In this video, world-renowned, multi-discipline athlete, Brian Grubb dishes about the evolution of watersports. Having been riding for team @malibuboats  for over 20 years, Grubb started waterskiing, transitioned to wakeskating, performs at top levels at wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and now may be best known for his exploits riding foils. Check out what Brian Grubb has to say, and enjoy some great footage of Grubb doing what he does best.

The post Brian Grubb on the Evolution of Watersports appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Taking place at the scenic Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, wakeboarders and wakesurfers alike gathered at Quail Creek Reservoir for the West Regional Championships hosted by Taylor’s Boats. And while the Malibu Rider Experience events have been happening since 2013, this year marked the inaugural year for three divisions to be included on the tournament schedule.

From the wakesurfing-side of the sport, “Wakesurfing Moms” and “Wakesurfing Dads” each had their own brand new divisions that were filled with first-time competitors. Many parents who usually only show up to watch and support their children took the opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the action. “The WWA’s mission is to introduce people to the wake sports we love. We feel that this introduction can come in many forms and should be in a fun, safe, friendly environment. And let’s be honest, we all know that without the support of parents we would have no one on the water. So we wanted to create a few divisions for those parents that also love wake sports and have them compete against other parents. This has become my favorite division for the year It’s all about having fun right?” said Shannon Starling, president of the WWA.

Also brand new for the 2021 season, Malibu has added the Jr. Pro Women to each event of the Jr. Pro Series. Both the Jr. Pro Men and the Jr. Pro women will be accumulating points throughout the 5 stops of the Malibu Jr. Pro Series to compete for $20,000 in travel scholarships that will be divided equally among the top overall series finishers. Overall winners will be announced and scholarship money will be awarded at the final stop of the Malibu Rider Experience Series, happening in conjunction with TN WakeFest in Smithville, TN on July 23-25.

Read Next: More Tournament News

The Jr. Pro standings after Stop #1:

Jr. Pro Women

• 1. Kira Lewis (FL) – 100pts
• 2. Payton Gross (NC) – 90pts
• 3. Alexie Patrick (TX) – 80pts
• 4. Ellie Patrick (TX) – 75pts
• T5. Kitt Smith (MO) – 70pts
• T5. Vivienne Davidson (TX) – 70pts

Jr. Pro Men

• 1. Jamie Hüser (SUI) – 100pts
• 2. Alex Albin (CA) – 90pts
• 3. Jaden Reichl (OK) – 80pts
• 4. Cody Hunnicutt (TN) – 75pts
• T5. Parker Swope (TX) – 70pts
• T5. Barrett Swope (TX) – 70pts
• 7. Brett Powell (KS) – 60pts

From the wakesurfing-side of the sport, “Wakesurfing Moms” and “Wakesurfing Dads” each had their own brand new divisions that were filled with first-time competitors. Many parents who usually only show up to watch and support their children took the opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the action.

“The WWA’s mission is to introduce people to the wake sports we love. We feel that this introduction can come in many forms and should be in a fun, safe, friendly environment. And let’s be honest, we all know that without the support of parents we would have no one on the water. So we wanted to create a few divisions for those parents that also love wake sports and have them compete against other parents. This has become my favorite division for the year It’s all about having fun right?” said Shannon Starling, president of the WWA.

Also brand new for the 2021 season, Malibu has added the Jr. Pro Women to each event of the Jr. Pro Series. Both the Jr. Pro Men and the Jr. Pro women will be accumulating points throughout the 5 stops of the Malibu Jr. Pro Series to compete for $20,000 in travel scholarships that will be divided equally among the top overall series finishers. Overall winners will be announced and scholarship money will be awarded at the final stop of the Malibu Rider Experience Series, happening in conjunction with TN WakeFest in Smithville, TN on July 23-25.

The Jr. Pro standings after Stop #1:

Jr. Pro Women

• 1. Kira Lewis (FL) – 100pts
• 2. Payton Gross (NC) – 90pts
• 3. Alexie Patrick (TX) – 80pts
• 4. Ellie Patrick (TX) – 75pts
• T5. Kitt Smith (MO) – 70pts
• T5. Vivienne Davidson (TX) – 70pts

Jr. Pro Men

• 1. Jamie Hüser (SUI) – 100pts
• 2. Alex Albin (CA) – 90pts
• 3. Jaden Reichl (OK) – 80pts
• 4. Cody Hunnicutt (TN) – 75pts
• T5. Parker Swope (TX) – 70pts
• T5. Barrett Swope (TX) – 70pts
• 7. Brett Powell (KS) – 60pts

The post Malibu Rider Experience Kicks Off appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

With a 24-foot-5-inch length overall, wide pickle-fork bow, and the ability to produce truly massive wakes, the Wakesetter 24 MXZ has proven to be one of Malibu’s most popular models. A new and improved version debuts for 2021, offering more interior luxury, more of the latest tech, and yes, more wake-boosting potential.

Start with the latter. Malibu’s Wake Plus hull sits deeper in the water at board-riding speeds, naturally boosting wake size. Add 3,385 pounds of water ballast, spread between Malibu’s Quad Hard Tanks, and that wake grows dramatically. The Power Wedge III hydrofoil mimics yet another 1,500 pounds of weight, and depending on the selected angle, shapes that wake face from steep to mellow. For surf duties, Malibu’s Surf Gate, a set of transom-mounted vertical tabs, pivots outward to disrupt water flow coming off the hull sides, and instantly forms an ideally shaped wave on either side.

An all-new interior layout emphasizes comfort and roominess while never forgetting the show taking place aft. The bow cockpit is the most spacious to be found in the entire Malibu line. At 4 feet long and nearly 6 feet wide, use it as one big playpen, or lean against the forward-facing backrests, fold down the armrests and stretch out. Equally plush seating wraps the entire perimeter of the main cockpit. Seats pivot up on articulating hinges to access the storage below. Portside storage extends all the way under the console for large items. Aft-facing backrests are provided against the built-in cooler locker to starboard, as well as a lift-up seat base to port. Expand the viewing potential with the optional Malibu Multi-View Wake Bench; it slides forward, pivots its backrest from forward-facing to aft, or flips that backrest horizontal to reveal a built-in table with cup holders.

Our test boat’s 430 hp direct-injection Malibu Monsoon M6Di popped riders atop the water with ease even when fully loaded, assisted by the Power Wedge III to limit bow rise. That engine also proved relatively economical, consuming only about 6 gph at surf speeds.

High Points

• Dual-touchscreen Command Center controls boat functions, wake and surf settings, music and navigation.
• Electric eMLS fast-fill ballast speeds up fill/drain time by 150 percent.
• G5 watersports tower does it all and lowers for clearance.

Specs

LOA: 24′5″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 2′8″

Dry Weight: 6,000 lb.

Ballast: 4,885 lb. (with Power Wedge III deployed)

Seat/Weight Capacity: 17/2,397 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 82 gal.

Price: $152,408 (starting)

How We Tested

Engine: Malibu Monsoon M6Di

Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15.5″ 4-blade nibral

Gear Ratio: 2.00:1

Fuel Load: 45 gal.

Crew Weight: 335 lb.

More Information

Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com

Visit Malibu Homepage

Find A Dealer

Build Your Boat

Malibu Boats FacebookMalibu Boats Instagram

The post 2021 Malibu Wakesetter 24 MXZ appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Malibu’s 22-foot-5-inch M220 is a new iteration of last year’s M240, benefiting from the same innovative hull design and features introduced on that flagship model, but in a more compact size and affordable price point.

The M-Line hull is the deepest Malibu offers, with increased freeboard to accommodate more passengers, more ballast and increased stowage, and deliver a more secure ride, particularly in rough water. A shovel-nose bow increases the size of its bow cockpit. The main cockpit seating consists of a lengthy wraparound lounge, but includes several innovations focused on passengers taking in the action in the boat’s wake. To each side, a single cushion can be raised to serve as an aft-facing backrest. The Malibu Multi-View bench on the centerline functions like its name implies. In its normal position, it’s part of that social cockpit layout, but slide the bench forward on integrated tracks and pivot the backrest over, and it forms an aft-facing stadium seat. Or flip the backrest over to reveal a built-in table with cup holders.

All this attention focused aft is for a reason. The M220 builds impressive wakes for wakeboarding and wakesurfing. In addition to a 15-passenger capacity, a foursome of rigid tanks is built into the hull and capable of holding over 3,500 pounds of water ballast, filled (or drained) in surprisingly quick fashion by Malibu’s electric-fill pumps. The transom-mounted Power Wedge III hydrofoil pulls the stern deeper into the water, mimicking an additional 1,500 pounds of weight. For surf junkies, Malibu’s vertical Surf Gate plates pivot outward from aft transom corners when activated, disrupting water flow to build and shape mega-wakes on a surfer’s preferred side. With the wearable Surf Band, riders can control everything on their own, from the Power Wedge position to switching sides on the Surf Gate.

All that wake-boosting weight requires significant horsepower to get the boat up and out of the hole. Our test boat was equipped with Malibu’s Monsoon M6Di, a 430 hp direct-injection powerplant that, along with an assist from the Power Wedge, easily pushed the boat onto plane and up to 38 mph.

High Points

• Power Wedge III easily and quickly customizes the shape of the wakes.
• Standard G5 tower folds lower for improved clearance.
• Dual touchscreen Command Center at the helm offers intuitive control on all surf functions.

Specs

LOA: 23′0″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 2′8″

Dry Weight: 5,400 lb.

Ballast: 5,160 lb. (with Power Wedge III deployed)

Seat/Weight Capacity: 15/2,115 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 79 gal.

Price: $138,667 (starting)

How We Tested

Engine: Malibu Monsoon M6Di

Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 1773 17″ x 14″ 4-blade nibral

Gear Ratio: 2.00:1

Fuel Load: 45 gal.

Crew Weight: 360 lb.

More Information

Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com

Visit Malibu Homepage

Find A Dealer

Build Your Boat

Malibu Boats FacebookMalibu Boats Instagram

The post 2021 Malibu M220 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Malibu M220

With the success of the M235 and now the M240, Malibu has added to the M line for 2020 with the M220. At 22-feet 5-inches, the M220, looks to pack a punch. Much like its bigger sibling, the M220 is full of Malibu’s biggest tech and features. If you like the idea of a boat with all the bells and whistles in a little smaller form factor, the M220 may be just what you’re looking for.

New Features

• Higher freeboard and deeper draft means smoother ride and more comfortable seating for passengers.
• Stern Turn thruster at the transom of the boat allows for easier maneuvering in tight spaces and while in reverse.
• The eMLS ballast system offers a 150% fill-time improvement over the previous generation.
• Option for the new GX Tower Mister and keep your entire crew cool on even the hottest days.

Specs

Length: 22′5″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 32″

Capacity: 15

Dry Weight: 6,200 lbs.

Fuel: 79 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,160 lbs.

Power Options: 360 HP/400 FT-LBS – 607 HP/606 FT-LBS

Get more information at malibuboats.com.

Centurion Ri265

The Ri265 represents one of the biggest wake/watersports boats ever made. Similar to the previously-announced Ri245, the Ri265 features a slew of new designs and tech, including an updated Opti-V running surface and Roswell’s DropZone Auto tower.

New Features

• 7 ballast locations allow for a whopping 5,850 pounds of ballast to be added.
• Updated Opti-V hull features 20-degrees of deadrise (a deeper “V”) for a smoother ride in rough water, while minimizing bow rise at take off.
• Lay-flat sunpad lounge seats at the back of the boat.
• Software updates feature fuel-consumption data to help captain’s calculate distances/time left based on what’s in the tank.

Specs

Length: 26′6″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 36″

Capacity: 18

Dry Weight: 6,400 lbs.

Fuel: 92 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,850 lbs.

Power Options: 450 ft/lb torque – 545 ft/lb torque

Get more info at centurionboats.com!

Centurion Ri245

Although badged with the Ri name, don’t think of the Ri245 as just an “in between” model flanked by the Ri237 and Ri257. The Ri245 is all new, with a modified Opti-V running surface, higher freeboard, and a slew of new features and technology. With more aggressive lines and featuring Roswell’s DropZone Auto tower, the Ri245 also looks different from its siblings.

New Features

• 5,650 pounds of factory ballast, the majority of which can be filled in 90 seconds courtesy of Ramfill.
• Revo side-by-side 12-inch touchscreen dash gives the captain digital control over nearly every function on the boat.
• Redesigned hull reduces bow rise even more, while a new QuickSurf Pro Surf System features longer blades to displace more water and create more powerful waves.

Specs

Length: 24′6″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 36″

Capacity: 16

Dry Weight: 5,700 lbs.

Fuel: 92 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,650 lbs.

Power Options: 409 ft/lb torque – 521 ft/lb torque

Get more info from Centurion Boats here!

Axis Wake A24

The A24 is Axis’ biggest boat, and amongst pros and core fans alike, has been known as one of the best bangs for the buck in the game with its massive wakes and waves. So Axis went and made it better.

New Features

• Four additional inches of freeboard allow for a deeper, more comfortable ride for passengers, as well as increased storage space.
• Updated dash makes analog gauges and digital screen easier to see.
• Built-in trash can in bow walkthrough.
• Hull tweaks keep Axis’ signature wakes and waves while providing a softer ride in rougher waters.

Specs

Length: 24′5″

Beam: 102″

Draft: 32″

Capacity: 18

Dry Weight: 5,500 lbs.

Fuel: 76 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 5,320 lbs.

Power Options: Malibu Monsoon M5Di, M6Di or LT4 by GM Marine (400-606 FT-LBS torque)

Get more info from Axis Wake here!

Malibu 23 LSV

The 23 LSV is touted as the best selling wake boat of all time, and there is a reason why it has been so popular for so many years. This versatile V-drive sits right in the comfort zone for many watersports boating families, at 23-feet it’s big enough to handle a large crew, but still easy to trailer and stow. Add in Malibu’s onboard systems like the Power Wedge III and Surf Gate, and you have killer, customizable wakes and waves for all skills, styles and abilities.

New Features

• Option for the new GX Tower Mister and keep your entire crew cool on even the hottest days.
• The 23 LSV now features the updated Command Center layout and features.
• A transom walkthrough has been integrated into the engine hatch.
• The eMLS ballast system offers a 150% fill-time improvement over the previous generation.
• Stern Turn offers increased maneuverability in reverse and tight quarters, like a crowded marina.

Specs

Length: 23′

Beam: 102″

Draft: 27″

Capacity: 15

Dry Weight: 5,200 lbs.

Fuel: 65 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 4,250 lbs.

Power Options: 360 HP/400 FT-LBS – 607 HP/606 FT-LBS

Get more info from Malibu here!

MasterCraft NXT24

The NXT line for MasterCraft has been very popular since its debut, offering wake and watersports enthusiasts the brand’s performance pedigree without the price. For 2021 they’ve added to the line with the biggest model yet: the NXT24. MasterCraft starts the pricing at $82,995, and offers a well-equipped version at $92,995, which in today’s market is quite competitive for a 24-foot boat that holds 16 people.

New Features

• GEN2 Surf System equipped, offering customizable wakes and waves for the whole crew.
• DockStar Handling System can be optioned onto the NXT24, giving the captain more control and maneuverability in reverse and tight docking situations.

Specs

Length: 24′

Beam: 102″

Draft: 29″

Capacity: 16

Dry Weight: 5,000 lbs.

Fuel: 65 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 2,600 lbs.

Power Options: 6.0L 380 HP/407 FT-LBS

Get more info from MasterCraft here!

Super Air Nautique G23

Nautique have taken their legendary G23 and given it some of the upgrades and styling cues found in 2020 Paragon series. You can think of the G23 as a Paragon-Light. That means you get the updated running surface of the Paragon, the new features in the LINC Panoray dash setup, and a lot more. With room for 16 and some of the best wakes and waves on the market, the 2021 G23 is setup to deliver big-time fun for all.

New Features

• Updated running surface matches the Paragon series.
• Like on the Paragon, the new G23 can be optioned with extended sun shades off the tower and bimini, providing coverage the length of the boat.
• New windshield designed to match the new lines of the G23.
• Actuated helm seat is fully automated with more support and options.

Specs

Length: 23′

Beam: 102″

Draft: 31″

Capacity: 16

Dry Weight: 6,000 lbs.

Fuel: 65 gal.

Max Factory Ballast: 2,200 lbs.

Power Options: 8LV – 370 HP / ZZ6 – 450 HP / ZR7 – 475 HP / ZZ8 – 600 HP

Get more info from Nautique here!

The post New Wake Boats for 2021 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

Malibu’s 23 LSV has long been the company’s most popular boat model. The new, 2020 model-year 23 MXZ adds another alternative at this size range but with the added benefits of a pickle-fork bow and a host of new, innovative performance and luxury features.

Explore This Model

Build Your Boat

The MXZ suffix translates to maximized, a nod to the 23 not only maximizing performance but also passenger comfort and space. Start with the space created by that pickle-fork bow. Malibu uses it to turn the bow cockpit into a 4-by-6-foot playpen, relocating batteries and the walk-through, wind-block door below the center cushion to open up stowage possibilities aft.

Like in the main cockpit, inwale nooks feature all the necessities the target audience requires, with dual USB ports, dual phone holders and a 12-volt outlet ready to both port and starboard.

In the main cockpit, nearly 16 linear feet of seating rings the perimeter, with storage below and extending under the port console. The aft bench can slide forward into the cockpit; the seatback pivots 180 degrees to focus on the wake. Flanking seat bottom cushions hinge upward to do likewise. When not in watersports mode, pivot that central seatback over to reveal a small table with cup holders.

At the transom, two inset, upholstered seats await passengers gearing up to ride or surf, with wet storage below and stereo remote close at hand.

While comfort is key, wakes will ultimately define the boat. The MXZ offers wakes and waves for all levels of riding. Up to 3,170 pounds of ballast can be added to build them from mild to wild. The Surf Gate—vertical tabs adjacent to the swim platform that disrupt water flow—groom and perfect those wakes for surfing on a rider’s preferred side.

Malibu’s Power Wedge III further customizes wakes and waves to your liking. Trim it up for a bigger wave face, or drop it down to lengthen it out. There is plenty of push, which is great for beginners learning to drop the rope the first time, or advanced riders looking to add tricks to their repertoires. The symmetrical wakes provide a substantial platform for big air.

High Points

⋅G3.5 tower has integrated board racks, tow point, Bimini, speakers and light.

⋅New mOS Command Center touchscreen controls ballast, wake shaping, speed and audio.

⋅Wake Plus hull displaces more water to boost wakes.

Specs

LOA: 23′0″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft (max): 2′8″

Dry Weight: 5,400 lb.

Ballast: 4,670 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 16/2,256 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 58 gal.

Price: $138,806 (with test power)

How We Tested

Engine: Malibu Monsoon M5 Di

Drive/Props: V-Drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15″ 4-blade Nibral

Gear Ratio: 2.0:1

Fuel Load: 45 gal.

Crew Weight: 360 lb.

More Information

Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com

Explore This Model

Build Your Boat

Find Your Dealer

The post 2020 Malibu Wakesetter 23 MXZ appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.