Malibu Response LX
The list of accolades for social and performance skiboat manufacturer Malibu Boats is long. In fact, the California-based builder's range is recognised as much for its performance characteristics as for its quality workmanship and designThe Malibu line-up features around 10 skiboats including open and closed bow model Responses. It also features the Australian-designed Flightcraft barefoot skier - badged 'Flightcraft by Malibu'. The Malibu range is manufactured Down Under by 21st Century Boat at its Albury (NSW) factory.
Not prepared to rest on its laurels, Malibu has launched new models and introduced updates to existing performers for the 1999 model year.
One of the revamps is on the marque's 20ft bowrider, the Response LX. This model was the first open bow ever to tow the US Open Waterski and Wakeboard Championships. Currently, it is the official towboat of the US Waterski Nationals, US Showski Nationals, US Waterski Team and the renowned Tommy Bartlett Waterski Show, Australian manufacturer Xavier West says.
The Response LX has also featured as the official tow boat of the Australian Open and is the official towboat for Oz Ski.
Despite these professional credentials the Response LX is also aimed at the family skiboat buyer and has a more spacious interior for 1999 to accommodate the seating and storage needs of a family.
The successful Response LX marries quality with value for money, West says.
"In Australia, anything else that competes with Malibu for quality is usually a US import, and as a result cannot compete on price," he says.
The LX is now delivered with a redesigned cockpit and a more curvaceous windscreen, along with 20% more bow storage and a hinged storage locker aft that provides enough room to accommodate a wakeboard, skis and all the auxiliary gear.
The computer-generated all-fibreglass SV23 Diamond hull remains unchanged and has an overall length of 6.1m with a 2.29m beam.
The interior accommodates eight with a step-over bow seat, an observer seat and rear lounge. The driver's seat is adjustable and has been revamped along the lines of a luxury car with ABS cushioning and new marine-grade vinyl upholstery, West told Trailer Boat.
Malibu's designers have not overlooked the driver's other needs with a revamped instrument panel fitted with larger five-inch gauges for better visibility.
A vinyl interior and marine-grade carpet comes standard with the craft.
The hull is finished in four-colour gelcoat and rolls on a tandem trailer.
Powered by a 310hp Malibu Vortec engine, the LX has an indicated top speed of around 77kmh (48mph) at 4900rpm.
Other power options include a 325hp Malibu Monsoon inboard or MerCruiser's 315hp Black Scorpion powerplant.
| MALIBU RESPONSE LX |
| Base price $37,990 (with 310hp Malibu Vortec and tandem axle trailer) |
| Hull |
| Type: Mid-mount inboard |
| Material: Fibreglass |
| Length (overall): 6.1m |
| Beam: 2.29m |
| Draft: 0.41m |
| Deadrise (variable): 10-23° |
| Weight: 1100kg |
| Recommended hp: 310hp |
| Fuel capacity: 132lt |
| For more information, contact Malibu Boats, Albury (NSW), tel (02) 6040 1174. All figures per manufacturer's specifications. |
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