The Wakesetter 25 LSV is Malibu’s biggest boat, so it should be no surprise that it throws a big wake. But being big isn’t the only reason for its killer waves. Start with Malibu’s Wake Plus hull, designed specifically to ride deeper in the water at lower towing speeds, increasing displacement and, therefore, creating bigger wakes. Add in all the surf and wake tools and there’s a lot to work with.
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 plug-and-play connections. Additional wake boosting comes from Malibu’s exclusive Power Wedge II. This optional transom-mounted hydrofoil helps the boat climb onto plane in lift mode, then creates a bigger wake when set to the “rider” position. Combined with the optional, stylish G4 watersports tower that anchors the towrope high above the cockpit, the Wakesetter is fully capable of launching boarders 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. 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 quickly work both the left and right sides.
For those inside the boat, the Wakesetter 25 LSV is packed with creature comforts. Between the bow and the wraparound cockpit seating, it can hold up to 19 people. Flip over the aft WakeView bench for a front-row view of the action in the boat’s wake. Our test boat featured an Indmar Monsoon 575 inboard. With the ballast tanks drained, it climbed onto plane in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of just over 40 mph, fast for this category. That means you’ll get the best spot on the lake to make that giant wake.
High Points
* Zoned audio system adjusts the music anywhere in the boat.
* High-definition rearview transom camera plays live on the MaliView screen at the helm.
* Malibu’s Command Center, a pair of touchscreen helm displays, provides control of the ballast, Power Wedge, Surf Gate, speed and more.
* Power Wedge also keeps the bow down for quick planing and great forward vision.
Price: Unavailable (at press time)
How We Tested
Engine: Indmar Monsoon 575 6.2L
Drive/Prop: Acme 2277 15″ x 15 3/4″ 4-blade Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.76:1
Fuel Load: 77 gal.
Crew Weight: 350 lb.
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