Malibu 23 LSV wake boat test

The cockpit is a great example of Malibu’s design expertise. Adjustable and comfortable, the helm seat offers excellent vision around the boat and presides over an impressive array of controls and screens on the dash.

The main screen is smart and easy to use, graphically displaying the status of the boat – for example, if you select ‘surf left’ the screen will illustrate the resulting wave behind the boat. Boat speed, ballast levels and how the PowerWedge III is positioned are also clearly displayed.

To the left of the main screen is a smaller 8in touchscreen that controls the stereo and lights, access to GPS maps, and operation of the heater, bilge and blower systems.

Malibu’s rotary sport dial controls the Surf Gate, PowerWedge, stereo and cruise control, making it easier to use when underway than having to press a touchscreen. There’s also a phone holder with built-in wireless charging that can be used to control the stereo.

Seating has also been revised for the new model. In the middle of the boat is a reversible seat, with a built-in table that can be laid down to form a sunbed/day lounge.

The walk-through from the bow to the cockpit has the new premium wind-block door, which is recessed into the floor and activated by pulling up and clicking into place, offering an extra forward-facing seat and wind protection. The large rear platform has a built-in swim step, which provides a platform deeper into the water.

On the water, the big Malibu feels remarkably nimble. Steering is light and precise, and the boat turns sharply and easily, also riding through rougher water with ease.

The test boat featured a Malibu Supercharged LT4 engine, a popular choice with Malibu owners. This engine develops 607hp and 820nm of torque, and is geared to keep the revs and sound levels low.

“When we’re surfing fully loaded behind the boat, it’s only revving at 2800rpm. Compare that to the normally aspirated engine, when your revs will be at 3500 to 4000rpm to achieve the same wave,” marketing manager Thorry Heaney explained.

“The boat is capable of 48mph (77.3km/h, 41.7 knots) with the standard prop, and can push through the water with ease when fully loaded and set up for surfing. So it’s really efficient on both ends.”

With deeper sides and a hull redesign, the 23 LSV provides a more symmetrical left and right surf wave. It features a hybrid bow, with wide sides providing room for seating and with extra width at the cockpit and across to the observer’s seat.

This also moves weight forward on the boat, resulting in more displacement and meaning bigger wakes. The test boat had the Wake Plus hull, while the Diamond Cut hull option provides a flatter wake at slalom speeds.

What really sets the Malibu apart is its ability to provide outstanding wakes for tow sports, the new model producing even more volume in the wash.

“What this means for a wakeboarder is that when you’re pushing against or popping off the wake, there’s a lot of substance behind it,” Thorry says. “And if you’re in rougher water or it’s a little bit windy, the wake holds its shape all the way through to the lip.”

The 23 LSV utilises the latest technology to ensure a huge surfable wave, for both left and right foot forward riders. In the past, the surf wakes have often been less than symmetrical due to the effect of prop spin. With the flick of a switch, and while underway, the driver can change a right-hand surf wake to a left-hand one.

“With the LSV, you’ve got a lot more symmetrical left and right. So the left side benefits a lot from this with basically the same shape and size wave as the right side,” Thorry states.

The test boat featured Malibu’s new G10+ tower, which can be electrically raised or lowered in seconds. The tower features built-in lights – ideal for packing up at the end of the day or for evening drinks. 

The new Edge Force Racks are another enhancement. This feature pulls the edges of the boards in, sandwiching them in place so there’s no potential for them to fall out. Surf racks on top of the bimini complete the board storage options.

Also new are the optional 12in tower speakers, which are very efficient at projecting sound a long distance. The boat can be set-up with two or four speakers, and there’s also the choice of 8in and 10in tower speakers.

The latest tow sport to gain popularity is hydrofoiling, which is done on a stand-up board with hydrofoil underneath, and no rope once underway. Malibu has incorporated foiling into the 23 LSV by providing storage on the newly designed board racks as well as on top of the tower.

With this new technology and features, the 23 LSV is the ultimate wakeboard boat for Australian conditions. It combines unparalleled style, performance and luxury – plus incredible wakes – to set the benchmark once again. 

Price correct as of May 2025

• Priced from: $246,235
• Price as tested: $389,796

• Length: 7m
• Beam: 2.6m
• Draft: 0.81m
• Capacity: 1023kg
• Fuel capacity: 246lt
• Max ballast: 2012kg
• Standard engine: Monsoon M6DI (430hp)
• Test engine: Supercharged LT4 (607hp)
  
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