With a 24-foot-5-inch length overall, wide pickle-fork bow, and the ability to produce truly massive wakes, the Wakesetter 24 MXZ has proven to be one of Malibu’s most popular models. A new and improved version debuts for 2021, offering more interior luxury, more of the latest tech, and yes, more wake-boosting potential.
Start with the latter. Malibu’s Wake Plus hull sits deeper in the water at board-riding speeds, naturally boosting wake size. Add 3,385 pounds of water ballast, spread between Malibu’s Quad Hard Tanks, and that wake grows dramatically. The Power Wedge III hydrofoil mimics yet another 1,500 pounds of weight, and depending on the selected angle, shapes that wake face from steep to mellow. For surf duties, Malibu’s Surf Gate, a set of transom-mounted vertical tabs, pivots outward to disrupt water flow coming off the hull sides, and instantly forms an ideally shaped wave on either side.
An all-new interior layout emphasizes comfort and roominess while never forgetting the show taking place aft. The bow cockpit is the most spacious to be found in the entire Malibu line. At 4 feet long and nearly 6 feet wide, use it as one big playpen, or lean against the forward-facing backrests, fold down the armrests and stretch out. Equally plush seating wraps the entire perimeter of the main cockpit. Seats pivot up on articulating hinges to access the storage below. Portside storage extends all the way under the console for large items. Aft-facing backrests are provided against the built-in cooler locker to starboard, as well as a lift-up seat base to port. Expand the viewing potential with the optional Malibu Multi-View Wake Bench; it slides forward, pivots its backrest from forward-facing to aft, or flips that backrest horizontal to reveal a built-in table with cup holders.
Our test boat’s 430 hp direct-injection Malibu Monsoon M6Di popped riders atop the water with ease even when fully loaded, assisted by the Power Wedge III to limit bow rise. That engine also proved relatively economical, consuming only about 6 gph at surf speeds.
High Points
- Dual-touchscreen Command Center controls boat functions, wake and surf settings, music and navigation.
- Electric eMLS fast-fill ballast speeds up fill/drain time by 150 percent.
- G5 watersports tower does it all and lowers for clearance.
Specs
LOA: 24′5″
Beam: 8′6″
Draft (max): 2′8″
Dry Weight: 6,000 lb.
Ballast: 4,885 lb. (with Power Wedge III deployed)
Seat/Weight Capacity: 17/2,397 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 82 gal.
Price: $152,408 (starting)
How We Tested
Engine: Malibu Monsoon M6Di
Drive/Prop: V-drive/Acme 3077 17″ x 15.5″ 4-blade nibral
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 45 gal.
Crew Weight: 335 lb.
More Information
Malibu Boats – Loudon, Tennessee; 865-458-5478; malibuboats.com