(Merced, CA) - Malibu Boats is breaking their own new ground with product enhancements and five new models motoring out for the 2002 model year. The most diverse product-line in the ski boat industry is expanding to include an astounding 15 feature-rich tow boats, which began production July 1, 2001.
The Malibu Research and Development Team cranked up the fire under new concepts and flawless implementation during the last year. This spike in innovation has resulted in the development of the first true cross training tow boat as well as the addition of three new wakeboard models and the redevelopment of almost every member of the model Malibu family.
(Click each picture to see a larger version)
Sportster Series
The Sportster and the Sportster LX have been elevated to a new level of Malibu style for 2002. This value-level boat has come into it's own with a bold new look to compliment its traditionally low price and powerful performance. A dominant main color panel makes this boat a ruthless glance-grabber. To hold that attention, the Sportster interior is wrapped in large swirls of custom color and retrofitted with new observer's seat designed for comfort and increased storage. Another noticeable difference in the 2002 Sportster Series is the streamlined LS1 motor box that graces the midsection of the boat. This sleek new enclosure houses a thumping 310hp Vortec engine standard. Drivers are spoiled by the power and handling of this boat not to mention the new Response style dash. The 2002 Sportster Series is proof that Malibu engineers design for excellence, no matter what the price range.
- Specs -
Length: 20'
Beam: 86"
Draft: 16"
Seating: 6 persons LX: 8 persons
Weight: 2200 Lbs.
Fuel: 38 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Vortec 310hp
Type: Direct Drive/ Inboard
Class: Performance Family
Response Series
Open or closed bow the 2002 Response Series was designed with competitive level performance in mind. Built on the award-winning SV23 Diamond hull, the Response series is recognized as the world's finest performing slalom boat. The appearance of the Response been pumped with newly design in-the-mold four-color gel coat graphics and new drip-molded Malibu side decals. Inside, the Response has been fitted with a durable space age floor that dampens sound and supports a new sleek, low profile motor box. Humming beneath that dome the standard 310hp Vortec engine swiftly pushes the Response through the course. Malibu's IRT (Instantaneous Response Technology) system enables precision handling and pinpoint turning of this dynamic boat, which will thrill drivers. Malibu's aptly named Response series is living up to its world-class reputation again this year.
- Specs -
Length: 20'
Beam: 90"
Draft: 16"
Seating: 6 persons LX: 8 persons
Weight: 2450 Lbs.
Fuel: 35 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Vortec 310hp
Type: Direct Drive/ Inboard
Class: Performance
Sunsetter
The Sunsetter continues to offer a terrific value as a family class boat and in 2002 buyers are getting even more for their money. The Sunsetter offers the versatility of an open bow, combined with performance towing for all ability levels. Riding on Malibu's Diamond hull, the 2002 Sunsetter is sporting new gel coat graphics as well as the new drip molded Malibu side decals accented with a shimmering back shadows of silver or gold. Inside, the sport interior is thick with swirling color, while the new dash offers fingertip control to those lucky enough to sit in the swivel driver seat and grip the new performance steering wheel. Built to the same exacting standards as all other Malibu models, engineers created the Sunsetter to be a boat they want to own.
- Specs -
Length: 21'
Beam: 93"
Draft: 16"
Seating: 10 persons
Weight: 2800 Lbs.
Fuel: 38 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Vortec 310hp
Type: Direct Drive/ Inboard
Class: Performance Family
Wakesetter
If the Sunsetter is the good son then the 2002 Wakesetter is the rambunctious brother. Together with all of the versatility, performance and bang for the buck of the Sunsetter the Wakesetter offer buyers a taste of the rowdy life. Fresh from the factory the Wakesetter come standard with a collapsible tower, MLS (Malibu Launch System), a wake building Wedge, bold 3-color custom gel coat graphics in a bunch of killer combinations and new tattoo-style side decals. The Wakesetter will grant junior VIP access to the popular wakeboarding scene with out breaking the "Bank of Dad."
Specs
Length: 21'
Beam: 93"
Draft: 16"
Seating: 10 persons
Weight: 2800 Lbs.
Fuel: 38 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Vortec 310hp
Type: Direct Drive/ Inboard
Class: Performance Family
Sunsetter LXi
The 2002 Sunsetter LXi is a Malibu performance tow boat that happens to accommodate a family. Tow Boat of the Year winner and largest boat to pass the American Water Ski Association testing criteria for towing, the Sunsetter LXi is built on Malibu's award-winning SV23 Diamond hull. Engineered for precise handling and intense power the Sunsetter LXi pulls the most prestigious events in the water sports and looks really doing it. 2002 has brought about a redesign in the LXi's gel coat graphics and the addition of drip molded side decals. This beauty extends beyond the depth of the exterior to plush upholstery and the smooth look of the new LS1 style motor box. The new swivel driver's seat sets the driver apart to swallow any swell that gets in the way. With more storage than any other boat in its class, including a locking trunk, the Sunsetter LXi comfortable accommodates all of the toys. The Sunsetter LXi is for the family that demands the peak performance and a cushy ride.
- Specs -
Length: 21.8'
Beam: 93.5"
Draft: 16"
Seating: 10 persons
Weight: 2900 Lbs.
Fuel: 35 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Vortec 310hp
Type: Direct Drive/ Inboard
Class: Performance Family
Wakesetter LXi
Once a rider breaks into the wakeboarding scene the influx of observers in their boat can be staggering. Malibu's Wakesetter LXi was designed for just such a situation. There is no shortage of room in this 22-foot wake thrasher. Buddies with gear are made to feel welcome by the cavernous storage, tricking throwing wakes, exact handing and pumping power. Those friends who are just along for the ride will appreciate the sound dampening space age floor, not to mention the smooth way the SV23 Diamond hull handles even the roughest water. Blanketed in gel coat color the Wakesetter XTi is available in ten different color combinations for 2002. To compliment Malibu's new expanded Wakesetter color options new decals were designed to capture the true essence of the Wakeboarding genre in tribal art style. Standard riding accessories make this Malibu a true Wakesetter. Off the showroom floor the Wakesetter LXi is decorated with a collapsible tower, MLS (Malibu Launch System) and a wake building Wedge.
- Specs -
Length: 21.8'
Beam: 93.5"
Draft: 16"
Seating: 10 persons
Weight: 2900 Lbs.
Fuel: 35 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Vortec 310hp
Type: Direct Drive/ Inboard
Class: Performance Family
Sunsetter XTi
Malibu's Sunsetter XTi is the first tow boat to truly bridge the gap between v-drive space and d-drive handling. The interior of the boat is designed to make the best use of capacity that a 23-foot hull contains while the marriage of the center-mounted engine and the award winning SV23 Diamond hull sculpts a pristine slalom wake. The 13 person seating capacity includes a swivel driver's seat, an oversized observer's seat and wrap-around lounge in the rear. The driver's area is tucked in behind a newly developed hand-sewn dash populated with illuminating rocker switches and 5" servo driven gauges. So the driver isn't the only experiencing the luxury the observer sits in front of a custom dash as well. Malibu replaced the engine box with a 60 X 40 inch center mount sundeck, which extends behind the driver all the way to the boats interior side panel. The exterior of the boat is garnished with 2002 4-color gel graphics and drip-molded side decals. The Sunsetter XTi offers the best of both worlds for water sports enthusiasts and recreational cruisers alike.
- Specs -
Length: 22.6'
Beam: 97"
Draft: 18"
Seating: 13 persons
Weight: 3300 Lbs.
Fuel: 43 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Monsoon 325hp EFI
Type: Direct Drive/Inboard
Class: Performance Family
Wakesetter XTi
The Wakesetter XTi shines in any sport boating situation, but it was born to ride. The direct-drive design coordinates with Malibu's award winning SV23 Diamond Hull and the Instantaneous Response System (IRT) to assure superior handling and with the deployment of Malibu's wake-building Wedge and a flip of a 3-ballast Malibu Launch System (MLS) switches, even Pro rider's step right into a dream. Malibu designers engineered a precise 23-foot SV23 Diamond Hull, powered it with a center-mounted 325HP Monsoon (standard) and surrounded it with custom designed seating for 13 of the closest buddies. The Wakesetter XTi sports traditional Wakesetter gel coat graphics and the all-new Malibu tattoo side decals. Standard riding accessories include a collapsible tower, 3-ballast MLS (Malibu Launch System) and a wake building Wedge. The Wakesetter XTi is a luxuriously appointed all-around water sports boat with the heart of a competition tow boat and a big-air.
- Specs -
Length: 22.6'
Beam: 97"
Draft: 18"
Seating: 13 persons
Weight: 3300 Lbs.
Fuel: 43 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Monsoon 325hp EFI
Type: Direct Drive/Inboard
Class: Performance
Sunscape 21 LSV
Malibu engineers went back to the drawing board on the award-winning Sunsetter VLX design and enhanced almost every aspect of the boat until the 2002 Sunscape 21 LSV emerged. Built on the same precisely tooled SV23 Diamond Hull introduced on the VLX in 2001, the 2002 21 LSV sports the same responsive handling and smooth slalom wakes. To cap this performance-proven hull, Malibu engineers designed a sleek deck to accentuate the lines of the 21 LSV. New 4-color in the mold gel coat graphics were designed in conjunction with these good looks and are complimented by a stylish black chrome Malibu decal with silver or gold back shadow. The interior was redesigned and covered in waves of custom colors crash through the interior and extend to a newly added seating area behind the driver. This extra wrap-around lounging area increases individual passenger space and comfort. To spoil the driver, Malibu designers devised a new dash ergonomically engineered for maximum control and comfort brought together by a new steering wheel molded for perfect grip. The Sunscape 21 LSV appears to be a highly evolved ancestor of the Sunsetter VLX.
- Specs -
Length: 21"
Beam: 93"
Draft: 18"
Seating: 10 persons
Weight: 2900 Lbs.
Fuel: 35 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Monsoon 325hp EFI
Type: V-Drive Class
Luxury Sport-V
Wakesetter VLX
The pros number one tow boat choice just got better with the introduction of the 2002 Wakesetter VLX. This tournament-hungry boat can be seen towing such prestigious events as the Malibu Open, the Just Ride Series and the U.S. Open Wakeboard Championships. Supported by a wakeboard specific hull the Wakesetter VLX offers highflying pull like no other boat in its class. With the standard 900lbs 3-ballast MLS (Malibu Launch System) filled the Wakesetter VLX kicks up a monster size wake fit for even the most discriminating rider. For those who are watching from the boat, the Wakesetter VLX has space for 11 persons with gear. The interior has been redesigned and the seating area increased to provide even more room for a shredding crew. With a totally redesigned dash and driver consol, the Wakesetter VLX driver rules from a contoured seat complete with air lumbar support. From that pedestal the Wakesetter can be precisely maneuvered taking advantage of Malibu's Zero friction throttle cables and rack & pinion steering. The Wakesetter VLX is the extreme in radical performance and complete comfort.
- Specs -
Length: 21"
Beam: 93"
Draft: 18"
Seating: 10 persons
Weight: 2800 Lbs.
Fuel: 38 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Monsoon 325hp EFI
Type: V-Drive
Class: Performance
Sunscape 23 LSV
Malibu's Sunscape 23 LSV is a shining example of how Sport-V technology can provide the responsive handling of a smaller inboard and the spacious layout of a luxury runabout. In 2002 Malibu's 23-foot Luxury Sport-V is receiving a new look as well as a totally redesign driver's area. The Sunscape 23 LSV has been artistically enhanced in the mold with a new gel coat graphic design. These panels of color accentuate the long flowing lines of the Sunscape 23 LSV and inspire a feeling of powerful motion even when the boat is perfectly still. The interior has always catered to the needs of passengers with space and comfort. In 2002 Malibu engineers resolve to pamper the Sunscape 23 LSV driver with a newly fashioned hand-sewn dash. Complete with redesigned switch panels and centered around a new sure-grip steering wheel, this new dash gives the driver complete control of his luxurious domain on the water.
- Specs -
Wakesetter LSV
Pro riders marvel at the sport-specific integrity of the Malibu Wakesetter LSV. This 23-foot wakeboard tow boat was created with the special needs of drivers and boarders in mind. The Wakesetter LSV offers predictable handling, tighter turning radiuses and slow speed maneuverability. The 2002 model has been retrofitted with an ergonomically redesigned dash to increase this control. Fashioned completely by hand the Wakesetter LSV dash wraps the driver's realm in luxury and provides fingertip access to any and all controls. While the driver is living in a perfect world behind the steering wheel, riders find it difficult to stay out of the water. The rampy wake of the Wakesetter LSV is even more radical with the addition of two ballast tanks in the rear. The 2002 3-ballast MLS (Malibu Launch System) includes a 500-pound center ballast as well as two rear ballast tanks totaling 400lbs. While the performance and interior splendor of the Wakesetter LSV become obvious during the first ride, exterior good looks inspire love even from a distance. Thickly applied gel coat color panels and new Wakesetter side decals, reminiscent of the wakeboard tattoo culture, make this boat a glance grabber.
- Specs -
Length: 22.6'
Beam: 97"
Draft: 18"
Seating: 13 persons
Weight: 3400 Lbs.
Fuel: 55 gallons
Standard Engine: Malibu Monsoon 325hp EFI
Type: V-Drive
Class: Performance
Sunscape 25 LSV
Malibu Boats has taken the extraordinary design of their award winning water sports boats, deepened it, increased the width and applied it to an enormous 25-foot hull. The result is the Sunscape 25 LSV a long, lean, sleek bodied boat that pleases the eye, excites the soul and pulls riders and skiers alike. Malibu pampers the driver with a six-position power seat, zero friction throttle cables, rack and pinion steering, optional cruise control, a feature-rich dash and throttle console with 5" Servo instrumentation and much more. While the driver is sitting in the lap of luxury, passengers can spread out. Some may take their place next the driver in the passenger-side swiveling bucket seat. Others may choose the lounge in the spacious bow, complete with a filler cushion to add still more seating room. Still others may prefer to take advantage of the roomy bench seating offered toward the middle of the boat, with or without Malibu's removable table. The Sunscape 25LSV combines first-class amenities, heart-racing power and unique styling in a ski boat for those who want their cake and want to eat it in style.
- Specs -
Length: 25'
Beam: 102"
Draft: 26"
Seating: 14 persons
Weight: 4600 lbs.
Fuel: 80 gallons
Standard Engine: 8.1 Liter Indmar 425hp
Type: V-Drive
Class:Luxury Sport-V
