From the classifieds: Malibu Wakesetter 21 VLX

The 6.4-metre Wakesetter 21 VLX is no longer part of the current Malibu line-up, replaced by the Wakesetter 21 LX-R.

If anyone was new to the Malibu brand, chances are they were looking at a Wakesetter 21 VLX. It was the perfect walk-up model, featuring space for up to 13 people onboard in party mode, but also capable of giving a family a great day on the water skiing or wake and board surfing.

It was also light enough to tow behind a 3500kg-rated trade ute, making it a boat that families could drag behind them on summer holidays to distant lakes and rivers.

But the best thing of all was that it was Australian-built, meaning if there were any issues, there was a factory in Albury, NSW that could solve them for you.

The Australian version of the Malibu Wakesetter  21 VLX is very similar in looks and fit-out to the US version. The difference, though, is that the Aussie version was built with a 9.0cm narrower 2.5-metre beam so it could hook up and go anywhere, anytime.

The boat was highly customisable, meaning owners could build everything from the colour of the hull to the performance of the audio system.

The boat featured Malibu’s Integrated Surf Platform made up of the Power Wedge, Surf Gate and Surf Band, under-hull structures designed to make as big – or small if you’re just starting out – a wake as possible.

Later versions also came with Surf Band, a wearable remote control that allowed the person behind the boat to shape the wake, and even adjust the boat’s speed, to their needs.

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 VLX was positioned as a premium boat, featuring hand-sewn upholstery, carpet throughout, touchscreen controls for everything on the boat including the water ballast system, an above-average audio system and a cruise control system integrated with the engine that allows the driver to set a GPS-assisted speed so that the boat will pull a skier at the same speed no matter what. 

Speaking of engines, you’re looking at powerplants producing plenty of horsepower, so expect a fuel bull to match the peaky performance.

If you’re looking for one of these boats, favour those where the owners have clearly added options to make theories something special.

We like the look of this 2014-built boat featuring Indmar’s Monsoon 409 SS engine with a moderate 650 hours clocked on it.

Add-ons include a bimini, tower speakers, swing-away board racks on the tower, heating to extend the on-water season beyond just summer, a pop-in table and more.

A new Malibu of similar size will cost you more than $200,000, and that’s before you start making it your own by picking optional bits to add, so at $120,000 this one is well priced.