Malibu tools up for Australian Wakesetter 22 LSV production

The new member of Malibu’s more luxuriously appointed LSV line is expected to kick-start in November, just in time to slip into the first owners’ garages by Christmas.

Powering the new model will be Malibu’s 360hp 5.3-litre Monsoon M5Di V8 inboard engine.

The new Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV features very similar interior styling to its larger sibling, the 25 LSV.

Features built into the new model include Malibu’s new signature walkover transom, and a flip-down rear step that means you’re not havingt to stand on seat cushions when walking across the transom to the swim platform hanging off the back of the boat.

The swim platform can also be fitted with a drop-down step that makes it easier for people – and dogs – to board the boat from the water.

The new version of the Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV includes a taller gearbox ratio of 2:1, up from 1.76:1 on the older model, which allows Malibu to swing a larger propeller – in this instance, up from the old model's 15 inches to the new one's to 17 inches.

Another innovation available to buyers is the stern thruster, which can help nudge the boat into a tight docking space or even make a tighter turn when going back to pick up a dropped skier.

The deeper-sided boat will be able to carry more than 1800kh of ballast to help it create wakes, with buyers again given the choice between the ski-focused Cut Diamond hull or the wake-making Wake Plus hull.

When the watersports stop and the fun begins, the Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV can accommodate up to 14 people onboard.

More people can comfortably sit in the bow lounge, too, with a “Natalie” flip-up backrest that can drop down to provide lounge access, but flip up to provide a seat where usually there’s none.

Forward, the Malibu Wakeseter 22 LSV feature’s the brand’s walk-through helm that creates open bow-to-stern access when needed, using seats that can swing out of the way.

Owners can also upgrade from the standard towing tower to the newly developed GX tower. It adds electronic adjustment so it can drop down to deck level at the push of a button, making the boat easier to store in a garage.

Malibu Australia marketing manager Thorry Heaney told boatsales.com.au that the new model brought both enhanced on-water performance and more luxury comfort to a 22-foot form factor.

"The Malibu Boats dealer network has already seen good interest in the new generation Wakesetter 22 LSV, its real sweet spot for Aussie families," Heaney said.

"It has a big boat feeling but is still easy to tow with a dual cab ute."

As for pricing? Nothing has formally been announced, although with the new model featuring significantly more big-boat features and a deeper freeboard, expect prices to be higher compared with the 22 LSV that this model will replace.

However, the new pricing will still see the Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV slot in below the cost of the larger Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV, Heaney said.

Specifications
Model: Malibu Wakesetter 22 LSV
Length overall: 6.68m
Beam: TBA (but will be a maximum legally trailerable 2.5m)
Draft: 0.81m 
Weight: 3200kg
Engine: 5.3L V8 (std)/6.2L V8 (opt)
Fuel: 260L
Ballast: 2x208kg (rear)/285kg (centre)/158kg (bow, opt)
Passengers: 14