98 vlx or 04 wakesetter?

Hey guys, i found a '98 malibu sunsetter vlx and a '04 malibu wakesetter(the dd one) wich one will put out a better wake?

exact same hull. I would go for the VLX.

Go for the 98'

Does the 98 have a factory ballast system in it. I had a 99 and I don't recall that as being an option? By the way my v drive unit on my 99VLX was prone to leak oil and that was a problem with some back then so you may wish to check on it. Frankly, I think you should go with the 04. Basically same wake, also better for slolam if you are so inclined. I would guess it has factory ballast and the transom probably has the design to support a wedge if you want to add one later (assuming it does not have one already). The wedge came out after 1999 so the 98 will not have the structure enhancement to support one like the 04.

I'll say this, I have a 96 VLX and no way would I want to trade it up and pay more for a newer direct drive.

Assuming there is a pretty good price difference between the two, it seems like a no brainer to me.

A lot of ballast can be added (and out of the way) for pretty cheap and the wedge is not needed.

actually they cost exactly the same, but the vlx has like 700 hours on it with no tower or ballast and the wakesetter has i think 75 hours on it with a tower, ballast and the wedge.

One of those boats is priced way off. What are they asking?

I also have a 96 VLX, and never had any serious problems with it.

If you slalom, there are better choices for less money. What will you mostly use the boat for - skiing, boarding, surfing, cruising? Got a big family?

both cost about 20k

04 VLX for 20k, even if it is a DD, that is nuts and should raise a flag. If you test drive it, really look it over good then the '04 is the way to go. Do you have links to pics?

here are the links.

http://www.usedboats.com/index.php?site=usedboats.com&section=search&boatId =1296090&photo_index=0&maximize=16971027&historyba ck=5
http://www.usedboats.com/powerboats/1998/21'-ft/malibu/vlx/waterski-boat-wakeboard-boat/inboard/53150/1281848.htm

If you don't buy that '04 Wakesetter, i'm going to buy it and flip it and make a few bucks!!!

That 04 Malibu should be worth $28k. NADA it to confirm. Grab that one if it's a legit deal.

The 04 has the smallest engine that was available (320hp), if you weight that boat down you might have performance issues with it when coming out of the hole.

A few thoughts:
> Tower mount Bimini ($700 value)
> Stereo is nothing special
> Single axel trailer
> is it a wakesetter or an Iride?

That's a great deal on the 04 DD, unless there's something seriously wrong with it. I'd choose that one for sure. If you end up not happy with it after a couple seasons, sell it for more than you paid.

My 96 VLX has a Monsoon 320, I run about 2900 lbs ballast, and it has plenty of yank with an Acme 537 prop. It would also go over 50 mph with the factory OJ 14x18 on it.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure you can install a Wedge on any hull back to about 1993. I know for sure I can install one on my '96.

thanks guys

that is a crazy price on the 04, I would almost think it is a scam but maybe not. I see alot of posts on here from that usedboats.com site that are scams.

Also the VLX is priced just a tad high for the higher hours on it and no tower.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/1/9/89312819.htm

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/9/89234199.htm

I'd go with the VLX (but I'm a little partial since I own that boat myself).

Having owned both a DD and a VD, I'd go with the VLX. You can update that '98 easily; most V-Ride/older VLX parts bolt right up.
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I agree with the VLX. I have a 2006 Vride and my buddy has a 98 vlx, not too much different and wake is the exact same. Vdrive fo sho.

Thinking of it another way - NFW would trade my 96 for any DD. That's still a steal on the 04, though.

Actually, if I were shopping boats and had the money, I would buy them both, swap the motor and all the accys onto the VLX, and then sell the 04 stripped for $19k.

I have a VLX, and IMO, looking at those 2 boats, you should jump on that 04. Like someone said earlier, I think that 98 is priced a little high for the hours, no tower and ballast system. Thats about what I paid for mine, and it had all of the above. With only 75 hours on that 04, I thinks thats the best deal, even if it is a DD. You'll end up spending another couple of thousand at least to get the 98 like you want it.

OH, and I see that 04 already has Perfect Pass. It's a no brainer!

hey clint how many hours does that other '98 vlx you posted have. that looks like a great deal 3k less with brand new upholstery and a tower.

I don't know, call and ask.