The big news from Malibu boats this year is the introduction of the 20ft (6m) Wakesetter VTX.
It’s the first time Malibu has offered a Wakesetter in a 20ft hull, and although it is shorter than the other Wakesetter models available in Australia (VLX and XTi), the VTX features a new design which means interior space, wake and features are all in keeping with the famous Wakesetter name.

According to Malibu Australia’s marketing manager Simon Hill, the VTX offers the best of both worlds in regards to size, features and manageability.

“What we have now is a 20ft boat that has all the bells and whistles of a VLX,” he said.

“It’s garage-friendly and easier to tow, which is important to many, but is still an exceptionally roomy and thoroughly well-equipped wakeboarding boat.”

Size and Space
We recently had an exclusive opportunity to take our first glimpse of the new VTX up at Mulwala. Sitting on the trailer, it certainly wasn’t apparent that the VTX is a 20ft boat. It certainly gives the appearance of being larger, and a glimpse of the interior confirms there is a heap of room. Overall length (in comparison to the VLX at 21’ 6” or 6.55m) has been reduced by shortening the bow area, ensuring the main cabin is still huge, and in fact it is only 4” shorter than a VLX interior and a tad wider. An exterior width or beam of 2.49m and the deep sides mean the seating area is spacious and extremely comfortable.

Seating capacity is rated at 10. There is a comfortable wider walk-through to the bow section for a couple of passengers, and a huge wrap-around lounge in the main cabin area. A padded sun deck at the rear raises to reveal massive storage bins on either side with the engine in the middle, hidden under a clever shallow “warming tray” ideal for keeping the wetsuit or towels warm for that “gotta have” second run. Further storage can be found behind the lift-up observer’s backrest and under all the seats (including the bow seating should the bow ballast option not be exercised). There are also numerous storage pockets, including the large glovebox for smaller items and a built in esky.

Style & Features
Perhaps the most apparent feature of the VTX’s styling is the new frameless vented windshield, which gives this Malibu model a very distinctive sculpted profile.

The VTX is actually available with two hull options - the wakeboard dedicated Wake hull and the new Cut Diamond hull. Without bogging down in too much technical detail, the Wake hull produces less lift, meaning the boat will ride deeper, displace more water and produce massive wakes. The new Cut Diamond hull has re-designed chines and other technical modifications, which generate more lift while underway, displacing less water and therefore producing much smaller wakes. The Wake hull is designed for altitude junkies who generally wakeboard only, while the Cut Diamond hull gives owners a multi-dimensional watersports boat that can also cater for slalom skiers etc.

The choice of hulls, which runs throughout both the Wakesetter and Ride series, was introduced to give greater versatility for buyers.
The VTX was also fitted with the new all-stainless-steel manual Wedge. The welded construction is simpler and stronger, and a clever design feature means the Wedge only has to be locked in the upright position. When deployed, it automatically remains in the down position for wake enhancement.

The cast aluminium tower is known as the Illusion X, and comes standard on all Wakesetters including the VTX. This most identifiable Malibu feature is easily collapsible and certainly adds to the overall look of the boat.

Driving
Malibu boats, even the larger Wakesetters, have an outstanding reputation for sharp, responsive handling, and the newly designed hull impresses in this department.

The VTX has beautifully light and direct steering, razor sharp handling, and a smooth ride. All up, the boat is a pleasure to drive or ride in, under all conditions. Coming back through your own wakes for a double up, the VTX glides through with a minimum of fuss, and had no problem in keeping us sheltered from the chop we encountered at times during the test.

The driving position is outstanding, with Malibu’s customary adjustable swivel driver’s seat providing support and comfort. All the controls, gauges and switches are laid out in a logical manner. Of course it wouldn’t be a Malibu without some extra bling. This year the switch panels are chrome billet aluminium which now matches the dash that looks sensational, along with quality gauges, new LCD screen and stainless fittings. The standard speed control operated from the LCD screen is still one of the sweetest features due to its accuracy and is really simple to use.

The test boat was fitted with an upgraded 340hp Monsoon engine, which provided smooth and direct power throughout the rev range. This engine now features quieter and more eco-friendly manifolds that contain a catalytic converter to eliminate 98 per cent of poisonous carbon monoxide emissions.

Wakes
Of course, all this is purely window dressing for the riders out there who only care about the wakes.

The VTX comes standard with two rear ballast tanks (80kg each) and a middle tank under the floor (160 plus kg). An optional 120kg front tank is also available, giving a total of nearly 450kg extra ballast available at the flick of four independent switches on the dash. Tanks fill or empty in a matter of minutes and the levels in each are monitored by Malibu’s BMS or Ballast Monitoring System displayed on the LCD screen.

With the Wedge down and the tanks filled (even with only three passengers in the boat) the Malibu puts out a large, smooth and rampy wake that appears to be almost equal to the larger Wakesetter series’ wakes. In other words, the VTX delivers where it matters most!

Wrap Up
For years in Australia, we’ve seen boats getting bigger and bigger. The VTX reverses the trend, and demonstrates the truth in the old saying, “good things come in small packages”.

Specifications
Length 6m (20’)
Beam 2.49m
Draft 0.56m
Capacity 10 people
Fuel capacity 174 litres
MSRP $69,998
Contact (02) 6040 1174

Article added on 31/12/1969. Last updated on 31/12/1969.