Malibu 23LSV, Mastercraft X30, Tige RZ2, 2012 Mastercraft X46

Trying to decide on a new boat. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. We'll use it for general boating, surfing, wake boarding and tubing with the kids. I have 4 kids all under 10. We live on lake Travis in Austin which has lots of big boats that make big wakes if that helps. Thanks guys.

X30

I mean look at that wake!


I kid. Sweet boat though, should do everything well. Sounds like you don't need a best in the world at one thing boat.

No just a good all around boat.

Why not an a22? Of yours though I think you would like them all but 23lsv or x30 will make you happy as can be I think

What do you think the advantage of an A22 would be?

Money in your pocket. That makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Yeah I would like the savings but my wife needs a very simple boat to drive and set up if i want to surf. Something with programs that you just push a button is a big help.

I think axis would be literally just as easy as a 23lsv. Press button to Fill ballast, press button deploy gate, Ride. But maybe lsv has that all on the touchscreen, which is easier I guess!

I consider the axis dash to seem way easier/simpler

I really only have experience with pre-surfgate Malibu's and my Axis with surfgate but I agree about the wake being easy to setup on an Axis.

I flip 4 switches to fill the ballast, flip the surfgate switch to whichever side we're riding on, drop the wedge, and turn on the cruise control and we're ready to go.

My wife, who before May of this year had barely ridden on a boat and NEVER driven one now comfortably drives/pulls me surfing/wakeboarding/etc. She does still need practice on circling back and picking up a fallen rider as it takes her a minute longer than me, but honestly that's just part of the learning curve.

I'm pretty sure my 10 year old could do it just from watching us do it so much in the past few months since we bought the boat.

Great info. Thanks guys.

Drove the X30 today and was not impressed by the surf wake. Very close to the transom. No length to it at all. Looks like you'd be surfing right on the transom.

Tough to beat an rz2 for the money compared to the other boats you listed. My buddy has one and it is very nice w/ all the bells and whistles w/ regard to auto settings and such.

Yeah I think I'm set on a loaded RZ2 2014 with 15 hours for 80k.

Originally Posted by 355spider

Drove the X30 today and was not impressed by the surf wake. Very close to the transom. No length to it at all. Looks like you'd be surfing right on the transom.

Strange ? Was it a 2013 or newer with Gen 1 or 2?
I'm 48 @ 180lbs Itermediate/Beginner riding skills.
I feel no where near the back of the Boat....

heres some videos







if your view was not like this..then your boat was not demoed or setup properly..

For $3500 for than the Tige' deal above I will take the MC with Zero hrs I got.

This not a Tige' comparison , they make fine boats

Yeah you look a lot further back than what I saw.

Go-Pro (distorted shot) but you get the idea...
This is 1700lbs over stock GEN2 ballast - 2014 X30

Here's a Viseo of my daughter rider behind our X30
It's a bit long, but it does feature the surf wave and a rider so you get time to evaluate what you need to with regards to that.

Originally Posted by 355spider

Trying to decide on a new boat. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. We'll use it for general boating, surfing, wake boarding and tubing with the kids. I have 4 kids all under 10. We live on lake Travis in Austin which has lots of big boats that make big wakes if that helps. Thanks guys.

The 23 LSV is a great wakeboat that is easy to setup for anyone. I would demo this boat and look for close out 15 models if you have not bought yet. Good luck

maybe a used G23 - you can go with stock ballast (subfloor) and have all the storage for the things your family needs on a day on the lake.

Have you considered a centurion with ramfill?

Big water needs a deep v hull I would be looking at supreme or centurion. The surf wave is hard to beat. If you don't care about a digital screen go supreme.

Just for info supreme has a 238 for 16 that can be had for under 80K loaded. Here's a pic of the wave we got on our demo with just factory ballast. We are placing our order next month at boat show.

did you made a decision?