Even if you just dropped the Malibu M235 in the water and started surfing on the boat’s stock settings, the wave quality would approach pro levels. But when you start to shape and customize it with all the tools Malibu has to offer, the wave becomes simply ridiculous.
The amenities on the M235 are ridiculous too. Luxury features include the 12-inch MaliView touchscreen in the dash that is glare-proof, extremely water-resistant, and houses all your major driving functions with big, intuitive menu buttons. The smaller 7-inch auxiliary screen has everything you need to dial in the surf specifics. Want attention to detail? Check out the electrically deployed wind block that closes off the windshield walk-through.
As for that wake, how does Malibu do it? The M235 is by far the deepest, heaviest boat Malibu has ever built. A bigger boat with higher freeboard means a heavier dry weight, more and safer seating, deeper stowage and, of course, more ballast capacity. With the Integrated Surf Platform, you get the Surf Gate vertical tab system, which is one of the best out there. You can surf one side or the other without moving any weight. With the Surf Band on your wrist, you can adjust the tabs and switch from side to side while you’re riding. The Surf Band also controls the boat’s speed and the Power Wedge II, which can tweak the wave face while you’re riding so you get exactly what you want.
Our test crew found out exactly what happens when you put it all together. From the moment we got behind the M235, it was clear this boat makes the largest waves of any Malibu. Every aspect of this wave was unbelievable, from the size to the configurability. The wave was clean all the way through and had a ton of height. Along with the size, we were really impressed with the transition on this wave. It has a perfect progression of mellow to steep from beginning to end. Another thing you’ll notice when surfing behind the M235 is just how far back you can drop. The pocket is really long and has a nice lip at the end. Malibu put everything it has into the M235, and it unquestionably ranks among the best surfboats available.
High Points
* With the Indmar Monsoon 575, the boat is capable of hitting 38 mph with no ballast.
* The 12- and 7-inch touchscreen displays make operating the boat and controlling the wake easy and intuitive for the driver.
* Malibu’s MultiZone RGB lighting center lets you control the settings of up to three zones of RGB lights.
* SeaDek flooring is soft underfoot yet extremely durable, and it increases the boat’s style points.
Price: Unavailable (at press time)
How We Tested
Engine: Indmar Monsoon 575 6.2L
Prop: 17″ x 15 1/4″ Acme 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.76:1
Fuel Load: 66 gal.
Crew Weight: 530 lb.
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