Boat Test: 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV
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Overview
Not just a 25 LSV with an extra foot added, the new 26 LSV offers higher gunwales for deeper seating of up to 18 and a more comfortable ride. New hullside geometry offers buyers a plethora of custom gelcoat options.
Like the hullsides, the high-end interior, including Soft Grip vinyl colors, offers nearly endless color customization.
Interior and Accessories
Wraparound seating provides several cool, unique 26 LSV features. First, a portside storage locker houses a custom cooler (and whatever other items you want to put in it) and acts as a rear-facing backrest. Slide the convertible aft bench forward, pop up the backrest, and crew have a continuous bench to watch all the fun behind the boat. The convertible bench itself is also new, dubbed the Max-Pivot Seat by Malibu. This quickly and easily converts into an aft-facing seat, but it can also become an elevated table or position into a lay-flat bed, converting the wraparound seating into a sun pad. Other amenities include wireless phone chargers throughout and transom seats with adjustable backrests.
Malibu’s integrated Surf Gate and Power Wedge III systems reside at the heart of the 26 LSV’s performance. Surf Gate tabs pivot off both transom sides, helping redirect the water flow to create epic wakesurf waves. The Power Wedge III is a hydrofoil-like device that drops below the running surface. It pulls the rear of the boat deeper, thereby creating cleaner, more potent wakes and waves. Riders choose from six positions, creating rampier or mellower options. With 6,100 pounds of onboard ballast (including the Power Wedge III), wakes are world-class and customizable for beginners to the ultra-advanced.
The helm boasts easy-to-use Command Center displays. Front and center, the main touchscreen allows a quick and easy setup for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, cruising and more. New diagrams depict the positions offered by the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III, and how to change the wake or wave shape. To the left is a vertically oriented touchscreen for controlling music, lighting, the blower and the bilge pump. To the right is Malibu’s patented command dial and touchpad buttons for quickly adjusting Surf Left and Surf Right settings, the Power Wedge III position, audio volume, cruise-control speed and more.
How We Tested
- Engine: Malibu Monsoon LT4 606 hp/607 lb.-ft. torque
- Drive/Prop: V-drive/1784 18″ x 14″ nibral
- Gear Ratio: 1.50:1 Fuel Load: 71 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.
High Points
- Surf Band adjusts Power Wedge III, Cruise, Surf Gate and stereo while riding.
- Bow design keeps the nose up going over rollers.
- Surf Gate paired with Power Wedge III offers pro-level adjustability for any rider.
Low Points
- Ultra-picky riders cannot fine-tune or customize the Surf Gate and Power Wedge III as much as other brands’ wakesurf systems.
Another Competitor
Another 26-footer to shop against is Centurion’s Ri265. While size and many specs are similar with the 26 LSV, it has a smaller 92-gallon fuel capacity.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $299,418 (as tested MSRP) |
| LOA: | 26’5″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 2’8″ |
| Displacement: | 7,000 lb. |
| Ballast: | 6,100 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | NA |
| Bridge Clearance: | NA |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 18/2,538 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 115 gal. |
| Max Horsepower/Torque: | 606/607 lb.-ft. |
| Available Power: | Single Malibu Monsoon V-drive inboard to 606 hp/607 lb.-ft. torque |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com
The post Boat Test: 2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 LSV appeared first on Boating Mag.
Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-malibu-wakesetter-26-lsv/
