91 malibu sunsetter or 94 ski nautique

Stang7tl · Outlaw Joined: 15 Sep 2010 Posts: 113 City: Hobe Sound

so between these boat what is better to do both wake and wake surf
malibu is 21' open bow
nautique is 19" closed bow

cadunkle · Criminal Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 60 City: NJ

No idea on the wake since you didn't mention what models they are, but note that the Correct Craft is all fiberglass while the Malibu has wood stringers and floors. Check them closely for rot. Malibu went fiberglass in '94 on the Echelon and '95 on all other models. Correct Craft went fiberglass in '93 on all models.

I would be inclined to say between those tow the preference (for me at least) would be for the 21' open bow. Bigger is better in my book. Compare freeboard on the two, more freeboard means a dryer and safer ride when weighted down. If the Malibu seems solid then don't rule it out because of wood construction, but consider how long you may have it. A few years, no problem. 5, 10, or more years? At that point you may be looking at stringer replacement. Depending on condition and care.

Ridesteady · Newbie Joined: 08 Apr 2011 Posts: 20 City: Austin

Hey Stang7tl,

I've got a 92 sunsetter with wood stringers. As cadunkle said, it's all about condition and care.

I haven't had a single problem as of yet, but have always kept mine garaged. It puts out a decent wake when loaded down (I use 3 fatsacs at probably about 1500-1800 lb ). Never tried surfing with it, though.

Rides pretty rough in choppy waters, though, as you would expect with a ski boat.