2024 Malibu 23 MXZ

Malibu’s new 23 MXZ looks great, with a new sheerline accentuating its aggressive pickle-fork bow.

Starting in that large bow, flip-down armrests add to the comfort. Opt for the Natalie Seat—a combo seatback and wind dam—and the bow becomes a playpen-style lounge. The cockpit features wraparound seating. It’s changeable thanks to a sliding rear bench that can face aft, ­create a table, or convert to a daybed.

At the transom, the 23 MXZ boasts two seats for lounging when anchored or rafted up. Soft Grip on the walk-through ­ensures feet don’t pound the upholstery when accessing the swim platform. The optional powered swim step lowers into the water and makes boarding easier. 

When it’s time to ride, the MXZ creates fantastic wakes and waves, thanks in large part to Malibu’s combination of Surf Gate and the Power Wedge III. While you can deploy Surf Gate to surf the left or right waves (or quickly transfer between the two), Power Wedge III simultaneously kicks up the wakes and customizes their shapes. Lower it to mellow out the wakes and waves for beginner riders; raise it for steeper, more aggressive options. The Power Wedge III’s automatic Lift Mode gets the boat planing with minimal bow rise while fully loaded. Combined with the ballast system, the Power Wedge III helps create 4,600 pounds of added displacement. Yes, the waves are sizable with a ton of push, and the wakes are pro-level.

All of the 23 MXZ’s systems are easily controlled from the helm. Riders can enjoy Malibu’s Surf Band. This wearable wrist strap lets the rider adjust the Surf Gate side for instant transfers, as well as the Power Wedge position, boatspeed, and the volume of the tower speakers. For the captain, everything on the 23 MXZ is quickly and easily set up and adjusted via Malibu’s Command Center helm, which features two large touchscreen displays and a rotary dial with soft-touch buttons for eyes-free control.

Thanks to the 23 MXZ’s systems and ease of use, most anybody can take the helm and deliver a high-quality wake­surfing or wakeboarding experience.

High Points

• Extra-fast pumps can fill and drain the ballast tanks in no time.
• Rotary dial allows control of key functions while keeping eyes free to scan the water ahead, behind and around the boat.
• Soft Grip on the aft  walk-through protects upholstery from stomping feet.
• Wireless charging capabilities are at the Command Center helm and on each side of the lounge.
• Preset settings allow for quick and easy setup to get riding, plus you can save your own.

How We Tested

• Engine: Monsoon M6Di 430 hp/460 ft.-lb.
• Drive/Prop: V-drive/17″ x 15.5″ OJ
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 49 gal. Crew Weight: 460 lb.

Pricing and Specs