Malibu Boats for Sale

Malibu Boats: what to know

Malibu are the other name on nearly every tow boat shortlist. They hold the patent on Surf Gate, which is the system that throws the wave to one side without weighting the boat over, and their Wakesetter has been the surfing standard for years. Axis is their own value brand, built in the same factory with less in it.

What to check before you buy

• Surf Gate and the Power Wedge are the two things that make the wave. Confirm both work, and that the wave can be moved from side to side.
• Check the ballast pumps and bags. They are the part that fails on any tow boat and the part sellers forget to mention.
• An Axis is a Malibu with less equipment, not a lesser boat. If the budget is tight, look at both.
• Look at the tower mounting points for cracks, especially on a boat that has been trailered a lot.

Common questions

What is the difference between a Malibu and an Axis?

The same company and the same factory. Axis is the plainer line: fewer standard features, simpler upholstery, a lower price. They surf well, which is the point of buying one.

What does Surf Gate actually do?

It puts a plate down on one side of the transom to shape the water behind the boat into a clean wave on that side, without having to load the boat over with people or weight. It also means the wave can be switched from side to side at the touch of a button.

How many hours is too many on a Wakesetter?

Under 500 is low, 500 to 1,000 is normal for a boat five years old or more, and past 1,500 the engine has done real work. Service history tells you more than the number does.