New Malibu XTi

Malibu Boats fuses d-drive performance with v-drive luxury in the XTi.

(Merced, CA) - Some ski boat manufactures have toed the line between the direct-drive and the sport-v, but Malibu Boats is the first to rub it out.

Malibu has engineered the XTi to embody the perfect balance of tournament-level performance and luxurious spaciousness in a mid-engine boat. Scheduled to join Malibu's 2002 production models as a Sunsetter and a Wakesetter, the XTi has spurred the formation of an entirely new class of cross training water sports boats.

Like an Olympic runner's diverse cross training regimen, the XTi shines in any sport boating situation. The interior of the boat is designed for optimum capacity, ergonomics and blissful relaxation. In addition, the direct-drive design coordinates with Malibu's award winning SV23 Diamond Hull and the Instaneous Response System (IRT) to assure superior handling. The marriage of the center-mounted engine and a competition hull also helps sculpt a pristine slalom wake, which will explode into a pro rider's dream
with the deployment of Malibu's wake-building Wedge and a flip of a 3-ballast Malibu Launch System (MLS) switch. Because of its extremely versatile nature the XTi is being offered as a Sunsetter and a Wakesetter.

Malibu designers engineered a precise 23-foot SV23 Diamond Hull, powered it with a center-mounted 325HP Monsoon (standard) and surrounded it with custom designed seating for 13. The seating includes a swivel driver's seat, an oversized observer's seat, wrap-around lounge in the rear and an enormous bow and center filler cushion that conceals two insulated self-draining ice chests. Another 30-quart ice chest is built into the lounge area along with plenty of room for one of Malibu's convenient removable tables. For those passengers who want to lay back and relax, Malibu replaced the engine box with a 60 X 40 inch center mount sundeck, which extends behind the driver all the way to the boats interior side panel.

With expansive storage cavities tucked throughout the boat, the XTi offers enough capacity to rival any v-drive competitor. Taking a lead from the Response Series and Sunsetter LXi, engineers designed the XTi with a platform accessible, rear-locking trunk that doubles as a second sundeck. The XTi also contains 14 cubic feet of storage space beneath the main sundeck. For even more room, the bow houses large cubbies on either side and the observer's seatback opens to reveal more added space for gear.

Malibu's XTi is the first tow boat to truly bridge the gap between v-drive space and d-drive handling. While other manufacturers plummet into the divide, Malibu continues to lead the industry with innovation and vision.