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I feel that Malibu just does a better job than any other tow boat manufacturer on the seats. They use multiple layers of foam in varying densities. The vinyl, stitching and design is just second to none. (though I have seen some mismatches in seams on some recent models that makes me wonder). In fact, when we bought the LSV I was torn between a Nautique and the LSV. My wife made the final decision based on the interior comfort. Seatback angles, curved cushions in the corners, no gelcoat to touch when you are sitting around. Nautique is a lot better on interior comfort than they used to be but Malibu has not stood still either. They are much closer than in 2004.
My 2004 LSV did NOT have the smallish bow that the new LSV has. It was still much roomier feeling. The new LSV feels even bigger. The drivers seat is not as far toward the center as the Nautique, storage lockers are bigger and have larger openings, the underseat storage is more generous.
All of that said and with me being fully aware of it all I still went with the 230. We do not use the boat the same way we did when the kids were small. We used to 'hang' on the lake all day. (ski in morning, anchor, wakeboard, anchor and eat lunch, tube, anchor). When the kids were really small we would bath them in the shower in the marina and put them in pajamas for the drive home. I think the 'Bu is a better boat for hanging.
Now the kids are 18 and 16. We are all too busy to 'hang'. We go ski/ride/surf/tube and get off the lake. The only functional thing the Malibu does as well or better than the 230 is driving around like a runabout or towing a tube (it is a more 'agile' boat).
So, I would say that if your priority is hanging out and using the boat as a runabout then look seriously at the Malibu. If you want the easiest boat to tow a skier/rider/surfer go for the 230.
Here are the reasons that I went with the Nautique over the Malibu:
230 bow stays down under acceleration and when towing. (easier to see) and Malibu bow points high.
230 throttle is MUCH easier to operate smoothly and accurately.
230 is less disturbed by wake crossing but a bit more affected by rollers from the side.
230 bimini is far better than the current Malibu bimini.
230 maintains bow storage lockers with the factory ballast (I keep anchor, etc. up there)
NSS seemed to work more naturally than Surf Gate + Wedge.
Walk-thru transom and the gelcoat on the interior. Even though not as 'comfy' as the padded and carpeted Malibu interior I believe that it will be easier to maintain. Especially since we do 1-2 hour evening runs and have to put it up wet sometimes.
I like the Nautique Linc system better than Malibu's dash (just preference thing).
Malibu has a ski pylon. This almost kept me from the 230 but I am gonna risk that. Have not skied behind it yet (only ski when water is right). I may eventually move to a GS if that becomes a real issue but the older I get the less slalom I do.
One last thing... in my area I have had great experiences with BOTH the Nautique and Malibu dealers. I have become personal friends with the Malibu folks and fully expect to do the same with the Nautique dealer. It felt like I was cheating on my wife to even look and the Nautique but here I am :-)
My 2004 LSV did NOT have the smallish bow that the new LSV has. It was still much roomier feeling. The new LSV feels even bigger. The drivers seat is not as far toward the center as the Nautique, storage lockers are bigger and have larger openings, the underseat storage is more generous.
All of that said and with me being fully aware of it all I still went with the 230. We do not use the boat the same way we did when the kids were small. We used to 'hang' on the lake all day. (ski in morning, anchor, wakeboard, anchor and eat lunch, tube, anchor). When the kids were really small we would bath them in the shower in the marina and put them in pajamas for the drive home. I think the 'Bu is a better boat for hanging.
Now the kids are 18 and 16. We are all too busy to 'hang'. We go ski/ride/surf/tube and get off the lake. The only functional thing the Malibu does as well or better than the 230 is driving around like a runabout or towing a tube (it is a more 'agile' boat).
So, I would say that if your priority is hanging out and using the boat as a runabout then look seriously at the Malibu. If you want the easiest boat to tow a skier/rider/surfer go for the 230.
Here are the reasons that I went with the Nautique over the Malibu:
230 bow stays down under acceleration and when towing. (easier to see) and Malibu bow points high.
230 throttle is MUCH easier to operate smoothly and accurately.
230 is less disturbed by wake crossing but a bit more affected by rollers from the side.
230 bimini is far better than the current Malibu bimini.
230 maintains bow storage lockers with the factory ballast (I keep anchor, etc. up there)
NSS seemed to work more naturally than Surf Gate + Wedge.
Walk-thru transom and the gelcoat on the interior. Even though not as 'comfy' as the padded and carpeted Malibu interior I believe that it will be easier to maintain. Especially since we do 1-2 hour evening runs and have to put it up wet sometimes.
I like the Nautique Linc system better than Malibu's dash (just preference thing).
Malibu has a ski pylon. This almost kept me from the 230 but I am gonna risk that. Have not skied behind it yet (only ski when water is right). I may eventually move to a GS if that becomes a real issue but the older I get the less slalom I do.
One last thing... in my area I have had great experiences with BOTH the Nautique and Malibu dealers. I have become personal friends with the Malibu folks and fully expect to do the same with the Nautique dealer. It felt like I was cheating on my wife to even look and the Nautique but here I am :-)
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