Narrowed it down...now I need opinions...Supra vs Malibu...

[Jmass03]

Well guys...checked out the local Supra and Malibu dealer here...and heres what we've come across, and now we have to make a decision. As you know we sold off our Xstar so we want to get something a little bit bigger. So, we've cut out the Correct Craft's and Mastercraft's mainly because 1) we already had a Mastercraft, want something different, 2) Correct Craft is asking too much for what they are giving, no real dealer incentive to cut the price of the boat. If we don't buy, someone else will, so they aren't really working with us on price, so we said F**k it.

Our choices:

2006 Malibu Wakesetter VLX (Everything, BUT the Illusion X Tower and speakers, it has the other Titan tower which I'm not really fond of)
Color: Orange/Black
Asking Price: 53k

2005 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV (20 hours, dealer driven, showroom boat, it is also fully loaded, but also lacking the tower. It has the older 2005 model tower, neither Titan, nor the Illusion X)
Color: Blue/Tan
Asking Price: 49k

2006 Supra 22 SSV (Fully Loaded)
Color: Blue
Asking price: 47k

2006 Supra 24SSV Gravity Games Edition (Fully Loaded)
Color: Maroon Red
Asking price: 57k


Anyway, so both dealers are highly motivated to get rid of these boats. They know what they are worth, and know that they can get rid of the 2006's and in the Malibu's case, also the 2005, so they can make room for the 2007's. We love the Supras. We had never actually seen one up close, but they seem very well built. We have not yet driven any of these boats, so we don't know how they handle, drive, etc.

Lets go down in the list and tell you the pros and cons of what we see in each boat.

2006 Malibu Wakesetter VLX in Orange/Black. He is asking 53k, we think we can get it for 45k. Our concern is, we're not fond of the tower, and the color we love, but we're afraid that 8-10 years down the road when we get ready to sell the boat, we may run into color problems.

2005 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV in Blue/Tan. The color, we think it looks good as a neutral color. However, we're not particularly fond of the tower. He is asking 49k, but I know he would be motivated to sell it for 40k. We are also concerned that this is a 2005. Yes the dealer has taken the initial hit for a new boat, and there is no depreciation, however, we've realized that you either pay the premium up front, or later, we're just not sure if a 2006 model or a 2005 model will make much of a difference.

2006 Supra 22SSV in Blue. He is asking 47k, but he also would be willing to let it go for 40k. The boat looks nice. It is well loaded with everything, but you can tell in little places where the boat is lacking. Such as, the ballast buttons are still the same old flip switch ones, where as the Malibu is using a new touchpanel sort of ballast system that you can special tailor your wake.

2006 Supra 24SSV Gravity Games in Red. He is asking 57k, and this boat is a beaut. I think we can get this out the door for 52 with tax. Absolutely big and bold, definitely a looker in the water and on the trailer. We live on the water, so the boat will be sitting in our dock, which is also a concern, as this is going to be a tough squeeze. We have a garage door that comes down on the entrance of the dock, so to keep our boat dry and away from prying eyes, however, this 24 footer is definitely going to be sticking out about 6 inches, plus add another 2 feet for the rear sundeck.

Our particular concern is really regarding the quality of the Supra boats compared to say Malibu, Mastercraft, Nautique, etc. We want something that will hold its resale through and through. I hear of people getting used Supra boats for rather cheap, low 30's to mid 30's for a year old Supra 21V or a 22SSV, and it makes me think, that if we are going to be paying the premium up front, will we get any of it back. We had a 2000 Mastercraft Xstar, with only 190 hours, we bought used with 80 hours on it for 34,900, and we turned around and sold it for 29,000. That boat retained nearly all of its value. So this is what we are struggling with. The supra is most obviously giving us more for the price, etc. but in the long run is it going to hold its value, in regards to how well it is made and such.

Jonathan

[Natman]

neither of those bus have the x-illusion? the first 06 vlx im guessing has the titan III, the supras aswel sound awsome, iny miny miney moe....ha as far as quality, id say there close, both having pros and cons....your in for a tough decision

[Trainwreck]

I have a Supra 21V. I was between a VLX, X2, and the 21V came last. I looked at all three, did tons of research, and went with the 21V and couldn't be happier. I spent almost $20K less than the other two and came out with more boat.

I didnt buy a Malibu because of the metal rings in the floor. Get that in the hot TX or FL sun and you're going to have a smoking ring of fire for your bare feet to chill with. I also thought the radio placement was bogus. Who wants to change channels under your armpit? Makes no sense. I also dont approve of Sony's stereo components and didnt want to go replacing stuff in a $60K boat. I wont go into X2 because its not a factor. Came down mostly to price though.

I would hope to sway you to the Supra simply because I have been so happy with mine as well as everyone else on here. I haven't seen any Supras that are a year old selling that cheap.

I think that the 24 GG is the best value that you have posted. Granted it sucks that it will hang out of your dock, but for the money that is a steal. Even at asking price. The standard Launch 24 at my dealer today had an asking price of $67K in it.

If you have any questions PM me. I can't wait to see pictures of your new pull.

[Epic]

I have a 05 22SSV and my friend I ride with has an 05 VLX and we pretty much trade off which boat we ride behind. As far as quality, they are both top notch. Malibu sits up higher in the water and I like the seats more (they seem to stick out a little further, less room on the floor but more seating capacity.) Tower on the Malibue blows hard. EVERY TIME you turn around to pick up a rider you have to get out of your seat and remove the rope which has gotten stuck on a board/board rack.
We both prefer riding behind the supra. Love the adjustable wake plate on the supra although the malibu wake is also nice with the wedge down. Horsepower edge goes to the Malibu hands down.
Not sure how the resale is on the newer supras, seem to be holding their values very well. Malibu's of course hold their value great.
For me, it basically came down to I like the look of the supra's a lot more, there are far fewer of them so they look pretty unique around here anyway. And lasty, it looks great parked next to my 700rwhp Toyota SUPRA!!!
BTW, took a guy up the other day that normally rides behind an X2 and has never ridden behind a supra and said the Supra wake absolutely stomped the X2.
24SSV sounds like a killer deal and to me that is the ultimate boat. Pull the trigger on that one.

[wolfman]

I was in the same situation you are in 8 months ago. You have to go test drive and ride behind both. I went with the VLX and l feel I made the right choice for myself. I agree with the board racks but I lowered my to the next level down and no problems now. One thing that turned me off on the supra was the ballast bags. In this day in age I don't know why they haven't gone to the hard tanks yet. You can't go wronge with either boat but I think you need to go out and see what boat works for you. I went out a couple weeks ago and rode with Brent Star and he has the LSV and as far as wakes go that to me was the best that I 've rode behind. Their is my 2 cents.

[_Jason_]

Jmass03, I suggest you wait till the 07 Supra 22 SSV "launch" is introduced. One of the sweetest boats ive seen and riden behind. Also don't rule out the 21v, great wake-great price.

[thong142]

Jmass,
Plain and simple. Go with the Supra. Have you tested and or boarded behind the 24GG. The wake is unbelievable. The biggest and nicest shape out there. I have a 21v and love it. Its wake is unbelievable as well. I'll put it up to any boat costing 10k to 15k more.. Its awesome. Saw the new 22ssv. Looks nice. Alot of improvements. Might be a top seller next year. Though you may pay top dollar for a 07. That price for the 24GG sounds great. Great time to get a great deal on a 2006. My next boat will be the 24GG, hands down.

[LakeIolaLuke]

I don't know about Supras at all, but our Malibu VLX has been a great boat for the last year that we've owned it. It's been mostly problem free, as boats go. So far after about 250 hours of use, the problems we've had with it are:

Replacing the stereo (It got submerged, not the boat's fault)
Replacing the wedge (They're designed to sheer off to protect the transom of the boat, but they tend to break off if you go faster than 30 with it deployed)
Broken Ballast tank fitting
Replacing the pneumatic cylinders that hold up the engine hatch lid

All of these were covered by Malibu's warranty, and as you can see, they are very minor problems.

[hco]

Well, all are good boats, but since you do not like how the bu's are accessorized, I would not go with them. It sounds like you are already leaning towards supra, so I would go with whichever supra you like the most. Do not sacrifice what you want in a boat just so it fits in a garage, you might end up regretting it.

[Diggs]

Dealer is a big deal here too. Find a good dealer. Go with your heart and the one you know you will want to keep down the road. I also looked at both and went with Supra. I am on my 3rd Supra and I can guarantee you they will hold their value or I would not be on my 3rd Supra. I have never heard of a 1 yr old Supra V drive going for low 30's. Who told you that? Malibu sales guy? If you can get any of the boats at the prices you are talking about you would be stealing them and should not have to worry anything about re-sale and holding their value.
Good luck and go with your heart and you will never second guess yourself.

[NAW]

If you can find me a one year old 21V for low to mid 30's, please let me know. I'll buy another one just to have two!

Jonathan-

I think your estimates of what the dealers will sell the boats for is very low. I know for a fact that if I had current year model Supra at 47K, I would never let it go for 40K.


I too am on my 3rd Supra in 3 years. My situation is different than most buyers, but they have definetly held their value. Put it this way, the owner of my '04 is selling his boat this year near what he bought it for....and I know it will sell....and that's a direct drive.

Resale is a non-issue when you are dealing with most inboards. Particularily Supra, Malibu, Mastercraft and Nautique.

Many people say 'when are they going to go to hard tanks?' My answer- I hope never. I've fielded questions from a few 'bu, Nautique and Mastercraft owners asking how hard it would be to switch out the tanks for bags. You can easily upgrade the bags to get more weight in the boat where as you can't easily add bigger tanks due to space issues.

Like Diggs said, the dealer is very important for either boat. But, go ride and drive both.....and look into the 21V. Deeper than the 22SSV in '06 and more storage, for less coiln.

Good Luck!

[Bambamski]

[NAW]

I have to give credit where credit is due. Mastercraft has the stereo components figured out...JL is the stuff, IMO. Of course, the wiring sucks, but once rewired and adjusted they rock. I wish Supra would pick up JL.

If I keep my boat, I'm definetly switching out the Kenwood stuff to JL or Kicker...maybe even Polk.

[J-Ro]

NAW, All the 07 Bu's come with all Fosgate components.....no more Sony, no more Bazooka and I hear they sound great stock.

[E.J.]

Bambamski, you took the words right out of my mouth......

I know this.....if I didn't have a boat & could get a new '06 VLX for 45 K.....I would jump on that.

I didn't look at Supra when on my first inboard search....and don't plan on it if I get another(not likely). That has NOTHING to do with Skiers Choice boats.

[silvtongdvl]

[finkle]

[Natman]

the power wedge is quite indestructable, the older style pin wedge can rip off, but the power wedge will NOT. Automatically comes up over 28 i think. The vlx ballast is awsome aswell, fills in like 3 mins and drains just as fast, theres a ton of room and its a super solid boat.

[Trainwreck]

Bambamski -

Sure I have had problems with my boat but due to the way that its been handled I can still reccomend them. Have I bitched? No, I asked questions. It seems as though its not ALL Supra, just the one I got seems to have some issues. They're working that out. I dont regret my purchase though.

I didnt realize Kenwood = Sony. I'm not a car audio extrordinaire.

Whats the problem with me supporting the boat that I own? Its a sweet boat to ride in and behind. Guy wanted advice, I gave mine.

[E.J.]

I don't want to speak for Bambamski, but I think the point was.....you seem to have THICK ownership goggles on since taking delivery of your 21V. If my memory serves me correct, you looked at Supra for under a week.....maybe a few days? You would have bought the black X2 if things would have worked out financially and then I assume it would have been a bunch of X2's are the best boat this side of the big pond.

Now you have had a TON of issues with your new boat......

It just seems odd.....I noticed it and have in the past week+ on other posts, but have not mentioned it publically.

Note, I am not saying that the 21V is not a great boat....nor that EVERY other boat company doesn't have issues with their boats that need warranty work.

But all this, I got more boat for 20 K less is tiresome. It is your opinion and you are welcome to share it all over the internet.... But with that, comes some replies like you got.

Anyway....I am happy you love your 21V.... I love boats in general and as long as you are in a boat and on the water, how bad can things be. Just giving you my long version as to the post.......

[DRAGON88]

[Bambamski]

ThanksE.J., really couldn't have said it better myself. Tiresome is a perfect word to descibe it.

[gmarkham1]

I recently purchased a supra 21v, and ownership goggles aside I have been very happy with the boat, especially for the price. I rode behind a new x-2 a few months after getting it, I liked the boat, it was pretty spacious for its size, and with extra weight on top of stock ballast through a great wake. When I found out the price difference I knew I made the right decision.(and no extra ballast in the way!)

I dont think you will be disappointed with any of those choices though. Ultimately you have to make the right decision for you, not for all the posters on a website!

[gene3x]

I would also choose the Supra 24. Although I have had a few problems they have been handled under warranty and for the money you cannot get a more well thought out boat with a killer wake. I also trade off with a friend that has the 06 VLX every week. The rope get caught in the racks and because I am a big guy when I cut into the wake the VLX with the wedge down slows down like almost 1.5 mph everytime. That drives me crazy! My 24 with all the ballast full does not do that! Both have similar and very nice wakes but I can also adjust mine! The two advantages the VLX has: 1. A little better fit & finish overall (not much) 2. A more comfortable & functional captains seat (Supra seems to have fixed that for 07)