Nautique 200V vs Malibu VTX

[cjtpilot]

First I would like to say hello to everyone, I am new to this forum. So the wife and kids have finally after many many nagging conversations made their point about wanting a larger boat. (currently 92 Supra Comp) I am old school I guess and a DD is the only way to go however nobody makes a large DD anymore. So my choices are a 200V or a VTX. I love to slalom, barefoot, and wakeboard on occasion with the kids. The kids wakeboard, and we tried surfing once last year. So my question is which way should I go? Obviously being on the Nautique forum your opinion may be bias but thats ok, sell me on the high or even low points. After all there are pros and cons about each.

[Quinner]

You really should try and get some ski time behind each, couple guys who are somewhat regulars on this forum frequent the Illinois River around Morris, both great guys who I am sure would be happy to show you around, ski you, etc. their 200V's

If you become interested in a 206 I am up in the Northwest burbs (Lake Villa) just a couple miles from the Chain, be happy to ski you, show you around that model anytime.

[cjtpilot]

Thanks, I am in Cary and ski on the Fox.

[Dandy21]

Hey cjtpilot - being that this is a Nautique forum, you may get some views that are slightly sided. Yes, I do own a Nautique, but I am not an "owner's goggle" type of guy. All I can say, is check out the difference in the overall build quality. If you take the time to compare a Nautique against a Malibu, I honestly believe that you will quickly see that the Nautique is a better built boat, I just feel that the Malibu build quality has declined vs. their competition in the past 8-10 years. With regards to how they perform, that would be best for you to get out and Ski behind both to see what you like. -Good luck and have fun demoing new (or new to you) boats.

[High altitude]

PCM engines = advantage Nautique (could be personal preference)
Build quality = probably Nautique
Skiability = slight advantage to Nautique (depends if you like Nautique wakes versus Malibu)
Surf = advantage Malibu (surf gate could be a big deal if you get into surfing)
Wakeboard = I don't know
Dealer = ??
Price = ??

I don't think there is going to be a clear cut answer. Do a google search and include the words planetnautique and malibucrew. You will find this discussed at length. Bottom line...water test both boats with the entire family. Tell them you plan to bring your ski, wakeboard and surf board. See what each can do and go from there. -Marc

BTW...report back with your opinions. Always good to read. TIA

[swc5150]

I am old school I guess and a DD is the only way to go however nobody makes a large DD anymore.

DD tournament boats have never been bigger...a common complaint amongst the 3 event crowd. Have you been in a 200DD yet? Tons of space!

[Lakejackson]

I bought a 2011 200v last year and love it. We ski, wakeboard, barefoot and wakesurf behind it. I looked at the VTX. It was nice but as mentioned above the quality was no match for Nautique. I didn't drive the Malibu. After sitting in it I realized the dash layout was fairly obtrusive and the line of sight over the dash was limited. I knew it would be a problem for my driver ( the wife 😃). PM me if you have any specific questions.

[cjtpilot]

DD tournament boats have never been bigger...a common complaint amongst the 3 event crowd. Have you been in a 200DD yet? Tons of space!

Malibu sunsetter LXI, Malibu FXI, Mastercraft X14, were all DD crossovers.

[Miljack]

I have a lot of time in a friend's VTX, ski wakes are good, wakeboard wakes only *ok, they look to be a good size and rampy, but no lip, and no mass behind them. I bust through the wakeboard wake all the time. This is with the manual wedge. The VTX surfs well for goofy, but we've not been able to make the regular side work very well. His VTX has the 4 tanks (1250?) + 750 bags in the rear lockers.
As for build, etc. the VTX windshield won't keep water out of the "glovebox," so stashing phones and other stuff is a little challenge. Malibu also has the head unit in the driver's side coaming pad, and he's had a couple die on him.
I'm not wild about the Indmar conversions, he's had a couple bolts vibrate loose from the drive flange (one did after we blue loctited it back), and the fuel filter change is a pain...oh, and Malibu/Indmar require/suggest premium fuel for all their engines.

[swc5150]

Malibu sunsetter LXI, Malibu FXI, Mastercraft X14, were all DD crossovers.

Right, but none of which one would ever encounter at a tournament. The OP sounded to me like he ideally wanted a DD tournament boat, just larger than his Supra. I think maybe I miss read his intentions.

[cjtpilot]

Right, but none of which one would ever encounter at a tournament. The OP sounded to me like he ideally wanted a DD tournament boat, just larger than his Supra. I think maybe I miss read his intentions.

I believe the Sunsetter Lxi was tournament approved at one time. However yes ideally I want a DD that can fit 5 comfortably, can give a decent wake for the kids wakeboard and is possible to surf. Unfortunately the manufacturers stopped making DD boats that aren't slalom specific. So that leaves me to a Vdrive. Although I am still working on the wife to go with a TXI.

[swc5150]

The TXi is a great boat!! If you want the deal of the year, on a babied promo, call Jeff Linsey on his 2014.

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skii...t&postid=31997

[cjtpilot]

The TXi is a great boat!! If you want the deal of the year, on a babied promo, call Jeff Linsey on his 2014.

http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skii...t&postid=31997

Oh yeah I have been looking at that, if I was ready to pull the trigger now I would be making a road trip for sure!

[swc5150]

Not trying to push Bu here, plus I own a Nautique, but the TXi has the best open bow going right now. It has plenty of space, and it doesn't take on water like the 200 (DD or V). I hate to say it, but it's also the most efficient hull for a 5.7 out there...fast top end, and decent fuel efficiency. That's the only area where the 200 suffers, unless you pop for the 6.0. The 200 would still be my first choice, with money as no object, but the TXi is a close second. On a tight budget, TXi all the way.

[4th ski-doo]

I was very happy with my 200v but it could have used the 409 over the 343 for footing and 36mph slalom.

I've never really been a fan of the Malibu, it just doesn't appeal to me.

If slalom is a real concern you can look at the 200 DD with OB. I've seen them with a tower from the factory too. Don't be afraid to shop around, I did and it paid off on both my Nautiques. Check Buxton always, N-3 that posts here a lot and Dockside in Wilmington Illinois worked very well for me twice. Terry is the contact.

go out and try the boats, call dealers and try the boats and of course if money is an issue these dealers more than likely have either a demo or trade if they don't know someone on the fence parting with theirs.