Malibu VTX vs. a MC X-14

Could use some advice. I just sold my 2004 Malibu Response LXI and will be buying a new boat in the next couple of weeks. I have it narrowed down between the X-14 and a Malibu VTX..... I am told Malibu VTX V drive hs a great skiing wake and I am a father of four kids who love to wakeboard and wakesurf yet my passion is still skiing and ski the course at 34 MPH 22-28 off. I am a direct drive fan looking for that multi combo boat who doesn't want to give up a smooth ski wake...... Does anyone have a X-14 that can comment on the ski wake..... Coming off the Response LXI it poiled me to a butter soft wake... My buddy has a PS197 which has a great ski wake as well........

[YTW]

My family liked both boats, but the X-14 won out overall. Try to spend as much time as you can in and behind both boats and come to your own conclusion.

[sand2snow22]

If you get the VTX, make sure you get the diamond hull and not the wake hull. Looking at the corners of the transom the diamond hull will have a chine/hook and the wake hull won't, wake hull will be flatter. Please test drive/ski both boats and report back to us. I know you said you have it narrowed down, but don't forget about the X-14V and X-1, too!

[skitilldark]

I don't know much about the Malibu but I think the X-14 is basically the same hull of my boat (X9). If so, the only problem I've encountered on slalom is a secondary hump inside the wake. When you get the boat to around 35-36 mph the wake develops an inside smaller wake that creates a slight dip in the dead center of the wake. I'm not a super talented slalom skier although I am one arming the turns, etc but I wouldn't consider myself pro by any means. So for my talent level, this little dip messes with my concentration because it is right before I stop the strongest part of my pull. If you ever let your tip get too parellel to the water, it can "hook" that little dip. it has never made me fall but it really screws up my entrance to the next turn. I compensate for it by pulling hard through the dip, but if I don't let up at just the right time, I'm going to have a slack line at the turn.

[Sodar]

214/X14 wake is based off the 197 hull.

X9 was based off a MariStar hull and has pretty much been scratched for it's less than stellar wake.

[Age Fighter]

Originally Posted by skitilldark

I don't know much about the Malibu but I think the X-14 is basically the same hull of my boat (X9). If so, the only problem I've encountered on slalom is a secondary hump inside the wake.

The X-14 replaced the X-9 in the lineup as the DD crossover boat, but is not the same hull. The 9 was a bit skewed towards the board sports for wake, while the 14 puts a little more emphasis on the slalom wake.

The X9 has some sweet spots for slalom, but not as stellar over all for that sport. It does have some really good board wakes though.

[skitilldark]

Originally Posted by Sodar

214/X14 wake is based off the 197 hull.

X9 was based off a MariStar hull and has pretty much been scratched for it's less than stellar wake.

Actually I think the X9 hull was a new for 2000 209 hull. Originally a prostar but then converted to wakeboard duty when towers got popular. I never thought its slalom wake was all that great but my 1999 Prostar 190 hull wasn't as good as the previous 190 hulls either. It just had too big of a ramp even at speed compared to earlier and later hulls.

[Sodar]

Originally Posted by skitilldark

Actually I think the X9 hull was a new for 2000 209 hull. Originally a prostar but then converted to wakeboard duty when towers got popular. I never thought its slalom wake was all that great but my 1999 Prostar 190 hull wasn't as good as the previous 190 hulls either. It just had too big of a ramp even at speed compared to earlier and later hulls.

No.

The 209/X9 hull design was based on the Maristar 210 bottom, but above water you would never be able to see the similarities.

You can read more here: http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/...12&postcount=5

[shepherd]

The X-14 has a fine slalom wake. From my experience (22 - 28 off, 34 mph), it's similar to the PS 197 wake, though I may remember there was just a little bit more of a bump at 22 off behind the X-14.

[squigs]

I can't give a detailed comparison of the wake to other models, and I've never attempted a slalom course...all I can say is I love my x-14, and she sure is a pretty boat! Now if only that silly ice would melt...