We Say: This big watersports boat has a pickle-fork bow, innovative layout, and the ability to throw massive wakes and waves — all of which lend it broad appeal. The wide bow affords seating for plenty of crew. In the aft cockpit, there’s also a ton of space for friends to gather and cheer on riders in the wake. The Wake View seat impressed us with its innovation and execution. Simply slide the aft bench forward, flip open the backrest and voila — stadium seating to watch the action. The quality of fittings and upholstery proved high, for this fixture and throughout the boat.
As a 24-footer, this boat generates a huge surf wave, one that is readily shaped using Malibu’s Surf Gate and Power Wedge. Big and rampy describe the wakeboarding wakes produced by the Wakesetter 24 MXZ. Our test rider, Emily Dale of Wakeboarding magazine, noted that, in addition to its large size, the 24 MXZ’s wake possessed a pocket with a ton of length and a fun lip at the end.
Boaters who deal with low bridges or store their boat in a garage will like the G3.5 tower, which folds down yet, with its stainless-steel construction, is durable enough to withstand the rigors of the sport.
Time to head home? The ballast tanks drained in minutes and, with Indmar’s 520 hp Monsoon 575 6.2L, the 24 MXZ climbed onto plane in under five seconds and hit nearly 40 mph at wide-open throttle.
Who’d Want One: Enthusiastic boaters who want a fun, watersports hot rod that can carry a crew of 18.
Another Choice: Check out Centurion‘s G25 or the Tigé RZX 3.
Bottom Line: $131,800 (base price); malibuboats.com
How We Tested
Engine: Single 520 hp Indmar Monsoon 575 6.2L
Prop: 17″ x 17″ 4-blade Acme Nibral
Gear Ratio: 1.76:1
Fuel Load: 70 gal.
Crew Weight: 380 lb.
Ballast Tanks: Empty
