VTX " Vents"?

Awesome boat, but the "Frameless Vented Windshield" just kills me. Looks horrible. I'm really considering buying this boat, but I can't stand those holes. Does anyone have a solution? It seriously could be a deal breaker for me. I'm also looking at an 06 x30 for what works out to about 3-4k more. I don't really need the bigger boat but its a pretty good deal. The paint jobs on those x30's are super boring though.

I know I'm being picky, but if I'm going to spend as much money as these guys cost, I'd better be 100% satisfied with what I'm getting.

LOL The vented window is a "Deal Breaker"

You can wait until 2008. I can't imagine Bu will keep the vented windshield considering the negative response to it.

FWIW, I demo'd the VTX and didn't even notice the windshield at all while I was driving or in the boat.

Have you seen the VTX in person?

yeah, I was in the dealership on saturday, and I was hoping to demo it sometime this week or next

and i may wind up getting it anyway, i just remember the first time i saw it at the boat show thinking "wow, you've got to be kidding me"

its still a beautiful boat though, and looks like it would be pretty fun to drive, as well as ride behind

bendiesel, what were your impressions of the test drive?

I think that the windsheild is really cool, but then again I am open minded.

I didn't like the windshield at all until I saw it at the boat show. It looks alot better in person. The VTX was my choice for best of show.

Up here, you'd freeze your butt off in the winter with those vents. I don't like the looks of them either, kinda like Elvis sun glasses.

Due to the position of the holes on the windshield, they don't pass any air. If anything, they vent outward.

^^^ Right On with that statement

There is no air flow. And if it’s between a VTX and a 30 you have to drive that Vtx. It will run circles around a lot of direct drives I have been in. Plus think long term that Vtx is going to cost less in gas and be way easier on your tow rig. I can understand not likening the way it looks, but I guarantee it won’t be as big of a deal. And as a disclaimer I am a Malibu dealer, If any one has any questions on the Vtx or want's a test drive Let me know.

Jamie, the test drive was great. Boat handled real well. Also, it is so big inside for a 20 footer. But, I knew that from sitting in it at the boat show. Also, like I said before, I didn't notice any airflow at all from the vents.

As for the wake, I can't comment because the boat wasn't weighted other than stock MLS. I wish the demo boat had been equipped with the bow ballast tank so I could have experienced that.

(Message edited by hbguy on March 06, 2007)

This is what I told Mike Mello at the boat show in January....

Great boat minus the LEISURE SUIT LARRY WINDSHIELD.

I find it amazing that a boat company could make such a pathetic decision. WTF are these guys smokin?

I told Mike that I was sure it would be GONE NEXT YEAR! So don't get stuck with trying to resell this year's model!

I demoed this boat and thought it felt toyish. the boat i tried had the 320 and that felt weak. the wake was pretty good, but to surf you had to add a fair amount of weight to get the surf good, but once there the surf wake was pretty awesome. My biggest beef with the boat is I'm guessing you are looking at it because you have garage size restrictions... with the wedge sticking off the back you might as well be looking at a boat that is bigger for the same price or lower. it is a nice boat, but those were my issues with it. you might also want to look at X-15 and MB B52 and Supra 21V in that size range.

I'm supposed to take it out on friday with the 340.

Garage size isnt really an issue for me, and I'm considering the VLX as well. Like I said I'm looking at an x30, but it kind of feels like too much boat. I'm thinking about also checking out the x15 and x2 (though im not crazy about the bow).

if size is not an issue I would look at the VLX instead of the VTX.

get an 06 VTX...you wont regret it

I didn't think the x15 was along the same price range as a vtx. Isn't the vtx around 53-55 otd and the x15 in the 60k range?

after various dealer incentives, they're pretty close i think it works out to about 3 more for the x 15

Do you mind sharing what your are thinking about paying for the vtx? I was looking at MB B52 V23 and the vtx and maybe the x15. I decided to go with the b52 but after i started to fill out the loan app I noticed that the price changed so i am boat shopping again. Dealer was quoting me a 22' boat price istead of a 23' price. Kind of sucks but o'well nothing i can do about it. Good luck and please share you information about these boats!

Joshua G

I took the VTX for a demo and I would have to say it is a nice overall boat BUT the wake with Stock MLS with bow tank all full, (aprox 1250# total)and Manuel wedge was very weak and small. Just like any boat with added weight the wake will only get bigger but the question is How much. If size dose not matter or you can go with a slightley larger boat I would suggest the VTX, Not much Difference in Base price.

240 in Pop bags in the bow,500in lead under the seats,and plumbed 400lbs bags in each locker---wake is amazing!!!! Boat handles great and good on fuel consumption.

opps ment to say VLX

JoshuaG, PM Sent

Joshua, I went to the boat show and got "boat show" pricing for VTX which was $60K all said and done loaded includding tax prep etc. i mean loaded too. for what it is worth I bought a B-52... why are you looking at 23 foot boats for MB but then looking at the vtx which is 20'?

When I first saw the VTX at the LA Boat Show I thought it was cool. Needless to say I like it.

The vents whistle at high speed too!

Hey Larry, the VTX felt bigger than i thought for a 20' boat and i haven't heard anything good about the 22' B52. Everyone i talked to said if you go with MB then save your money and look at the 23'. That VTX that you looked at during the boat show include the 340 motor, heater, power wedge? Thanks JoshuaG

60 THOUSAND DOLLARS for a 20 ft inboard boat? Am I the only one that thinks that is absolutely insane?

I am with Stanfield. Why not make the vtx some kind of entry or hard core boat? I don't think people who want a luxury boat want a 20 footer.

Econ 101, we all want a raise every year from our employer (whether we deserve it or not) but complain when things cost more? Inflation, plus your typical boat 15 years ago doesn't have cruise, tower, heaters, better stereo, fuel injecteed, throttle by wire, ballast systems, tower accessories, quieter muffler systems, and the list goes on. A lot of cash indeed, but keep it all relative.

Econ 102, Something is worth whatever you can get someone to pay for it. Evidently there are people out there willing to pay that much for that boat. It does not matter how you rationalize it 60k for a 20ft boat is a lot of money.

My point is that if someone want a luxury boat with all of the things that you listed above they are probably not looking for a 20footer.

Hi Josh, what have you heard bad about the B-52 22? Yes, the VTX was loaded, stereo, tower speaks, 340, heater, etc. You will need the 340, the 320 is very wimpy imo. The VTX definitely feels big for a 20ft boat.. but I would think somone is looking at that size it is so it can fit in the garage. With Wedge, it's the same size as a 22ft boat (almost).

Thanks for the economy lesson Mark. I dropped out of school in the 5th grade so I'm a little slow at picking up on things.

'keep it all relative'

...hmmm. Since you're bringing up the Econ lesson, would you mind posting the inflation rate of the dollar in comparison with the inflation rate of wake boat prices over the past 3-5 years?

...I mean, just to help Stanfield out since he's a 5th grade drop-out and all.

Wait, luxury items are overpriced?!?!?!

*GASP*

It is something different. But over all the boat is a sweet ride. Has a alot of room in the cockpit

The only thing I did not like about the VTX was the 2 piece hatch. I think they are a little unwieldy opening from either the boat side or the platform. It looks like all there boats are going that way though.

Stan & Jerrome - Ah, you Dallas boys stirring up trouble with the Malibu folks! Like a brand new 210 or 21V doesn't cost about the same as the VTX! The CA market is definitely higher than here. There is no way a loaded VTX is $60K from WSA. I bought a brand new (mostly loaded) 23WSLSV in 2005 in Dallas for under $51K.

Ah HA! Proving my inflation point!!!

Ha! Boat inflation yes. VTX's in Dallas for $60K no! Overpriced wakeboarding boats yes! How many 1982 19' boats sell for $10K other than SN 2001's?! DEMAND!

I agree.. way overpriced. Would be interested to hear what anyone else was quoted, keep in mind that includes tax, etc.

I bought a new vride last month. Loaded, out the door (you guys all know what loaded means). Vride was $49k, VTX was around $54 and VLX was about $60. Those were boat show prices, sit down with the dealer and price it out... in Ohio.

I went with the vride, so I didn't have exact numbers on the vtx, but it worked out to about $4-5k per upgraded boat between the 3.

hey guys i'm sorry to invade your malibu question. but tell me if i got a good deal
45,000 for new 06 avalanche with all options
i know most of you guys are down on centurion but it was the right boat for me thanks

Test drive the VTX, test drive the MasterCraft, test drive them all. Only you can decide which fits for you best.

The air does not really rush through the vents at all. The VTX with the 340 is a great boat!

I'm not a boat salesman though...but I'd love to set you up with some tower accessories

Hey Jamie I don't know if you would be interested or not but I am selling my 06 vlx for 50k.

Here are some pics of a VTX

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