevitable boat wars)!

I can't resist including a pic of the winning boat...

I never get tired of looking at that pic.

I will say it since someone else is thinking it... This site is a Malibu promoting site and it was probably rigged. I am a Mastercraft person through and through, but if any boat should have won it is the new 230 or Supra 242.

Is that enough of a statement to start an argument?

Jason... I also am a Hardcore Mastercraft has well and i was definitely on the same page as you with Malibu Being a HUGE sponsor of WakeWorld. Also I think the 230 should have taken it

Jason and Dave...Did you happen to notice that MasterCraft has won this award for the last seven years while Malibu was a major sponsor and we didn't receive one advertising dollar from MasterCraft during that entire span? Just curious as to whether you looked into that before accusing us of "rigging" the results.

KRAMER: It was all an act, Jerry. They conned us, and they scored, big time.
ELAINE (amused): So...Mom and Pop's plan was to move into the neighborhood...establish trust...for 48 years. And then, run off with Jerry's sneakers.
KRAMER: Apparently.

hahahaha! nice post dave. i was actually going to ask that wasn't the mastercraft x-star the past winner, several years in a row?

just like football the refs hate my team but like everyone elses . it.s because they are getting paid under the table.there were alot of nice boats in the running,but only one can win. congrats MALIBU! oh yea i'm a tige guy.but also a good sport sort of anyway.

Dave, you said you wanted a debate. I realize that the X-star was rated #1 the last several years, but you just got your new boat and who counts these votes? I demand a recount. Is this FL? Just kidding. I appreciate Malibu and all the other contenders. I just wanted to be that guy to get things going.

I have become a big fan of Malibu over the past year or so. I think it is time for matercraft to redo the x-star.

Dave, that picture is nice and all but I have questions... Does it have ample power to tow multiple inner tubes out of deep water? Can you fix the "ballast" tanks so they hold Keystone? Does that roll cage thingy keep it upright when you flip her on the water? How does it feel end an argument start in just one post?

Malibu has a more balanced and better wake in almost every catagory. Notice how Malibu doesn't have to sponsor any major pro event yet still outsells everyone?

Ya gotta hand it to MasterCraft for dominating the category for so long. There's no doubt that the X-Star is a fine pieces of machinery!!

Gene, where do you get your information from? Mastercraft sells more boats than any other inboard manufacturer. Also, doesn't Malibu sponsor the big tournament in Canada?

Yes Malibu Sponcer WakeStock In canada And i Believe Over sea aswell

this just means that not enough people have ridden behind an x25.

Originally Posted by gene3x

Malibu has a more balanced and better wake in almost every catagory. Notice how Malibu doesn't have to sponsor any major pro event yet still outsells everyone?

A more balanced and better wake is your opinion. I almost bought the 2010 VLX, great boat. I think it won because it was a new design in 2009 and Malibu as usual continued to upgrade their flagship boat. Most voters recognized this.

I think it shows the intelligence of the voting population. Cater to the hand that feeds you. This award I understand, the Industry Manufacturer of the Year I do not. That should have gone to CC.

If you get a chance to drive and ride behing the new 2011 VLX or any new Malibu, give it a shot. The other boats are great as well and they have all done a lot of good for our industry. Malibu also cleaned house at the Wake awards so the entire industry has said hats off to a masterful creation. Thanks for letting me chime in. This forum rocks!

Tommy Phillips
www.gettommys.com

I buy a new boat every year or two. I am not married to any brand, so I always make the rounds at the boat shows and ride in as many different boats as I can through the year. I am on my 3rd Malibu 23 LSV, but was seriously tempted by the VLX this time around. I drove two hours each way just to check it out one more time before I made my decision. The 2009 redesign has made the VLX one very attractive package. If I did not need the extra space, the VLX would have been the winner. I can easily see why the VLX was voted #1.

Congrats to Malibu, that company builds boats much better than they did years ago. Thank goodness other companies have set the bar higher so we can all benefit from it.

What's next.....a tower that lowers at the touch of a button and supercharged engines producing over 500 horses?

i thought skier's choice sold the most boats last year? granted it's from supra and moomba combined...where's that list

What's next.....a tower that lowers at the touch of a button and supercharged engines producing over 500 horses?

This is already in effect! Mastercraft just introduced a brand new tower and the CTSV caddy engine is 500+ supercharged horses debuting in several boats!

wow jeff... really??? or are you just feeding into dave w's sarcasm?

congrats to malibu, great looking/driving machine right there. now if I only had $70k to buy a boat....

hey 70k for that vs 100k for a CC230??? hmmmmm

Originally Posted by hyperlite

hey 70k for that vs 100k for a CC230??? hmmmmm

Actually I got quotes for 68K on the VLX and 82K for the CC230. Not sure who would say the 230 is a 100K boat. Either way they are different class size boats 21.5ft. VS 23. The VLX had the good old 5.7L Monsoon and the 230 has the pricier 6.0L engine.

I've heard rumors that malibu is putting the cadillac CTS 550 HP engine in some of their boats soon