Malibu vs. MasterCraft....Don't believe the Hype!!

You can go to the Malibu factory and get a huge list of things Malibu does that MC, CC doesn't do as well. Everyone has a list, some do things different. MC cuts corners in one area, while Bu will cut corners in another.

Here's how I'll break it down. I have been around tournament boats since I was really young, probably 20+ years now, way before wakeboarding was huge. I've seen good and bad versions of every boat. My parents had a '92 Malibu they kept for 10 years and 1200+ hours, never a single problem, no even a warranty issue. The boat was solid, the wood floor never warped, was as good as new when they sold it in '02.

I have some good friends that have an '03 MC. The boat has had issues from the start. Little nit pick things here and there, huge engine problems (Indmar, not MC's problem I know), electrical issues, fuel pump issues, etc.

The biggest difference between these two boats?? My parents was stored in a climate controlled garage all 10 seasons, perfectly maintained, wiped down every use, oil changed on time all the time, etc. My friends boat sits outside on a lift from April to November, rarely gets much upkeep, open to the elements, harder use.

My point is, everyone can put up examples, but until you have the same person taking care of two comparable boats exactly the same way over the same time period, you don't have much of an argument.


If you really want to know about quality, get to know someone that works at a dealership well and is open about the brand. I have friends that worked at MC dealerships that could really open your eyes. I also have a buddy that has been a Malibu promo guy for 10 years, and have seen a lot of the stuff he has gone through. Any promo person could tell you many stories. The guys buying boats every year can tell you stories. Lets just say it's hard to get lucky 10 years in a row with a handmade product.

To those of you Nautique and MC owners, if you think you are really paying extra just for build quality, start looking into the sponsorships these companies run compared to Malibu. Especially MC. They spend huge sponsorship dollars that Malibu does not. It's not cheap to put your name in a lot of the places MC does. Who is sponsoring the pro tours, the Masters, etc? Where do you think this money comes from. Why is Nautique just getting a state of the art factory now, when Malibu has had good factories in 3 locations for years?

The day you think these boats cut corners, look in the cheapest wakeboard boat on the market, look it over hard, behind panels, wiring, etc., then go look a a good runabout, and do the same thing, the entry level wakeboard boat will win every time.

In the end, by the boat you think you want for whatever reason, go enjoy the thing, and don't try to make everyone else think you made a good decision.

Heckerson I totally agree with taking care of your boat. I grew up with a 1977 Ski Nautique that my family still has, the reason it is still around is because it was taken care of.

What i don't agree with is this statement, "You can go to the Malibu factory and get a huge list of things Malibu does that MC, CC doesn't do as well. Everyone has a list, some do things different. MC cuts corners in one area, while Bu will cut corners in another." As worthless as this thread is according to some not a single person has given me a good counter argument. Nick, what does malibu do that is better than CC and MC, all of your guys have your opinions but BACK IT UP WITH FACTS! I want to hear your comments but atleast make it credible instead of saying, "Marks a Flamer" or "this is the worst thread ever". I am sure there are a ton of salesmen that have gotten their latest pick me up talk from the manufacturers, but how come none of the Malibu guys have legitamate arguments?

I havent seen a Malibu list yet of stuff that they do that MC or CC doesnt. I say put your money where your mouth is and show us a list or better yet show pictures of examples of that list like Billy and TK have done or STFU. If all you Malibu guys cant prove what you are saying, Then you have just proved the original point. TALK is CHEAP.....

Did anyone read that Red Sovine thread where we talked about strippers and posted pics of hot chicks on boats? good times, good times indeed.

I'm sorry Byrd, I didn't get too many pictures of the prostar sinking @ lake Mead 'cause the exhaust came off. Also didn't get any of the v205 dashpod flopping off after a D-up

K-State is right, the difference between a great boat and a POS is how well you take care of it...

You can ruin anything. Some things you just have to work harder to tear up. If your the type of guy that takes care of things, your probably the type that appreciates good quality as well. This is not to say if you own a Bayliner your a slob, and if you own a Benz your a clean freak. This post started out with facts about quality materials and build quality of MC. These are just stated facts made by a consumer that did some homework on the boat he bought, and is proud about it. You cant hate the guy for that.

This just got stooooopid.

First off, thank you Mark for the post. It is useful information, that has actually been part of MC's marketing plan for over a year now. It is all true, extra support, better quality, etc. As we can see (read), this does not matter to some, especially the owners of Bu's. I'm not going to get into which is better because I have my like/dislikes for both, but I do not understand the immature, sarcastic, waste of time comments people have left here. People acting like some big shot CEO wanting facts, blah blah. Chill, you're supposed to be a wakeboarder, not a dick. If you would notice in Mark's post, he says how malibu claims to be just as good in quality as MC. He proved the statement wrong. Why all the questions on his post? Its right there! And to all those saying quality doesn't matter; keep trading your boat in for a new one, or else you'll find out what it matters. Older boats, such as Nauti 2001 and old MC's are still running around today. They also didn't go thru multiple double ups a day, and were weighted down for years. Boats nowadays go thru much more stress and destruction, they need to be built to the highest quality. Also, I agree with Nick (good seeing you at Regionals bud), its all how its taken care of. Again, climates and conditions these days are different, but a better made boat will last thru the rough stuff better, and last longer. Anyhow, i know i just ranted, but it is sad to see the immaturity in this when i'm one of the younger lads. And to those that it matters to, MC goes a little extra to ensure a quality product. Other manufacturers strive for the same, and most likely are more advanced than MC in some areas. MC can give you information on what they do differently and better, so therefore from a marketing standpoint, the others should do the same. And for all you CC people, you should really get the info on how the molds are different.... might make you think, let alone CC is in Florida=humidity. The people that know the secrets don't let them out, and there's a reason. Please, waste time ripping this apart. opinions are just like ....... everyones got em

TackleBerry, the request was/is for a "Sales Pitch" List of what makes a BU different than the MC, and pics if available. A list was requested for the MC's list, and then when that was not good enough by the BU owners, pics followed by request. Not I saw a used boat fall apart due to unknow maintanance issues. I still dont see that list, much less pics, so if it exists lets see it, if you dont have the FACTS STFU.

Any boat can take on water if the exhaust comes off. One of the differences with a MC is that it has enough foam in it to keep it from going to the bottom of the lake. BTW, I think BU puts foam in their boats as well. See, that is one thing you could put on your list, not every manufacturer foams their boats...

BTW, as I stated earlier, I like my buddy's BU a lot. But, I prefer my MC to it, and I never said anything bad about it.

I just look at the price and then look at what I get for it.

Conclusion: They're all CRAP. Every one.

Now quit comparing and ride.

oh you silly kneeboarder.

Billy, your profile pic is hilarious

thank you... thank you very much

though mostly all these brand vs. brand threads suck, it is interesting to see some of the malibu photos w/o backing plates. I'd be interested to see similar photos for MC, CC, and Sanger. Fact, I'm going to take a closer look around my CC when i get it back from the shop where it's currently getting winterized. Something I definitely should have done before I bought it...

Well.....i own neither. But do you not think that some of the extra stuff MC does is not really needed. As long as the boat holds up for the fist 5 years i could care less.

i can't believe all of you guys took the bait--hook, line, and sinker. mark VL's gotta be laughing hysterically at home right now.

I have never seen a wood/metal screw have a backing plate. Its all about the screw....it makes its own threads as it digs into the material.

Now a bolt is a different story and should have a backing plate for the nut.


Anyway, I am more concerned about the build quality of fake boobs and can say that original equipment is way better then bolt-ons. Not that they don't have their place at the lake, river or casino pool, just my opinion.

now wait just one minute, GF...you're going way to far saying that original equipment is better than bolt-ons, they're both very nice!!!

I have to agree, original equipment is better.

Now, as in boats, the best thing to do before deciding is to go out and ride behind each one.

thank you buzz.

stupid is as stupid does

This thread is fuahrkin retarded. People buy what they like - if you are in this sport to say your stuffs better than the next guy - get out, you are ruining it for everyone.
This sport is about having fun. I see guys with Bayliners and a tower - or bass boats with nothing, and they have more stoke than most of the people on this site.
Get a grip - no one cares.

Byrd - I'm sorry I did not realize your requirements for posting here. I promise not to do it again. BTW - Why do you always end in STFU?

As forktarded as it gets...

Did someone say they had a tower for a Bayliner? How much? (sorry, just had to).Dreevs, I can't agree more. FUN IS FUN!! Anybody gonna turn down a set because the boat is not your flavor?

Do you think the reason why Malibu's throw great stock wakes is b/c of the lack of buoyancy from the hollow stringers? They seem to throw a ton of ballast tanks in the boat with minimal flotation foam under the floor. Alot of companies use quite a bit of foam under the floor....some use ALOT less.

Just had to add some fuel to the fire....this should be interesting

todd, you're not helping.

mark vl = big ed?


hahaha! ed, if you're reading this, i'm just messin' around man. please don't take me seriously. i've been sitting in front of 2 computers the last 2 weeks with barely any sleep, so i'm a little delirous.

I know, I have always just been curious of other's opinion on this subject. Now that we have a "no-holds-barred" topic on this, I thought I would let this one out of the bag

Todd, too bad the buoyancy foam actually adds weight, until the boat is swamped.

(Message edited by timmy on November 14, 2006)

It might add weight, but it will take more weight to displace the hull if there is foam inside the boat.

Is there a gas leak in here?

GF thanks for that image, I'll remember you in therapy.

"It might add weight, but it will take more weight to displace the hull if there is foam inside the boat."

No, it won't. Foam is more dense than air. Chemistry 101.

http://www.jdpower.com/boats/ratings/index.asp?v1=6
A little more fuel.
I know, I know, its bought

Mark's Quote: "For starters, I own one of the brands and have friends and relatives with the other. After taking so much grief lately about how "inferior" my boat is"

To think this all got started because "Mark's friends" picked on him, and he couldn't take a joke.

Hey GF. Do you have that girls number. She'd save me a fortune in fat sacs.

I was thinkin the same thing Rob, cuz she has 2 sisters. But, they require 3 tri-tips, a bucket of potato salad and a gallon of cookies and cream each.

The dollar for dollar cost savings just wasn't there.

Thats a lot of $$ on Twinkies and Yoohoos though Rob

Meet Her Sis....

you think she'd fit in the ski locker? I mean, certainly i'd want her out of sight... although that fupa is pretty hot.

Nine iron, some ice cubes, and a buffalo...preferably stuffed, for safety purposes. Thats all I would need!

Hahahah that is pretty funny.I have been really busy so it's kind of funny I caught it to read it.
I believe you know me better then that,I just say what's on my mind and in no need to do any of that stuff and yes MC is the best!

haha! cool ed. i'm glad you took that the way i meant it.

Billy, Nice Link

Billy- what a load of crap (your link to the boat ratings survey), I won't knock the MC build quality, but design and style, both the CC and the MC get full marks? Must be a blind reviewer or something...then I notice the publisher..JD Power is always there for the highest bidder. FACT.
That link is detrimental to both MC and CC, anyone without owner goggles can see that.

Spoken like a true BU fan, festivus.. Last year when BU was ahead of MC in JD it was the gospel to BU fans. Now that they are slipping In JD and not even mentioned in NMMA, all the sudden these sources are a "load of crap". MC and CC have come out with new things for 07, the design of MC ie. picklefork cant be all bad two other boat Mfgs have copied it this year. What has BU done besides make the plow hydrolic? festivus you shouldnt be yelling at me. Seems like BU peeps need to yell at BU. I didnt write the surveys, just read them and form an educated opinion. Something your ignorance is not allowing you to do.

(Message edited by woreout on November 15, 2006)

(Message edited by woreout on November 15, 2006)

For the love of all that is good and decent... everyone stop posting... PLEASE!!!

........

Stop reading, Kevin. I know you cant help yourself, me either. It's like watching a car wreck. You want to, but you cant turn your head away....

SEE its true, quit looking.

back to the top! haha

Not hard to tell its winter... this sad sack of a thread would never have lasted this long in the summer.

I choose to look away

Festivus Maxximus writes: "anyone without owner goggles can see that"

And you don't have on owner goggles?

Another example of no facts, this thread is stupid, what a load of crap, angry post from a Malibu owner. Mark didn't start this thread to bash another product, Billy was the same way on his thread about NMMA, but all you Bu owners turning there posts into boat wars.

If you don't like this thread don't read it or post on it and it will go away.

I believe that Mark said a BU was "like a chocolate covered turd when you start looking at the nuts and bolts"

I'm no linguistics expert but I think that qualifies as bashing.

I didn't even reference last years results- you are right, they change every year. Why is that? I didn't buy into it then and I don't now. I never said MC was a poorly manufactured boat, or that it had anything wrong with it all, did I? So don't get all accusatory if you haven't even read my post. The "design and style" is COMPLETELY opinionated, and obviously JD sees things diferently. So what? I am merely stating, Billy, that the JD Power reviews are paid marketing, if you buy a boat solely from that review, then your research is pretty questionable. As far as ownership goggles? I couldn't have done more research between the two boats I was considering when I made was in the market. I put them side by side. I never bashed MC at all then and I am not now. So do I have ownership goggles? who doesn't, at least mine are justified by my own research. Apparently Mark has done the same thing with his MC. Good for him. I feel guilty for contributing to this opinionated, "but we don't want yours" thread.

Wow I did not know that. You rock!!

JD Power's is not paid marketing, at least not in the form that you are implying Festivus Maxximus. You can read about it here:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/07/24/BUGVRDRDIJ1.DTL&type=business

I guess we should all do our own research on boats, JD Powers and what everyone types in these forums because most of it is worth what you are paying for it!

I have heard CC pays in the upwards amount of 250k to use the award in advertising.

That's probably about right, I would guess. They use it in all their marketing material and they have the poster at all the dealerships.

They pay to use the award, NOT FOR THE AWARD!

You are correct sir.(mcs still better)

And Correct Craft, the family owned and operated business that has been around forever (Correct Craft's were used in WWII for crossing the Rhine) making boats in the good ol' USA, is the bestest of the best.

I like both brands
I own a "Bu
my accountant owns one of the first Response boats
That Malibu put out
he has well over 1000 hours on it and it is still a great boat
he has redone the seats, but that's about it

Hey REd WWII too bad CC is using the same molds still. LOL

Billy,
What does that sentence mean?

Red you could also say that the people who started MC came from Correct Craft.

I think another underlying theme to buying a boat has to do with the local dealer. No matter what brand, a boat is a service oriented product, and if your dealer is sub par that can change your whole mentality of that brand of boat. Good quality or not.

It means CC should probably make new molds.
They are from WWII. (get it) JK

Too-Shayyyyy, but a low blow... You don't have to be kind, but be nice Billy LOL....

Oh yeah? Well Dodge is better then Ford!

(just COULD NOT resist)!

Chevy...

LOL

What?

You still have to sign up and pay for JD Power to Really look at you in depth.

And for some odd reason this past year Malibu Didn't sign up, and they tanked in ratings from previus years. hmmm...

Back in 85 we had a mc prostar power slot and after using it 211 hours we blew a hole right through a piston, then after a while the boat began to fall apart, they used pop rivets to connect the top deck to the hull and they all worked out...complained to mc...they said we used the boat too much...I think Coleman bought them now I just think of them as a cooler with an engine and I am a happy Sanger owner. If you want quality construction it's Sanger, of course!

"Back in 85 we had a mc prostar power slot and after using it 211 hours we blew a hole right through a piston"

Oh ya...blame that one on MC. Did you ever chanage the oil or impeller in those hours?
Ever heard of PCM...the company that did the Marine Conversion on that 85?

Sanger uses more wood in there boats than MC ever did prior to 1983

Boyz and Girlz!! Enuff is enuff of the brand bashing!! New or old, DDrive or VDrive, MC,CC, or whatever you got, it's all fun, it's all wet, and it is all a personal preference. Lotz of plus and minus with any boat you buy and I guarantee that whatever you own, you will stand up and defend that brand until it lets you down. And if you choose another brand you will shift your loyalties (kinda like Oakland Raider fans), and your new ride will be the best ever built and the best on the water.I stand behind my brand, and I will support it because I own it. Critisism I will use as an education tool and check it for fact or fiction. But when is all said and done, I ask the same question as I did in previous post. "Anybody gonna turn down a set because the boat is not your flavor"?

This thread is toast and needs to end. I kick myself and apologize for adding to it yet again.My Bad, and in closing I hope ya all had a great "Turkey Day" and don't forget to pray to your god to "keep serving up the butter".

Im gonna end this thread with a Reef pic.