malibu owner looking at 21i

[dogbert]

You will eventually need ballast, but you'll need a whole lot less and, if you ever try wakesurfing, your wake will be second to none.

[abosworth]

I think you and I our looking for the same boat. I love the Respnse LXI, great for footing and skiing, buts it to small for a family and the wedge system sucks for boarding or surfing. I also looked at the Malibu VTX-20(it has the the diamond shape hull, same as the LXI) The 07 models have the power wedge makeing it a nice cross over boat. After much thought, and driving multiple boats I placed an order on the 21I. The wake for skiing and footing is flat and soft. My only complaint is the wake is very wide. However the boat has a 103 inch beam, 6-8 inches wider than most straight drives. The trim system on the Tige makes it very easy to go from skiing to wakeboarding with a pretty decent wake. Its no V-drive wake, but very good for your recreational boarder. Also the 21-I was about $8000 cheaper than the VTX. I take delivery of mine on 7/21. I'll post some pics when I get it.

[TeamAllen]

Congratulations abosworth!
Welcome to the family! 10 days and counting.
What options, colors etc.?

[Trockskier]

I think you and I our looking for the same boat. I love the Respnse LXI, great for footing and skiing, buts it to small for a family and the wedge system sucks for boarding or surfing. I also looked at the Malibu VTX-20(it has the the diamond shape hull, same as the LXI) The 07 models have the power wedge makeing it a nice cross over boat. After much thought, and driving multiple boats I placed an order on the 21I. The wake for skiing and footing is flat and soft. My only complaint is the wake is very wide. However the boat has a 103 inch beam, 6-8 inches wider than most straight drives. The trim system on the Tige makes it very easy to go from skiing to wakeboarding with a pretty decent wake. Its no V-drive wake, but very good for your recreational boarder. Also the 21-I was about $8000 cheaper than the VTX. I take delivery of mine on 7/21. I'll post some pics when I get it.

Yep, sounds like we are looking for the same thing and settled on the same boat. Actually, the Response was the "other" boat we considered too. Amazing similarities here. After skiing behind a v drive for the last two years, I am thinking a wider wake won't even be a concern.

Glad to hear the price difference too, the "big 3" are really getting too pricey for what you get. Our first Malibu, 1999 Sunsetter, cost around 26K with trailer...... Try buying a similar boat for that price now......

Looking forward to seeing your pics....

[TRD]

Trockskier,
I have a 2000 21i, the wake is ok for skiing. I don't use any taps at all. I am a middle to above the pack skiier. The guys I ski w/ are better then I, we ski on the ski coarse w/ my Tige, a supra, Air Nautique & a small Nautique. Other then the supra my boat has the best wake. We ski at 15 off most of the time so you come across just behind the rooster tail. I have a tower so I can take out wakeboaders also, best of both worlds. My boat has more pull out of the hole other then the older smaller Nautique (but this one has had some upgrades to the motor).

[WRKTOSKI]

I have a 03 21i bought it new and have over 700hrs on it also my brother inlaw just bought a 07. You will love the boat we mainly ski and with the taps all the way down the wake is better than other 21 direct drives. Also the seating is better than any other boat.