Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Connecticut Dealer Candlewood East Marine is once again giving back to the children in their area with toys this Christmas. Each holiday season Captain Ryan Slater and Candlewood East help families in need by sponsoring their “Boatload of Toys” drive. They collect new or unused toys and give them to the Family and Children’s Aid of Connecticut.
Captain Ryan Slater had this to say about the success of the drive he stated. "Wow, we have had success each year that we participate in this drive and this year we’ve even topped the toy count from last year. Its great to see people sharing like this, and I look forward to shattering last year’s toy count by the 19th (December)!"
If you reside outside Candlewood East's area, there are plenty of local food, gift and toy drives that would absolutely love to receive your donation. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and give to those who are less fortunate during this joyous season.
We commend Ryan and Candlewood East Marine for pushing limits and giving all they can this Christmas.
Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Christmas stories have marked the holiday season for us for the past several years. This year we asked Malibu enthusiasts to share their Malibu Christmas stories with us. We chose the best story submitted and are rewarding the writer with a remote control Malibu boat for Christmas.
Matt Beilstein, a Malibu Crew member from Grove City, PA submitted his Christmas story in response to the contest we posted. His story had nothing to do with unwrapping a new boat on Christmas Day or even a new boat at all. Matt wrote about the Christmas he visited his 1988 Malibu Skier in storage and just how much that simple act meant to him.
We bought out first Malibu in late August of 2008. It was a beautiful 1988 Malibu Skier. It was a cherry of a boat and a true Malibu classic. It immediately became my baby. When I wasn't on the water in our boat, I was spending my free time working on modifications and taking care of the boat. That fall I decided the best place to store it was 500 feet underground in a local limestone mine that is used to store antique cars, boats, and RV's in the winter months. It stays 55 degrees underground all year long and would be safe from the Western PA salt and snow.
We pushed the season as long as we could that fall without wetsuits (they soon became first year boat owner Christmas presents. We threw in the towel when the water hit the 40's and I winterized the boat. My crew spent a good weekend with me waxing and detailing the boat before I towed it to the mine to tuck it in for the winter. I spent another hour underground making sure I had enough dry rid in there for the winter and even loaded up the boat with charcoal to absorb any odors that might occur over the winter. My wife thought I was nuts and would remind me it was only going to be down there for "four months". She just doesn't get it.
I left the boat with the sad feeling that all Malibu owners share when we tuck our boats in for the season. I went back to work anxiously awaiting spring with my Malibu desktop reminding me of the coming summer months.
Well December came and as Christmas approached my wife and I took vacation from work. We enjoyed time off and I spent a lot of it here on TheMalibuCrew trying to push through the winter with the "support group" here on the board. It's no doubt the first winter as a Malibu owner is the worst and the longest!
Well the day before Christmas Eve my wife said, "do you want to go see the boat?". "Heck yeah I said!!!" as I ran out to the garage and gathered up some Babes and a bottle of 303 and some Dry Rid refills. She knew I was missing the boat and said it was a good Christmas gift for me to just see the boat.
We loaded up in the car and drove the hour to the mine. The guy at the mine guided us back the mile into the side of the mountain where the boat was tucked away in the dark. I work for a mining company so I told the guy he was fine to leave us there as I knew how to find my way out of the mine. I pulled the cover off and we sat in the boat in the light of the headlights. It was priceless. Sitting in our Malibu ski boat 500 feet below the earth's surface two days before Christmas.
I then spent a half hour detailing the boat with Babes and then put a good coat of 303 on the vinyl. I dumped the water out of my Dry Rid containers and refilled them. My wife helped me to put the cover back on the boat and we headed home.
I was so happy she decided to suggest a boat visit just before Christmas. What a cool idea and it certainly helped me to get though my first Malibu winter! That's my all time favorite Christmas gift and it makes an awesome story that is told over and over!
Matt told us a little more about how he came to be such a fan of Malibu boats. "My uncle owned a Malibu Sunsetter while I grew up and my brother and I looked forward to the "Malibu Weekend" of the summer when our uncle would invite us out on the lake for a day of fun. I would ski until I couldn't even stand. Once I graduated college, got married, and bought our house I knew I had to have a Bu of my own!"
This story really touched our hearts becuase it describes just how powerful a connection people can feel towards water sports and in this case a Malibu boat. At Malibu we feel so priviledged that our boats, new and old, can rank so hi in importance to Malibu owners like, Matt.
We would like to thank Matt for taking the time to share this Malibu Christmas story with us. Santa is bringing you a Red Remote Control Malibu Boat. We hope you enjoy it! Merry Christmas!
The Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) 2011 Boat Show Season is under way. Check out the 2011 Malibus at a show near you this winter. The 2011 Malibu Boats Show Schedule provides the information you need about shows in your area. Visit your local show and take advantage of the Malibu Difference.
Malibu Boats Apparel (@MalibuApparel) is the perfect Christmas gift for the Malibu boaters in your life. At Gear.MalibuBoats.com you'll find everything from simple Malibu logo Ts to Malibu hats to warm stylish outter wear to fun kids clothing. Don't know sizes? Check out the Malibu accessories on the site. You can buy towels, decals, key chains, emblems and coozies as well as Malibu brand trailer guide pads and dock line. Think outside the box with a cool Malibu boating gift this Christmas. Your Malibu boaters will love you for it! Order your Malibu Christmas gifts by Friday, December 17th and if the items are in stock you should have them on or before Christmas Eve! Happy shopping!
The new Malibu Touch Command (MTC) is amazing on many different levels especially function, innovation and price. This dash screen allows you to control everything from ballast tank levels to Power Wedge position to interior and exterior lighting with a touch. Developed with Projective Capacitive Touch Technology typically reserved for high-end personal digital devices, you won’t find a feature like MTC in a high performance car let alone anywhere else in the boating industry. All of this and the MTC with Keyless Ignition is included on all 2011 Wakesetters and Sunscapes as well as the Response LXi and FXi at no extra charge. Get your fingers on a Malibu boat to experience MTC today.
Paul Singer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Malibu Boats, had this to say about the new Malibu Touch Command. "We're not going to lie, we like to keep everyone playing catch up, but our real joy comes from giving our customer our very best." Singer explained, "At some point, the force of innovation overtakes the laws of convention. In the 2011 Malibu line that point is on the dash, which is featuring the first ever 6.5" touch screen for control of a myriad of performance and safety systems. We call it MTC or Malibu Touch Command. We think you’ll call it amazing."
Malibu Boats is making boating easier and more fun with touch-sensitive switching based on intuitive hi-res graphical menus of the boat’s functions. Easily navigate control of Malibu Launch System (MLS) ballast levels in as many as four different areas of the boat with MTC. Command as much as 1450 pounds of hard tank sub-floor ballast. Normally left wondering which switch controls what light? With Malibu Touch Command interior and exterior boat lighting can be turned on and off, theatre style, with a touch of the desired lighting zone. Control the available Patented Power Wedge position. Deploy, adjust or stow the wake-making reverse hydrofoil. Accessories like heaters, blowers, and bilge pumps can also be easily controlled through MTC. Navigate new waters with available GPS. Even start your Malibu without a key thanks to the coded keyless ignition system.
Forget the keys. Go ahead. You won’t need them in a 2011 Malibu boat. Almost all Malibu boat models have keyless ignition standard. Type in your code, touch the “Start Engine” icon and motor. No more worries about getting to the lake and forgetting the keys. Malibu’s got you covered.
Get in touch with your local Malibu Boats dealer to experience the 2011 models and features like Malibu Touch Command. Malibu is pushing the limits of wakeboard and ski boats, get on board.
Bama Belles focuses on the lives of 4 very different Southern women and one transplant. Melissa’s life is filled with her husband Frankie and their son Grayton along with Malibu and Axis wakeboard boats. Since the boat dealership is such a large part of Melissa’s life, boating and water sports are well represented in the show.
Melissa is excited about the publicity Bama Belles can bring to her business, but her motivation for exposure is not just about that. She explained, "There are so many kids that could benefit from participating in water sports. It provides them a positive outlet to express themselves. It is also such a great family activity.”
Melissa is always looking for ways to get more people on a wakeboard boat. “We worked with INT this year to create a Southern Alabama competition and it was a huge success,” Melissa told us.
After purchasing their first Malibu boat from longtime Malibu Boats Dealer Skier’s Marine in Birmingham, Al, Melissa and Frankie were hooked. They become extremely involved in wakeboarding helping out at the local boat shows and events as well as becoming close with people in the industry. “Wakeboarding is what we love,” Melissa told us.
With a Masters of Science in Environmental Analysis and Management, Melissa was tired of the travel and long hours her career in the medical device field required. Melissa wanted to take a passion that she and her family shared and turn it into a business that allowed them to spend more time together. This is how H2O Sports was born.
Totally new to the boating industry, Melissa jumped right in, handling almost everything during the dealership’s first year herself. She courted manufacturers, secured financing and ran the business on her own until Frankie was able to take a more active role in 2009.
Melissa’s fellow Belle, Amie Pollard came up with the Bama Belle concept and pitched it to the production company. Melissa explained, “This is not a show about stereo types it’s a show about how we live. I hunt. I wakeboard. I have a Masters in Science. I own a business. We're not ignorant. We have fun!”
BBC World Wide, the producers of shows like The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Dancing With the Stars as well as Bama Belles wanted women who were independent for the show. That is one of the reasons Melissa was chosen. They really liked the idea of including a female boat dealership owner, competing in a male dominated industry.
The Belles endured three weeks of shooting to create the first three 44 minute episodes of the show. “We worked 6 days a week sometimes for 12 to 14 hours a day,” Melissa said. “And no part of the show is scripted. What was said was what was happening at that moment.”
When asked about the intrusion of the cameras on all aspects of her life, Melissa said, “At first I really tried to watch what I said and did in front of the cameras, but after a while I was comfortable with the crew and it all came out.” She continued, “They said it was essential that we pretend the cameras weren’t there, so that’s what we did.”
The 20-person film crew became such a part of Melissa’s life she taught a bunch of them to wakeboard on one of their few days off. Melissa told us. “They loved it!”
When we ask Melissa what she though of the first episode that aired last week she said, “I enjoyed it. I thought it was hilarious!”
Tune in this Sunday the 12th of December at 7pm PST/ 10pm EST on TLC to watch Bama Belles.
We started the tradition of sharing Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Family Christmas Stories several years ago during the first Malibu Boat Rockin' Christmas Event and we want to keep it going this year with your stories. Submit your Malibu Christmas Story by December 15, 2010 and you may have a chance to put a Malibu boat under the tree. A remote control Malibu boat that is. We are giving away three remote control Malibu boats to the top three Malibu Christmas stories.
Do you have a family Christmas story that’s told over and over especially during the Holiday Season? I’m talking about the kind of story that new friends and family members are excited to hear and then retell as a statement of their place in the family’s inner circle. We have retold a few great stories like these over the years for some of our Malibu Family members. Remember the great Christmas story from Idaho Watersports customers the Taylor's. They surprised the kids with a Malibu boat on Christmas morning. Or how about Sabrina Dierksen, Wilson Watersports, customer who surprised her husband with the Malibu boat of his dreams. Then there was the Isner Family from Seattle who surprised their dad on Christmas morning with a wakeboard boat that would help him really do a back roll. These are all great stories, but we know there are more out there.
We're hoping the incentive of adding a Malibu boat under the tree might encourage some of you to share your stories with us. A remote control Malibu boat, that is. Malibu Boats is prepared to send a new remote control Malibu boat to each of the three best Malibu Family Christmas story authors.
Post your stories on the Malibu Boats Facebook Fan Page, add them to the Malibu Christmas Story thread on TheMalibCrew.com or email them to blog@malibuboats.com. These stories can be about anything that is Malibu Boats and Christmas related. Have you every taken your Malibu out on Christmas? That could be a great story. Was your family surprised with a Malibu boat on Christmas? That could be another fun tale to tell. Or maybe you have a story about another way you enjoyed your Malibu boat during the Christmas season. Have you towed your boat in local Christmas parade? We would love to read any and all of these stories. There is no length requirement, make these stories as long or as short as you see fit. They will be judged on content not composition. The three best stories, as judged by a panel from the Malibu Boats Factory, will be rewarded with one remote control Malibu boat each. Eligible story entries must be received by December 15th, 2010.
The U.S. Elite Water Ski Team won the overall team gold medal, tallying 8,259.41 points. Canada earned the silver medal with 7,904.69 points and Chile earned the bronze medal with 6,421.69 points.
Jaquess won gold medals in women’s slalom (1 buoy at 39-1/2 feet off), tricks (7,830 points) and jumping (167 feet), and the silver medal in overall (2,867.52 points).
Way to go, Regina! We're pulling for you! Keep up the great work!
Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) hosted their annual dealer meeting in North Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where more than 60 Malibu Dealers were recognized for their achievements during the 2010 model year.
Among the towering Redwood trees in North Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Malibu dealers stood tall and were recognized for their outstanding efforts during the 2010 model year. Malibu Boats hosted an enthusiastic group of more than 230 at the 2010 Malibu Boats Dealer Meeting. Attendees ranged from dealership owners and administration to sales people and other employees, many of who were honored for the Malibu Difference they have created in their area.
Malibu’s annual awards banquet is the perfect end to several days of speakers and seminars designed to prepare dealers for the upcoming boat show season. The dealers are honored for their accomplishments and role they play in Malibu Boats success.
The following is a list of the major award recipients. For a complete list of winners please contact the Malibu Boats Public Relations Department. Sales Achievement Award Top 10 Dealer In Sales Wizard Lake Marine – Alberta, Canada Waterski America – Dallas, TX Minnesota Inboard Watersports – Excelsior, MN Darryl Moore’s Marine – Houston, TX Skier’s Pier, Inc. – Waterford, MI Central Texas Water Sports – Austin, TX Taylor’s Boats – Draper, UT Saskatoon Watersports – Saskatoon, SK Active Water Sports – Oregon City, OR Paradise Watersports – Murrieta, CA
National Salesman of the Year Ronald Quistberg – Wizard Lake Marine
President’s Award Minnesota Inboard Water Sports- Excelsior, MN (pictured) Rookie Dealer of the Year Aqua Sport Marine - Ste Agathe Des Monts, QC
Regional Dealers of the Year Northeast: No Wake Marine - Cincinnati, OH Southeast: Skier's Marine - Westover, AL Midwest: Minnesota Inboard Watersports – Excelsior, MN Northwest: Wizard Lake Marine – Alberta, Canada South Central: Waterski America – Dallas, TX West: Paradise Watersports – Murrieta, CA Dealer of the Year Waterski America – Dallas, TX
Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats ) and participating dealers nation-wide are celebrating Christmas 2010 with the Malibu Boat Rockin’ Christmas Event. The Rockin’ Christmas Event is helping individuals invest in their families with the gift of a Malibu boat this holiday season. During this event, which ends December 31, 2010, the Malibu Boats factory in cooperation with their national dealer network is working to pull off a string of once-in-a-lifetime Christmas surprises. They are giving huge factory incentives on Malibu boats as well as throwing in great water sports gifts, 50% off Malibu Boats branded merchandise and offering special financing. This is a Malibu Boats package the entire family will love opening on December 25th. Malibu dealers are even making the gift presentation as memorable as the gift itself by working with families to develop personalized Christmas surprises. Malibu Boats is taking the hassle out of the busiest time of the year with a total family Christmas solution that is a gift of fun, togetherness and years of priceless memories.
Instead of giving traditional individual gifts, Malibu Boats is suggesting that you give the whole family the gift of fun and togetherness in the form of a Malibu boat. When you add up what you spend on mp3 players, gifts of money, phones, computers, trips, video game systems, clothes, gift certificates and other typical gifts that can actually distract the family from one another, Malibu thinks you will see enough for a down payment on a boat. Add a return on investment of quality time that the entire family can enjoy together and a Malibu boat may be priceless. That is where the Malibu Boat Rockin’ Christmas Event comes in.
Malibu Boats along with your local dealer is offering discounts on the boats they have in inventory as well as 2011 custom order boats if purchased during the Rockin’ Christmas Event. Malibu Boats is also providing special financing during the event. But the boat and closeness are not the only gifts Malibu can help you give your family this Christmas.
When you give a Malibu boat during the Rockin’ Christmas Event, your family will receive more to open under the tree. Boating and water sports accessories of your choice, for the whole family, will be included in your Malibu Christmas package. Malibu is also providing each family with a 50% discount on up to $500 worth of new Malibu Boats Gear. The Malibu Boat Rockin’ Christmas Event eliminates the hassle commonly associated with the holiday season by doing all the shopping for you. Malibu has even taken it a step further by easing the planning that goes along with a surprise of this magnitude.
Local Malibu dealers across the country are planning amazing surprises for those families receiving boats as a part of the Rockin’ Christmas Event. You can work with your Malibu dealer to hide the boat and sneak it by your house just before the kids look outside. Or maybe you want to make a bigger production for the gift unwrapping. Your Malibu dealer can unveil the boat during your yearly Christmas get-together. You could even work with your dealer to stage the surprise at the dealership. How ever the presentation of the present goes down, you will have an ally in your local Malibu dealer. The planning for such a huge surprise doesn’t fall entirely on your busy schedule.
These Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Maliween photos are all of employees from the Malibu Boats factory in Tennessee. Here are the results from their costume contest:
1st Place goes to Donnie Fritts (Lady of the Night)
2nd Place goes to Ashley Surrett (aka Lady Bug)
Other Contestants are as follows:
Shelly Strickland (Raggedy Ann) Terry McCaughna (White glove parking director) Mike Branaum (Hippie) Raymond Smith (Big Nose monster) Jeremy Parrish (Green face monster) Mark Sampson (Rocky with a mullet) Donna Tallent (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) Michelle Castle (Lady Bug Exterminator) Wayne Wilson (French Fur Trapper) Elaine Cline (Witch in Training) Randy Sisk (Evil Cat in the Hat)
Thank you for sharing with everyone TN factory, you all look Great!!
Team Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) newest water skiing addition, Regina Jaquess put a Response LXi ski boat to good use on October 23rd and 24th setting two consecutive pending world records in Women's Slalom, something that has not been done even once in the last 14 years. Regina scored 1 1/4 @ 41 off on Saturday and 1 1/2 @ 41 off on Sunday at Cory Pickos World Ski Center in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
The current Women's Slalom World Record of 1 @ 41 off was set in 1996 by Kristi Overton and tied by Karina Nowlan in 2008 and by Regina in 2009. For the last 14 years the best any female slalom skier could do was tie this record, until October 23rd and 24th, 2010.
Sharing the Women's World Slalom Record of 1 @ 41 off since July of 2009, Regina has been striving to own the record outright. She recently signed with Malibu Boats in an effort to do just that. Regina felt skiing behind the Response LXi gave her an edge and bolstered her ability to break the record. Looks like this strategy paid off.
Regina skied in the Red Bar Belgian Open on Saturday, October 23, 2010. In her first record-setting run she fell soon after the 1 ball @ 41 off, but held on long enough to capture 1/4 of the next buoy. That sent the first pending world record of 1 1/4 @ 41 off.
Regina was confident that she could capture at 1 1/2 buoys at 41' off so she went back out behind the Malibu Boats Response LXi on Sunday even more determined. And sure enough at the Eddie Green Open on October 24, 2010 she set her second pending Women's Slalom World Record in Santa Rosa Beach at back to back competitions.
When we asked Jaquess her feelings about her new Response LXi ski boat that pulled her to these two records she had this to say, “This boat is awesome! I have run more 39s behind it than any other boat. The wakes are so small and the boat makes the pull seem so easy you hardly even know how short the rope really is.” Jaquess continued, “I just set two new pending world records and that has a lot to do with the Response LXi.”
"We could not be any prouder of Regina and the job she did this past weekend. We were simply excited to welcome her to the team, but to see her set 2 pending world records in as many days, was amazing!" Dennis Kelley, National Promo Team Director for Malibu Boats, went on to say, "We respect her dedication and determination. She's an inspiration and an asset to the sport of water skiing!"
Regina was skiing behind a 2011 Response LXi with a Monsoon 350 (350hp) engine. Her slalom ski is a GOODE 9900SL with PS5 boots.
Visit your local Malibu Boats dealer to experience the record-breaking performance that pro athletes and families seek in the 2011 Response LXi.
“My sponsors Goode, Eagle Sports, Performance Ski and Surf, Masterline, Wileys, and Girls 4 Sports have helped me become #1, and joining Team Malibu is allowing me to stay #1!” Jaquess said.
Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) welcomes world class women’s slalom skier Regina Jaquess to their Pro Water Ski Team. One of the most accomplished women of water skiing, Jaquess has been on fire over the last year tying the world record and finishing well in nearly all of the sport’s pro tournaments. Competing and training behind every major ski boat brand, Jaquess has her sights set on the Malibu Response LXi to help her finish the 2010 season with a bang. The strength in her turns is only rivaled by her strength of character and her passion for the sport, which are the reasons Jaquess is a great addition to Team Malibu.
Born in Atlanta, GA in 1984, Jaquess has been passionate about water skiing since her parents put her on her first pair of skis. She has carried that passion with her, and it seems even stronger today with the accomplishments she continues to string together behind the boat. Jaquess has run 39' off five different times in less than 18 months at record capable tournaments. She has tied the World Record [1 @ 41 off] three times at three different sites with three different drivers. She has set the World Overall Record three times in the last year. She even broke the US National Open Women’s Jump record with a jump of 176’ in 2010. When asked about the accomplishment she is most excited about right now, Jaquess exclaimed, “I have run 39 off more times in the last two weeks behind a Malibu Response LXi than I have in my entire life!”
“We are extremely flattered that Regina thinks so much of the LXi and Malibu Boats to approach us about being on the team,” said Lani Farmer, Event and Pro Team Director for Malibu Boats. “We have just as much respect for her skiing ability and her level of character. That’s why we did not hesitate to bring her on board.”
When we asked Jaquess her feeling about her new Response LXi ski boat she had this to say, “This boat is awesome! I have run more 39s behind it than any other boat. The wakes are so small and the boat makes the pull seem so easy you hardly even know how short the rope really is.” Jaquess continued, “I have been running past 1 @ 41 off in practice and that has a lot to do with the Response LXi.”
Currently sharing the women’s world slalom record of 1 @ 41 off, Jaquess feels she is very close to besting that performance. On her quest to break the Women’s World Slalom Record Jaquess asked to sign with Malibu Boats to train behind the World Record Breaking Response LXi ski boat. Jaquess will put her slalom skill and world record capable Malibu boat to the test October 23 & 24 at the Cory Pickos World Ski Center in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Jaquess is skiing in the Red Bar Belgian and Eddie Green Opens this weekend.
“I am focused on getting past 1 @ 41' off. I want to own the Women's World Slalom Record,” Jaquess stated.
“We are extremely happy to have Regina on the team and will be pulling for her in more ways than one when she breaks the record,” Farmer concluded.
Visit your local Malibu Boats dealer to experience the record-breaking performance that pro athletes and families seek in the 2011 Response LXi.
“My sponsors Goode, Eagle Sports, Performance Ski and Surf, Masterline, Wileys, and Girls 4 Sports have helped me become #1, and joining Team Malibu will allow me to stay #1!” Jaquess said.
This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) amazing photo was sent to us from John Russell Schindler who is the proud owner of a 2008 Wakesetter 247. John sent us this email with the story behind this photo.
Hi,
My name is Russell Schindler and I am the proud owner of a 2008 Wakesetter 247. My family purchased the boat last summer with only 8 hours on it and now we have over 100! Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, there really wasn't much of an opportunity to wakeboard or even own a boat like a Malibu. After moving to South Carolina for college and having roommates with wakeboard boats and lakehouses, I figured that once the rest of my family moved down South, I'd have a chance to talk them into a boat. Low and behold, last July 4th, we bought our first boat ever from Atlanta Inboard near Lake Lanier and have been enjoying it nonstop. We live up in the mountains of North Carolina and use our 247 mostly at a small reservoir outside Wilkesboro or Lake Watauga in Tennessee.
I apologize for the long intro, but I figured I'd provide a little background info before getting to the photo. About three weeks ago, we took our Malibu out for an evening session. As a semi-professional photographer, I make it a point to always take my camera equipment out on the water just in case something epic happens. We ended up staying out after sunset so I decided to try and mess around with the underwater lights. Attached is one of the photos from the evening. Photo was taken with an open 3 second shutter with the boat moving at about 21mph. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Russell Schindler
Thank you so much for sharing this again “Amazing” photo with us. Please visit R. SCHINDLER Photography at www.russellschindler.com for more of John’s amazing photography!
If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App.
E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!
For the past couple of Mondays Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) has given away a Malibu Monday Prize to get the Malibu Nation off to a great week. This past Monday we decided to give away a Stainless Malibu Boats Emblem. The winner of the emblem would have to share a fun Malibu vehicle decal story. We posted the Malibu Monday Prize details on Facebook, Twitter and TheMalibuCrew.com. We asked Malibu boats enthusiasts to post their stories and/or photos in these areas. Check out the Malibu Facebook Fan Page and this thread on TheMalibuCrew.com for a look at some of the responses. There are some pretty good ones. In fact we had two hilarious stories that we couldn't choose between so we actually ended up giving away two Stainless Malibu Boats Emblems.
Winner #1: Levi Clarke (Malibu Crew Member) There isn't a Malibu dealership around where I live. So when I see one I HAVE to stop. My wife and I were headed down to North Carolina and we swung into a dealership. I'm pretty sure it was in Mass (East Coast Flightcraft), but I'm not 100%sure. I bought a Malibu decal, a pretty big one for my wifes TSX. I borrowed a tape measure and soap pen from one of the techs out back. I spent about 15 mins marking up the rear window of the car to make sure it was centered and level. (I know I'm a little nuts)
I finally stick the thing on, peel off the transfer, take a step back and admire my handy work. At that exact moment I noticed 2 things at once.
1) Someone had put Mass plates on my VT car???
2) Some woman is walking at me like she owns my car??
Holy crap, I just spent 20 mins putting a sticker on someone elses Silver TSX!
Worst part about it, the lady says to me "Thanks" and burns outta the parking lot!
Winner #2: (Facebook Fan) A few years ago, I was coming out of a movie theater headed toward my SUV when I heard someone say "You got a Malibu?". I turned and noticed this guy standing next to his truck parked a couple spaces down. He asked me that q...uestion because of the Malibu decal on the back window of my SUV. I replied "I have the best boat on the planet, do you know them?". Turns out he had a Response and we talked about Bu's for a minute or so. The whole time we talked this guy looked really familiar, but I couldn't place him. As we were wrapping it up we shook hands. I told him my name, and he told me his. That's when it hit me. He was a proctologist that I had seen a few months earlier, for an "issue" I had. Out of context I didn't recognize him. Needless to say the last time we saw each other we weren't "shaking hands". This awkward moment wouldn't have happened without my proudly displayed Malibu Boats decal on the back window of my SUV. :-)
We would like to thank the winning Malibu boat owners as well as all of the other participants for posting these great stories and making our Monday more fun.
Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) unveils the all-new 2011 Waksetter 247 LSV. The 2011 Wakesetter 247 LSV throws water on the competition with huge wakeboard and wakesurf wakes and some of the most ground-breaking innovations we’ve ever seen. The 247 LSV offers superior control and comfort inside the boat with Malibu Touch Command (MTC) and a new transom seating area. Malibu performance excels in this 24-footer with a digitally shaped bottom for precise handling, the L96 410hp engine for specifically calibrated power and the Shift by Wire Throttle system for fingertip control. The swell of pride you’ll feel with the new look of the Wakesetter 247 LSV is only matched by the swell this big wake behemoth creates behind the boat. Tone it down or ramp it all the way up with customizable Rider Presets. The 247 LSV wake will grow with your skill level behind the boat. The truth is on the water!
Wakes. The largest of the Malibu wakeboard boats, the Wakesetter 247 LSV makes big wakes for professional-level wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Whether you’re looking to shoot the curl or launch off walls of water, the 247 LSV can more than accommodate. As big as this wake-maker is, the 247 LSV even offers versatile wake alternatives for aspiring riders.
With as much as 1450 pounds of hard tank, sub-floor ballast, the shape and size of the wakes can be adjusted with tank levels in four different areas of the boat. For even more tailor-made wakes, opt for the Patented Power Wedge and add another 400-1200 pounds of displacement with the push of a button. Controlled at the dash and adjusted in a matter of seconds, the Power Wedge slides along the wake spectrum from beginner to professional changing size and shape every step of the way.
Performance. You might expect a 24-foot 7-inch luxury water sports boat with room for 17 to be a challenge to handle-- not if it’s a Malibu. Precise electronic throttle and shift join fingertip steering for effortless flat turning. Built on a hull optimized for smooth ride and precision handling as much as big wakes, the Wakesetter 247 is as nimble as it is a wake maker.
Tower. The Wakesetter 247 LSV’s tower is not just an accessory. The Illusion G3 Tower is designed and built in-house at Malibu Boats to appear and function as an extension of the boat. The industry exclusive weightless fold-down is as usable as it is innovative. Voted WakeWorld.com’s Riders Choice Innovation of the Year, the Illusion G3 is as groundbreaking as it is purposeful. Standard Titan Spinner combo racks welcome wakeboards, surfboards and wakeskates of varied thicknesses. Add available lights, speakers, a second set of racks and even a rearview rider camera to the G3. This potentially accessory-heavy tower is anything but, thanks to the gas springs at its core allowing it to raise and lower with little to no effort. The stainless steel tubing and coated billet aluminum construction provides strength for piece of mind and a style that screams Malibu even from across the lake.
Dash. The 2011 dash looks bad in a good way! You’ve never seen a dash like the one you’ll find in a 2011 Wakesetter 247 LSV. Two-tone, hand-wrapped and studded in stainless steel the Malibu Boats dash is an extra step that is noticeably worth it. Not only does Malibu carry their high performance look through to the interior, function follows.
The MTC projective capacitive touch screen combined with the new Italian-made Isotta Vista Steering Wheel, the available MaliView Dash System and the optional Rockford Fosgate Stereo touch pad are just a few of the heroes on this dash. Now consider the functionality they deliver and it’s almost unbelievable. The dash offers intuitive control over nearly all of the boat’s functions with Malibu firsts like Rider Presets combining this control in customizable rider profiles. MaliView and the Rockford Fosgate Sound System have been upgraded for 2011 to include USB video playback and increased iPod®/iPhone® control. Just when you think boat design has been taken as far as it can go, Malibu Boats does it one better.
Malibu Touch Command. The new Malibu Touch Command (MTC) is amazing on so many different levels; what it is, what it does and the fact that it is standard on all Wakesetters including the new 247 LSV. Made with Projective Capacitive Touch Technology typically reserved for high-end personal digital devices, you won’t find a feature like MTC in a high performance car let alone anywhere else in the boating industry. Malibu Boats is way ahead of the game with touch-sensitive switching based on intuitive hi-res graphical menus of the boat’s functions. Command ballast control, Wedge adjustment, interior lighting, coded keyless ignition, available GPS navigation and more through Malibu Touch Command.
Ignition. Forget the keys. Go ahead. You won’t need them in your 2011 Wakesetter 247 LSV. All Malibu Wakesetters have keyless ignition standard. Type in your code; touch the “Start Engine” icon and motor. No more worries about getting to the lake and forgetting the keys. Malibu’s got you covered.
Power. The new L96 6.0L makes its home in the new 247 LSVs standard. With 410 horsepower, this Indmar engine pulls every water sport you’re into with 400 foot-pounds of torque. Low-end power or top-end speed, the L96’s Variable Valve Timing (VVT) automatically adjusts giving you the absolute best performance in either situation. If you’re looking to upgrade your 247 power Malibu offers the Supercharged LSA 6.2L. This 550 horsepower engine tops Malibu’s list of engine options as the first production supercharged Gen-IV small block engine the marine industry has ever seen. With 545 ft-lb of torque the LSA doesn’t mess around.
Interior. Malibu engineers created a cab-forward design to increase the lounge area by 30% more than any other boat in its class. And while a lot of attention has been paid to the common seating area of the Wakesetter 247 LSV, the bow and new transom seating is just as comfortable and roomy as any other spot. The bow transforms into a playpen with the addition of the removable filler cushion. The new rear-facing transom seating provides a comfortable front row seat complete with convenient cup holders and more swimstep-accessible wet storage. The Wakesetter 247 LSV is geared for the social lifestyle that tends to follow wake sports, but to achieve a true tribe vibe you also need tunes.
Available 8” Rockford Fosgate M2 full-range speakers add the perfect amount of punch to the Wakesetter 247 LSV. Exclusive to the new 247 LSV interior, these 8" speakers are UV and moisture-resistant for great performance in harsh marine environments. Great sound, good looks and an element hardy design make them irresistible.
Look. Moving or still, the new body design of the Wakesetter 247 LSV presents an aggressive shape with sharp lines. Eight color areas can be customized with 21 gel coat colors to make a Malibu boat that is all you. The leaned-back style of the MH4 windshield contributes to the impressive style. Custom designed and branded fresh air vents work with the new lines of the 247 to create a look as incredible as the boat itself. The forward swept Illusion G3 wakeboard tower gives your 247 LSV that unmistakable Malibu look even from a distance. The outline of the boat can only be upstaged by the shining three dimensional “Wakesetter” graphics with that signature “WS”. The new 2011 Wakesetter 247 LSV is a showpiece that performs!
Visit your local Malibu Boats dealer to experience the 2011 Wakesetter 247 LSV and 11 other new models, features and options that are pushing the limits of wakeboard and ski boats.
This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) baby is 9 month old Jack Shapiro. Sent to us by proud parents Sam & Jamie Shapiro. Sam tells us Jack “absolutely loves time on our 2006 Malibu Wakesetter VLX - especially if he gets some time behind the wheel. Next summer, he might take on the wake!”
Thank you Sam & Jamie for sharing this adorable photo with us!
If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App.
E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!
The Illusion short sleeve fitted v-neck tee is as comfortable as it is durable. It is screened with a wire-frame graphic of Malibu Boats exclusive Illusion G3 tower.
Weightless fold-down, standard swivel combo racks and hybrid stainless tube and billet construction are the big reasons this tower was voted Innovation of the Year by riders. The unique look of the G3 is what makes it a great design for fashion-forward clothing. Get your Illusion Tee today!
These Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) photo’s are of Dave and Patty Newlon from New Mexico and proud owners of a 2006 Response LXi. Dave scheduled a plant tour with Kerri Johns at our TN plant, they wanted to see how the boats are built and had a few questions. Dennis Kelly Promo Director for Malibu in TN gave Dave and Patty their tour. Dave had demoed several different manufactures before he made his decision. Dave had this to say “I selected the Malibu based on my own personal head to head to head comparison. What I didn’t realize was how GREAT the Malibu and associated companies are. I talked with Dennis Kelly many times after the purchase, he was very helpful. So, not only did I get the BEST boat, I got an entire support team. Malibu surely has a great people and partnerships with great companies who still believe in EXCELLENT customer satisfaction.”
Thank you Dave and Patty we are glad you chose Malibu and we are glad you enjoyed your tour!
If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App.
E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!
The Wakesetter VLX is no stranger to Boat of the Year Awards and Malibu Boats has received a number of other big awards lately, but this latest honor holds some special significance for the world’s #1 selling water sports boat manufacturer. The Riders Choice Award was voted on by the people who use Malibu wakeboard boats. This is why the VLX earned Rider’s Choice Boat of the Year on WakeWorld.com. Malibu’s brand of performance, comfort and style built in to this year’s Wakesetter VLX turned out to be all the “get out the vote” effort needed.
The 10th annual WakeWorld Riders Choice Awards presented by CWB Board Co. was the biggest ever. For the 10th consecutive year WakeWorld gave riders the opportunity to share their opinions on Pro Riders and wake sport products. Participants visited WakeWorld.com and cast their votes during the entire month of August. In addition to the Malibu’s Illusion G3 Wakeboard Tower being voted Innovation of the Year, the Wakesetter VLX earned top honors as the Riders Choice Boat of the Year.
After 19 PowerBoat Magazine Boat of the Year Awards you’d think earning an honor like Riders Choice Boat of the Year would be no big deal. Malibu Boats doesn’t think so. They see this latest award as another step up in the steady climb they have been on. After winning Manufacturer of the Year and a number of other industry awards earlier this month as well as having the Illusion G3 voted Riders Choice Innovation of the Year, Malibu Boat has a lot momentum heading into the Fall season.
When asked about the Wakesetter VLX being voted Riders Choice Boat of the Year, Paul Singer, VP of Sales and Marketing for Malibu Boats, had this to say. “Even though this award comes along with several other big honors we’ve recently received, I can’t tell you how much it means to us! Being voted the best by end users is huge!”
This Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) photo was sent to us by Jennifer Schulz. Jennifer tells us “Here is a picture of my husband and my son (first year footer) going side by side. Obviously Wyatt is showing his dad up with the one foot!!”
Love the one foot action by the way. Tell Wyatt, “Way to go!”
Thanks Jim and Jennifer for sharing this great photo!
If you capture or come across a cool Malibu Boats-related photo like this one let us know. We would love to post it on the Malibu Boats Blog and Flickr Channel. We will even Tweet about it on Twitter and add it to the ever-changing Malibu Boats Screen Saver. You can also submit your photo or video through our Malibu iPhone App.
E-mail blog@malibuboats.com with links and/or images. Also make sure to include the name of the person who took the shot and give us a short description of the photo's contents. If you do not know this information and you are only forwarding a link, we can track it down. Thanks!
Now training behind the Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) world record-breaking Response LXi, the Mad-City Water Ski Team will be competing in an international water ski competition in Liuzhou, China. Mad-City was selected over several other competing teams to travel for eight days to China and compete in The Sino-American Water Ski Competition. Hosted by the Chinese Water Ski Association, fifteen of Mad-City's most talented skiers will perform 2 days of head to head competition against the Chinese in front of over 20,000 spectators.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Mad-City Ski Team,” said Mad-City board member Gary Pickney. “The hard work and dedication the team has put in over the last several years has not only produced 5 National Championships, but now the opportunity to travel all over the world to showcase our talents.”
Area water skiers have been invited to perform in various water ski shows world wide. Recent trips to Jamaica, India, and Dubai have given water skiers a chance to travel the world, and only those that excel are selected. The Mad-City Ski Team has a history of excellence, and they have been rewarded with the chance to compete in China.
“The chance to represent USA water skiing is a tribute to the quality of skiing we have on the Mad-City Ski Team,” said Pickney. “We're excited about heading to China and performing some top notch skiing.”
The Mad-City Ski Team has been performing shows on Sunday nights in Madison for 48 years. Shows run from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Sunday's at 6:00 p.m. As one of the finest show ski teams in the country, the Mad-City Ski Team has won 5 National Championships since 2004.
Local sponsors Lands End, Evinrude Outboards, Skipper Buds, Malibu Boats, Mueller and Future Foam have helped outfit the team to send them to China.
Malibu Boats (@MalibuBoats) Connecticut Dealer Candlewood East Marine is once again giving back to the children in their area with toys this Christmas. Each holiday season Captain Ryan Slater and Candlewood East help families in need by sponsoring their “Boatload of Toys” drive. They collect new or unused toys and give them to the Family and Children’s Aid of Connecticut.
