VLX, LSV ?

[Phaeton]

I have a couple of questions about the BU VLX and LSV.
First of all can you fit a wakeboard in the trunk? If so how many can you fit? What engine would you consider at 3000ft elevation?

Which boat would you consider between the two and why?

Any specific options you would choose and why?

Thanks

[BIGMAC]

Are you second guessing yourself?

[forwaken]

What happened to the Calabria Phaeton? No, I can't fit my Premier 140 in the trunk. Anything more specific you want to know about the VLX? I have no experience on the LSV so I can't help you there and my VLX is brand new, so I am still learning its nuances. Absolutely love it so far.

[steveaz]

First of all let me say, there is no way you're going to have the room of a Pro-V in either of those boats. I assuming you're asking all of this for a "friend"

I've been in an LSV but it was a 23 and not a 21 and it was a 2000 so keep that in mind.

"First of all can you fit a wakeboard in the trunk?"

Nothing bigger that a 133 will fit in either of the 21's and a 133 with bindings will make the rest of the storage pretty inaccessable if you've got MLS tanks. You can fit a board behind the observers seat but truthfully, what a pain in the b-u-t-t. Board racks are where it's at

"What engine would you consider at 3000ft elevation?"

We had both those boats at Powell (not sure of the exact elevation). I reproped the VLX with a 13.5x16.5 (if I remember right) and didn't notice to much difference when weight like I normally do here in the valley. The prop probably accommodated for the change. As you know I run my boat fairly heavy but very well balanced. That was with the standard 325 Monsoon, now it's a 335 and I don't really think an upgrade is necessary. With a reprop you'll loose a couple MPH off the top end of course.

The 23LSV did pretty well also, however as I'm sure you're aware they are running on the Diamond hull and will require more weight to achieve similar results as the VLX.

"Which boat would you consider between the two and why?"

I obviously chose the VLX because all we do is board, however if I wanted to accommodate skiers as well it would definitely be an LSV. The VLX wake would be horrible for a skier where the LSV wake could be made more than acceptable for a boarder and still be acceptable for a recreatioanl skier.

Any specific options you would choose and why?

Wedge, we both have families and know how valuable our starage and floor space is.

Most of the rest I think you already know....well except for the bolster seat, that's a good one to have as well.

In closing, being a previous Calabria owner and a current Malibu owner, I am VERY happy with our VLX. However there are a couple things that may have biased me. We went from a DD Calabria to a V drive Malibu. Big improvement no matter what manufacturer I would have gone with. We went from no integrated ballast and sacks and pumps everywhere to a completely steath automatic ballast system. We also went from a fairly entry level boat to a boat with pretty much every option so it's not really an apples to apples comparison but I will say...the Calabria had a few very nice things going for it.

1. While the vinyl wasn't as plush I never had a stain. Malibu's are definitely more susceptable.
2. In my opinion the Pro-V and definitely my old boat handle better than a Malibu 21' V-drives.
3. As you know the storage of a Pro-V is HUGE as well as the cockpit.

On the same hand though I feel the Malibus have a little better overall quality and most inportant met all of our needs. I only mention all of this because I know your benchmark is the Calabria.

If you have any other questions feel free to email me at steve.jenkins@st.com.

BTW, you or YOUR friend are welcome to run my boat through the paces at Shasta if you can wait that long.

Steve

[dlb988]

The LSV will do well with the Monsoon 335. It may be better with the Hammerhead. There is more room for people on the LSV, and as stated above it is more versitle. It is a great boat. We love ours.

[eeven73]

Phaeton, are you making a change? I am sure everyone wants to know what is up! You have seriously pimped for Calabria on this board. This question makes is look as though you are not happy with ProV. Please set the record straight

[Phaeton]

Thanks for the info guy's. So far the Pro-V is still in our future.

[forwaken]

So far? That sounds pretty unconvinced to me. Are you just playing the options?

[Phaeton]

Just answering some questions for me and a friend.

[Mullet Man]

VLX offers a better wakesboard wake then the LSV. A little bit mroe crisp at the top and great transition. As far as performance. A direct drive will almost always blow away a V-drive, but the p[ro-v does not perform as wel as the VLX. I have driven both. There is not to much of a difference but it is noticeable. As far as altitude. You should not notice much difference with a multi port engine. Throttle body or carburated will notice a huge difference. Try driving both the boats. People's opinions are just that, but how they feel to you makes all the difference. The 335 monsoon is all you need for either boat unless you want to go above the 50 mark. Pickup is fine.

[eeven73]

mullet man,
Why would a throttle body injected efi notice a huge difference in performance at alltitude?

[Mullet Man]

Throttle body injection is not as efficient as Multi Port and runs much like a carburetor. Multi-port is affectied very little by altitude.

[Phaeton]

Mullet Man, Less air is less air. Unless you can force more air into the motor at altitude every engine would be effected.