2006 MALIBU WAKESETTER 247 vs 2008 Mastercraft X2

My kids aged 14 and 12 started wake boarding this summer and after a few lessons have done amazingly. It is time to get a boat so they can continue to advance.
I have 2 options at a very similar price.
A loaded 2006 MALIBU WAKESETTER 247 with 50 hours, excellent condition vs New 2008 Mastercraft X2. Both boats are just under 60K + or -.
Tha Malibu has the 450 hp Vortec 8100 and the Mastercraft has the 2008 RTP VRS 310 Horse Power.
The Malibu has more options.
Secondly, is anyone familiar with the new X14? The dealer will make a great deal in this boat but I am concerned they might grow out of it.

whoa, i don't think you could possibly be considering any boats that are more unalike!

Sorry, i have no real input on this one that is constructive. I've been in an X2 and X14 but not the 247. The 247 is a big big boat though. Do you go out with a big crew?

Holy crap. This might be the craziest comparison I have ever seen.

Unless you have space issues get the 247. That boat is absolutely massive and the wake stock is leaps and bounds better than the X2. It will be more diffucult to drive around the docks and it will burn more fuel. You will never run out of power with the 8.1L.

The X2 is a really nice boat, but it is just so hard to compare to a 247. It will drive better, be easier to tow and make a better ski wake. I personally think the 310hp is fine in that boat but if you add quite a bit of weight you will need to reprop probably.

The X14 is a great boat for someone who is on smaller lakes/rivers and is more into skiing.

(Message edited by polarbill on September 19, 2008)

Yeah, they are very different boats. I love the Mastercraft as I have driven a 2008, but the Malibu is a great deal and a beautiful boat as well.
I was hoping for some general opinions before I write a check.
I would be interested in talking to anyone who has something similar they are selling or trading, low hours, not more than 2 years old, and local to Southern Ontario.
maybe we could make a deal?

One more thing ladies and gentlemen, give the newbie a break, heh, If I knew more I wouldn't be asking

Bruce,

If wakeboarding is your main concern, then I would say none of the above mentioned boats. Shop around, you can get an 06 X Star for that kind of money, or a 08 VLX, or pretty much whatever you want. If you want this boat to grow with your kids wakeboarding needs/wants, then I don't recommend any of the boats that you mentioned.

Right... maybe we should find out more.

1. what do you do? ski, tube, board, surf? which are more important in order?

2. how many people do you need to accomodate?

3. How big is the lake/river you ride on? Is there a rough water issue?

Bruce

Go over to Buckeye Marine as they have a few demo's right now (X-2's, X-Star's)as they are back from their ski schools or demo programs.

They also have some used X-stars that might fit your budget too.

Malibu's in southern Ontario have no real support the last few years as dealer have been moving around.

Gordon Bay is now the dealer with them and I hope they stick with it and build up a customer base.

X-2 is a great boat from my experience.. I was shopping for one but ended up going with an X-star. The X-2 does have the wakeplate which helps with skiiing and reducing the wake for the little ones.

The Malibu 247 is a big boat and the wake maybe over whealming for your kids trying to learn. If you are for big groups and such.. space is comparible to a X-45 which is massive.

If you'd like anymore info and such, send me an e-mail and I'd be glad to help you out.

There is a 247 in the classifieds for 53K that looks very nice.

Nobody mentioned it yet but you should make real efforts to drive the two, or any others you look at. As soon as you drove those two you would be able to pick one or the other, because of the size difference and what that feels like inside and on the water.

The kids interests are as follows
1. wakeboard, tube, ski, cruising the 7 lakes in comfort
2. I think maybe 6-7 people most days but could be 10 when company arrives.
3. It is a large chain of lakes and can get very rough at times.

Dont go for the X14 if your getting your kids into wakeboarding. Its a direct drive and will not pump out the wake that the X2 or 247 will. A new boat with warranties can be very beneficial. In that sense Id go with you X2. But keep in mind your comparing a 20' boat with 24' boat so if its room and horse power your looking for go with the malibu. Im a Mastercraft guy and although the 310HP engine in the X2 is plenty without additional ballast. If your kids ever start throwing fat sacs in the boat then the X2 with 310HP is under powered.

10 people in an X14 would not be suitable.

10 in the X2 will feel a little cramped. The 247 will still feel big with 10 in it. If I were you I would consider a X15, VLX or wakesetter LSV as well.

Just wondering, have you checked out Tige's RZ?

www.tige.com

I would take that 247 over the x2 any day of the week.

Shameless plug, but I have an '08 VLX ready to go in your price range!

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/626800.html?1221594162

no comparison

Bruce is up in Canada.... so getting a USA boat is a little challenging if he wants to finance.


Now if he has "cash" the best deal by far for a slightly used boat is going to be Stateside.

For a new boat our Mastercraft dealer (Buckeye) offers at PAR with USA dealers which is definetly good peace of mind.

As it was said about, you must test drive both boats and see what is best for your needs.

By the sounds of it you are on the trent system? I know how is can get rough.

You need to compare boats in the same class.

247 verse x-45 my choice neither
VLX verse X-Star my choice X-Star Wakeboard only boats
VTX verse X-2 my choice X-2 Good Cross over Boats
V-Ride verse X-1 Best all round boats. My choice V-Ride. The old VLX and Old X-Star. 8 People in a V-Ride for all day and 6 people in the X-1 for all day.

Just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for their input. I am up north this weekend and will try and test a few more boats. Any further info or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

B

Bruce I owned an X2 and have ridden behind a 247 many times. I am no pro rider, but would take the wake of a 247 any day of the week. As long as storage and gas aren't an issue, go 247. I personally went X15 due to my garage. Believe me if I had the garage space I would own a 247. The X2 is a nice boat, decent wake, but its just that... decent. The 247 has the potential to be unreal. Plus I think re-sale will hold up on the 247 a little better. The X2 with the 310hp is not a desired engine choice since you have to add so much weight to get a great wake.

247 all day long.

247 all day long I will second that. In fact I will go as far and say NO CONTEST

I also say 247. Alot of room for everyone and with the 8.1 engine you could add alot of ballast later with no problems. Also with your kids getting older im sure they will want to bring friends out as well. All in all I think its just a way more convienant family boat. Good luck with you boat search.

(Message edited by Bullydog on September 22, 2008)