Malibu Sportster

(scotthetland) · (scotthetland) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 01-31-2003, 8:08 AM

I'm not looking into buying this season, but I am planning ahead for when I do purchase my own boat. As of now I am riding behind my parent's '88 SN 2001 weighted with over 1500 lbs. I am wondering how the wake on my boat would compare to a wedged Malibu Sportster open bow with the same amount of weight. Can anyone give me a direct comparison? Or just an experience with this boat?

(scotthetland) · (scotthetland) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 01-31-2003, 8:34 AM

I forgot to mention in the post that I have riden in a Malibu Sportster open bow with a wedge, but with no ballast at all. I wasn't very impressed with the wake. I would like to hear what others have to say about it with a ballast and wedged.

swass 01-31-2003, 8:42 AM

What year (i.e., hull) is the Sportster?

I can tell you that I really like the wake on my Response. I use the wedge and about 1000 lbs. plus people. I've never been behind a Nautique, so I can't offer a comparison.

Did you find out all you need to know about Denver area lakes?

swass 01-31-2003, 8:44 AM

Some people hate wedge-shaped wakes. If you don't like the wedge-only wake, you probably won't like it weighted either. Weight in the bow is key; you can change the ramp shape with bow weight.

(scotthetland) · (scotthetland) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 01-31-2003, 8:54 AM

It wasn't the shape that I didn't like. I know that the wake is going to be small w/o ballast, I just didn't get to see its potential. There isn't a particular Sportster, it just seems to be in my price range. Has the Hull design changed at all since '98? I would rather buy a newer used boat, and this seems to fit my budget.

I looked a bit into the area, but I am thinking that I will have to check it out next fall, that is if I get the job down there. This is the reason why I need to start looking for my own boat. Thanks again for your input.

(s4inor) · (s4inor) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 01-31-2003, 11:40 AM

The hull of the Sportster has been the same since it was introduced. While it's possible to get a good wake out of it, you'll likely use up all the interior with ballast (something I'm sure you've experienced with the 2001).

Here are some shots of a heavily weighted Sportster to give you an idea of what is possible. You can see the rest of the pictures here.

Double up

Sequence shot

swass 02-01-2003, 6:09 AM

He's the man in the know. Sorry, I thought the Sportster hull changed with the Response hull.