What we think: As our Malibu tests wrapped up after three days on California’s Lake Tulloch, we found ourselves with one last afternoon and our pick of Malibus to spend it with. “Uh, could we borrow the 247?” we asked, like teenagers looking to borrow Dad’s new Hummer. Luckily, Malibu said yes and gave us the keys.
We enjoyed the 247 so much because, among many other reasons, it has the longest main lounge we’ve seen on this size boat. Malibu trimmed space in the bow to extend the primary seating area, a good idea appreciated by our nine-person test team as we loaded ourselves and wakeboards and skis and ropes and coolers and a surfboard onto the boat. Our test boat also had the new Rockford-Fosgate stereo system with USB port tucked into the glove box, so in a snap, one editor’s iPod Shuffle was booming out from eight speakers. We could even tell what song it was thanks to LCD switches that control the music as well as the ballast system and any other add-on amenities.
Like the other Sunscapes from Malibu, this 247 has a rich feel to it, from the diamond-grain vinyl upholstery to the lighted Malibu emblems to the plush carpeting that extends into the deepest recesses of the storage compartments. It’s ideal as a family cruiser on bigger lakes or, upgraded with wakeboarding features, as a high-end machine for big, sculpted wakes. We were tempted to miss our flight home and just stay for good on the 247.
Who should buy it: This is called the Twenty-Four Seven (not Two Forty-Seven) for a reason. People living on bigger water and who like to host a lot of friends in a luxury setting will get the most out of the boat during daylong outings.
Vital Stats
Length Overall: 24’7″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 3,900 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 16/2,400 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 87 gal.
Maximum HP: 450
MSRP (w/ Indmar Monsoon): $68,889
NMMA Certified: Yes
Also consider…
Wakesetter 247 LSV
Length: 24’7″
Beam: 8’6″
Max HP: 450
With an edgy new tower and graphics, this version of the 247 is for those who want a boat specifically for pulling riders.
Malibu**** Wakesetter 247 RX
Length: 24’7″
Beam: 8’6″
Max HP: 450
The same dimensions as the other 247s, only configured with a direct-drive engine and two interior lounges.
Test Drive
Test Engine: Indmar Hammerhead 6.2L, 400 hp
Test Prop: 13.5 x 16, four-blade
Top Speed: 43.5 MPH @ 5,150 RPM
Time to 30 MPH: 6.2 sec.
