Malibu vs Mastercraft | The Wake Boat Podcast Ep 9

Are you in the market for a high-performance boat and torn between Malibu Boats and Mastercraft? Look no further! In this comprehensive comparison video, we dive deep into the performance characteristics, surfing capabilities, wakeboarding features, and water skiing options offered by these two industry-leading brands. Discover the key differences between Malibu and Mastercraft, including their surf systems (Surf Gate vs. Surf Star), wave adjustability, wake shape preferences, rough water handling, and engine choices. We also explore the price points, personal preferences, and the versatile Malibu LX as a crossover edition boat. Whether you're a seasoned surfer, wakeboarding enthusiast, or water skiing aficionado, this video provides valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when selecting your ideal boat.
00:00 Introduction
04:20 The Two Largest Boat Brands
05:58 Brand Positioning & Structure
13:56 Mastercraft Position
18:26 Interior Features
30:00 Towers
35:23 Design Philosophy
36:56 Surf Setup
42:15 Wake Boarding
51:02 Which Boat To Choose
See Boardco Inventory: bit.ly/BoardcoBoat_Inventory
Gear: bit.ly/3NTBBeV

[@jakedelapena4775]

I love listening to these, one thing that could really take it to the next level is having some B Roll of the things that youre talking about while you compare them. I know its a lot of work but it would be cool...

[@gckimball]

Great info on the brand positioning, model levels and performance. Really clarified a few things for me.

[@andrewhaynes09]

Great video series! I’ve watched every video podcast and I’ve learned a lot. I would love to know your thoughts on MB B52 Classic 23’ and their hull design? They seem to be the only other manufacturer with a deep v hull design other than Supreme and Centurion.

[@esdrehtsich9289]

That was actually really interesting to listen…. What do you think about 20 foot boats like a mastercraft X20 ? A video of used boats would be perfect. Let‘s say: first boat around 60-70k for surfing and wakeboarding and easy to handle on the trailer.

[@Yohofundy]

If you have experience with ProStar vs. Response, please film it!

[@joesph9748]

Good video. A few comments from a long time mastercraft owner. First I can’t believe how expensive all these boats have gotten, even the low end are outrageously priced. My 10 year old boat with the gen 2 system and 1 extra bag on the floor surfs as well as any new boat in the 21-23 foot range. I have been on Malibu, Nautique, MB, Axis and Tige to prove out my perspective. The newer touch screens are a long term concern for me in terms of reliability. More weight doesn’t help if the wave isn’t set correctly, and all the boats are different, this takes some trial and error to hone in. A huge aspect of buying a boat is your relationship with the dealer. Will they be there when needed, and you will need them as these boats all have issues. Where I live in Michigan, Mastercraft is amazing. They provide the best service of any company I have worked with. I will buy another boat and will buy mastercraft because of the dealer.

[@BoardCo]

Hey Joesph9748! Thanks for the great comment! It is true that some of the old surf boats throw an amazing wave! Like you said the newer touch screens can be a bit of a concern however we have seen that Centurion screens have proved to be quite reliable. Notedly, you have been on a Malibu, Nautique, and Tige and have been underwhelmed by their surf performance which is understandable. Most of these companies are trying to make a good wakeboard boat which prevents it from becoming a fully dedicated Surf boat. We would love to take you out on a new Centurion and show you what a dedicated surf boat does with the proper hull design, ballast, and surf system. Lastly, as you stated the relationship that you have with your dealership is crucial, no doubt about that!

[@joesph9748]

@@BoardCo would love to try the Centurion, but not sure we have a dealer in Michigan.

[@stevenkirbach6241]

Super great video! Thank you. What exactly do you mean by “a fully optimized mastercraft” in terms of the surf wake?

[@nathanrickman9195]

Would love to see thoughts on Supra vs Centurion

[@BoardCo]

Great idea! Stay tuned.

[@AwwwManAndrewww15]

Wondering your thoughts and opinions on MB boats? The surf system they use, and how they compare in the lineup?

[@ChadYungblood]

MB sucks harder than a vacuum. Why is that even on your option list??

[@AwwwManAndrewww15]

@@ChadYungblood I think they are great and I’ve heard a lot of people like them.

[@ChadYungblood]

@@AwwwManAndrewww15 lol my grandma thinks that Kia souls are great but that doesn't mean it is :). Do the research, understand the math, physics and engineering behind surf waves and then go buy a boat. MB has absolutely nothing on other surf boats, especially Centurion (the boat that tows the wake surf championships btw, kind of a big deal).

[@AwwwManAndrewww15]

@@ChadYungblood damn you must be some kinda expert or something…where is your channel? You a pro wakesurfer or wakeboarder? This a lot of big talk coming from a nobody…

[@willianrigo5151]

Great video as always! I’ll be shopping for used boats and thinking of spending around 70k. I’ve seen a lot good comments on Axis. Cheap maintenance and good performance. Affordable prices as well. Would you have any recommendation for boats around that price? I care more about performance as I just said. Thanks!!!

[@BoardCo]

That is awesome! First boats are always exciting. We can't tell you exactly what boat to buy as everyone has their preferences but we could throw out a few names for you to consider that we hold as highly esteemed. 1. Supreme S238 2. Centurion FS22 Those are the two that would be in the 70k range and still be awesome at Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, skiing etc. Obviously there are plenty of boats to choose from, we highly suggest that you watch plenty of videos to get a full understanding of your options to make an informed purchase! Here are a few videos you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6WXeGiJoL95e68&pp=ygUPYXhpcyB2cyBzdXByZW1l kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4STfoaio9Sie7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIa4kGBnmJ6ciLM kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4mQhoFpgM2Ci9E

[@billtomlinson5701]

Nice job

[@BoardCo]

Thanks! Do you own either of these boats?

[@danefree88]

Im not a Malibu fan, but dang it seems like you hate them or jealous of them. There are things you seem to be avoiding. Like push and heights of the wave. You know that is important, especially with bigger guys, and yeah the mastercraft tower along with Axis is old and just ugly looking. Why wont you just admit it?

[@BoardCo]

Malibu has been in the industry for a very long time and has made some incredible boats. They had some renowned wakeboarding boats during 2010's. No doubt about that. However, Malibu boats lacks the performance when it comes to wake surfing. Their hull design and ballast systems are optimized for wakeboarding... not surfing. Yes, height and push are factors. If you like a very tall wave that extends 6 feet behind your boat - a Malibu is perfect! If you like a boat that has a medium to large size wave that extends 30 feet behind your boat - there are many better options to consider.