With Malibu, it’s all about producing the perfect wake, whether you’re surfing, skating or wakeboarding behind one of its boats. The Wakesetter 25 LSV, Malibu’s biggest boat, strives to provide this — with a large, clean wake.
The Wakesetter 25 employs a ballast system that can total up to 1,825 pounds of wake-producing weight thanks to the rigid built-in tanks located below both the bow and stern. For the truly hardcore watersports enthusiasts, more ballast bags can easily be added via proprietary Plug and Play connections. Additional wake-boosting capability comes from Malibu’s exclusive Power Wedge II. This optional transom-mount hydrofoil helps the boat climb onto plane in “lift” mode, then creates a bigger wake when it is set to the “rider” position. Combined with the optional, stylish G4 watersports tower that anchors the tow rope high above the cockpit, the Wakesetter is fully capable of launching riders high off the wake.
Want to surf instead? Malibu’s patented Surf Gate, a set of twin vertical tabs that lie adjacent to the swim platform, shape the wake for a clean, powerful and eminently surfable wave. It doesn’t matter if you surf regular or goofy foot. When the port or starboard gate is extended outward, it disrupts the convergent point of water coming off the hull sides, further boosting and cleaning up the wake’s shape on a rider’s preferred side. Thanks to the fast-acting gates, switching the focus from one side of the wake to the other takes mere seconds and enables skilled surfers to work both the left and right sides without pausing to shift ballast.
Creature comforts? The Wakesetter 25 LSV has all that, too. Wraparound cockpit seating can hold up to 19 people, enough to give any rider a large audience. Flip over the aft bench for a front-row view of the action in the boat’s wake. Our test boat featured an Indmar 6.2L Monsoon 450 HO for propulsion. With the ballast tanks drained, it climbed onto plane in 4.6 seconds, powered to 30 mph in 7.4 seconds, and hit a top speed of just over 37 mph.
High Points
* Malibu’s Command Center, a pair of touchscreen helm displays, provides control of the ballast, Power Wedge, Surf Gate, speed and more.
* Optional analog control dial offers physical control of the above features while allowing focus to remain on driving.
* Power Wedge II also keeps the bow down for quick planing and great forward vision.
How We Tested
Engine: Indmar 6.2L Monsoon 450L
Drive/Prop: Acme 2277 15″ x 15¾” 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.76:1
Fuel Load: 77 gal.
Crew Weight: 350 lb.
Price
$158,672 (as tested)
Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com
