Tom Checks Out the 1999 Malibu Response LX - (Long)
Tom Ruta
with visions of spending their winter on a South Carolina
golf course (assuming they make it past the shotgun toting
hunters of Michigan), I headed northward to test out the
standard bearer of Malbu's 1999 line - the Response LX.
The geese were obviously put off by the cold north wind and
clouds and 50-ish degree F temperatures. I for one was not
about to wimp out. The cold water of about 55F, had I known
about it that, I encountered later may have caused me to
rethink that display of bravado.
So here' in no particular order of importance is the "Tom
Ruta True Story and Test Drive Report: 1999 Malibu Response
LX"
- Restyled for 1999, the new top deck is a welcome addition,
both in terms of looks, creature comfort and safety. It
adds height about equivalent to what the old Echelon deck
was so that the cockpit depth at the pylon is up a couple of
inches to 22"; 21" at the pylon and 20 inches at the rear
seat. This new design should keep occupants in and water
out (my wife will be happy; the kids a little less so I
figure). As for its style, the deck is slightly more
rounded than the Echelon top deck was. A bit of that
Euro-style creeping in that seems to be on the increase in
the new boats from a number of the leading manufacturers.
Let's hope it doesn't go as far as some. Last thing I want
to see is a boat that looks like it is an old bar of soap
(rounded edges everywhere).
- The new windshield with its sexy black anodized frame is a
double curve. IOW, it not only wraps around the boat, but
has a curve in the vertical axis as well, like you find on
many automobiles. It is lower overall, so tall folks are
going to get wind in the face. FWIW, the older retro-style
Nautique windscreen on the 99 SNOB keeps all the wind out.
The Response less so, but it is not objectionable - yet.
Plus I'm only average height so I could care less. Tall
folks might feel differently.
- Despite what Malibu claims on its web site I saw
non-stainless steel hinges. Early production, I hope.
- The rest of the fittings, including the through-the-hull
raw water intake are all solid brass, made by Perko. Good
quality unlike, say Correct Craft's plastic bow lights.
- The passenger seat will easily seat the outlaws (or my
wife and two kids). Access to the driver's seat is pretty
decent. Although I have to say that even Malibu's deluxe
seat isn't as good as the Nautique or (gasp!) the
Mastercraft seat. Plus it looks dated - a bucket that
belongs in a jet boat I think.
- The addition of the rear trunk works very well even if the
trunk is a bit shallow. You could easily get three or four
slaloms and a bunch of wet suits etc. in it. Good storage
for small things there, too. An included courtesy light
that switches on is a nice touch as well.
It would have been nice to have access to the compartment
from either inside the boat or from the grid. Mastercraft's
"planned" dual acting hinge is the right way to go. But any
locker is better than none.
- "Oddment" (cell phones, glasses) storage is very good.
Netting and pockets everywhere. A place for me to store
kid's toys or half-eaten cookies and sandwiches. <g>
- The icebox is now in the floor - about time. The glove
box looks like it might actually be waterproof - what a
concept, eh? Nicely blow molded, too.
- The upholstery is still a bit slippery when wet. Although
there is apparently a different supplier - the new vinyl is
perforated. I was disappointed to see that sewing
consistency was lacking. Some of the boats (the dealer had
a few in stock) could have used a bit more QA before leaving
the factory. Again, this might be an early production
induced problem.
- The new colour schemes (and interior) is much improved.
The symmetrical stripes inside look way better than the
random swooshes in the Sunsetter interior.
- Okay, so it shows well - but how does it ski? I skied it
at 28-36 mph/15-28 off (as usual). Generally good wakes,
but _still_ not as good as a TSC-equipped Nautique. Sorry
Rob - close but no cigar. The wake itself has no spray but
overall is a bit of a plateau. Long line and/or at slower
speeds wakes are soft. It is better than the Sunsetter
wake, but in all honesty, not by that much. FWIW, at 22 off
or greater (lesser?) the wakes are pretty darn close to the
Nautique. Wedge provides more boarding wakes that I'll need!
<smile>.
- Speaking of the Wedge, it no longer looks like something
from the R&D lab. Nicely finished. Although I sure wish
there was a way to lower or raise it without having to mimic
Esther Williams.
- There are a few unadvertised options: motor box
insulation that costs about $150 USD and Silent Rider
mufflers ($100 USD upcharge). The former makes sense, the
latter eats one mph (at least) from top end and probably
just makes it quieter for the neighbours. For the life of
me, I don't know why these options are hidden from view of
the customer.
- The new dash uses larger 5" Kysor electromechanical
gauges. They sure look good but due to their size, there's
no place to put speed control unless you get Accu-ski's new
windshield mount display. Can't someone come up with a
display that fits in a standard dash hole and is actuated
by automobile steering wheel buttons? There is even less
room that the previous dashboards.
- The throttle was sticky in the one I tested despite
Malibu's claim of smooth riding U-flex cables. Maybe this
is something that would improve with break-in?
- The standard DHM trailer was pretty good - esp. for $1900
USD. Detachable tongue, folding crash pad, double (front
and rear) bunks, etc. Not MC quality, though. But who
cares - I ain't gonna ski behind the trailer!
- The Monsoon EFI Vortec engine has more than enough jam for
me! It is pretty smooth and holds speed well. The
designated driver (wife) will like that! (No - make that
less - nagging from me). The tranny didn't whine anywhere
near as bad as the PCM.
- The rear seat is totally removable. Why that is, is
beyond me, unless its the future spot for a fat sack. I
wonder if sliding the seat in and out will accelerate wear
on the material and the seams.
- The coaming pads are now flush (or almost) with the top of
the deck. This design may allow some ripping if folks slide
in and out. My kids would sure try! The grab handles,
previously bolted to the glass now go through the
upholstery, but at least the minions in Merced had the
"smarts" to put small flanges on them. Good work in general
on all the stainless steel grab rails. Except there is no
longer one behind the driver's seat. Bad move.
- The bow area is deep and will fit two adults (not large
ones, though) or three kids. No filler cushion is available
like you can get on the SNOB, though. It might have been a
nice option that would have created a nice playpen. The
factory tonneau is only available in opal. And apparently
not Sunbrella.
- Speaking of the walk-thru vs. step-over open bow, while I
still believe that Malibu should bring back the walk-thru
Echelon style LX, the step-over could work for me and my
family. So if you have to have a walk-through, you need to
add a couple of thousand dollars to get the Sunsetter LX or
LXi. And it adds a foot or more to the overall length -
something I want to avoid. Mastercraft's 205, at 20 feet
and five inches has the right idea. Listen up Malibu!
(Note: I was told that, like the Spice Girls, if you
really, really want, Malibu will build you a 99 Response LX
with the older style Echelon wqalk-through, but you lose the
trunk and improved inner space.)
- The stereo under the driver's arm rest was referred to by
Waterski Mag as being very "James Bond". I call it more
like "Maxwell Smart". A dumb idea - how the heck do you
change channels or CD tracks??? Or turn off something
really bad - like the Spice Girls? Oh yeah, and Malibu,
like all the other guys, overcharges for their JVC stereos.
By like almost 50%. And since JVC really doesn't make true
marine stereos, it is a better idea to opt for getting only
the (marine) JVC speakers factory installed and adding your
own stereo from your local discount store. I'd go for
something like Correct Craft's Clarion line - or Jensen's
new marine line. And one other thing - why sell stereos
with a remote control when the arm rest overs the sensor?
Like it won't work!
- I looked carefully to see the attachment of the rub rail,
and I'm pretty sure that it is screwed through the deck/hull
joint. Should have been bolted IMHO. The reason I can't be
sure is that it was hard to find a spot that did not have
foam under the gunwale! The extra closed cell flotation
(looks like a pool noodle!) is a nod to getting NMMA
certification apparently. And latest rumour is that for 99,
Malibu has shifted its deck to hull from butt fit to shoe
box style!
- Glass work was right up to snuff - excellent as you find
with most of the West Coast boats. Complimented by a couple
of dozen colours that can be mixed and matched to create
hundreds if not thousands of combos allows Malibu owners to
express their individuality. The gel coat workers at Malibu
do some of the best work that you'll see on any competition
inboard.
- Carpet is now 33 oz - no option. Much nicer than what
many of the other manufacturers use.
- I have to add, like a lot of boat makers, the large
manufacturer's name decal on the side is simply too much for
me. Toyota has the right idea. Brevity is the soul of
lingerie
That's about "it"... But is this boat "it"? No, no quite.
But a definite step in the right direction. There are a few
things that could literally move it to the top. Get rid of
the "hydrophonic dampening system" - a gimmick destined for
the bad idea pile IMHO. Add a full walkthrough option (the
Sunsetter LX is being replaced anyway - or at least
converted to the Wakesetter and the LXi will probably fill
the open cruiser class for Malibu). Make the deck another
inch or two taller. Bolt the rub rail guys. And use a
proper filled and reinforced stringer system like CC's
better system. Offer a built-in steering wheel activated
speed control option. Replace the bucket seat with
something that looks and feels a lot better on the old
backside.
Why would I buy this boat:
- IF I liked to custom colour my 40K (CDN) expenditure
- IF I want the ultimate versatility of both an excellent
slalom (at 28 off and better there is really no difference,
but the nod for slalom still goes to Nautique) and wakeboard
boat (truly a Jack of All Trades - Master of None but I mean
that in a nice way)
- IF I wanted to spend on accessories instead of an
ostentatious name plate (FWIW, a similarly equipped Ski
Nautique costs over 10-20% more) You can read the 99 SNOB
review for all the gory details)
Tom
SRobertson
buying a Malibu last year was also the "Maxwell Smart" stereo cover.
However, I purchased a Sony receiver with the wired joystick remote,
which I had installed on the fiberglass panel in front of the throttle.
This allows me to easily control all stereo functions while on the move
except changing a CD. It also has a great mute feature. The hinged
armrest helps keep the head unit protected from the elements too.
Tom Ruta
>Thanks for the nice review Tom.
Glad you enjoyed. More on the way!
>FWIW: One hesitation I had about
>buying a Malibu last year was also the "Maxwell Smart" stereo cover.
>However, I purchased a Sony receiver with the wired joystick remote,
>which I had installed on the fiberglass panel in front of the throttle.
While I haven't seen that unit, Clarion has one specifically
for marine use where the controller fits into a 2 inch gauge
hole. Kenwood makes a neat steering wheel remote (uses IR,
though) that might work if I "remote" the IR using a
repeater circuit like you find with X-10.
>This allows me to easily control all stereo functions while on the move
>except changing a CD. It also has a great mute feature. The hinged
>armrest helps keep the head unit protected from the elements too.
>
That part I'll agree on.
Tom
tho...@texaco.com
ru...@cadvision.com wrote:
<snip>
>
> - The addition of the rear trunk works very well even if the
> trunk is a bit shallow. You could easily get three or four
> slaloms and a bunch of wet suits etc. in it.
Supposedly, a wakeboard will fit.
>
> - The upholstery is still a bit slippery when wet. Although
> there is apparently a different supplier - the new vinyl is
> perforated.
Don't walk on mine! -- It tears it up
I was disappointed to see that sewing
> consistency was lacking. Some of the boats (the dealer had
> a few in stock) could have used a bit more QA before leaving
> the factory. Again, this might be an early production
> induced problem.
My 99 has no problems with the sewing...
>
> - The throttle was sticky in the one I tested despite
> Malibu's claim of smooth riding U-flex cables. Maybe this
> is something that would improve with break-in?
Most boats need some break in on the cables...
If doesn't free up after a few hours, you would need a new one.
>
> - The rear seat is totally removable.
When I get a new boat the first thing I do is see how far I can
throw those stupid rear seats.
I'm just a retro tournament boat owner.
Thanks for such a detailed review, pretty fair for someone
that seems to want a SNOB.
--
Jim Thompson tho...@texaco.com
Hlades Law: "When you have a difficult job, give it to a lazy man,
he'll find a better way"
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own
krb...@ezl.com
Malibu. The delears don't think you will ever buy a boat. If we could just
talk to your wife maybe we could get to the bottom of this :-)
Kevin R Baugh
krb...@ezl.com
http://www.ezl.com/~krbaugh
http://www.ezl.com/~krbaugh/carla
In article <76qhi8$ro5$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>,
tho...@texaco.com wrote:
> In article <36bdbfd3...@news.supernews.com>,
> ru...@cadvision.com wrote:
> <snip>
>
> >
> > - The addition of the rear trunk works very well even if the
> > trunk is a bit shallow. You could easily get three or four
> > slaloms and a bunch of wet suits etc. in it.
>
> Supposedly, a wakeboard will fit.
>
> >
> > - The upholstery is still a bit slippery when wet. Although
> > there is apparently a different supplier - the new vinyl is
> > perforated.
>
> Don't walk on mine! -- It tears it up
>
> I was disappointed to see that sewing
> > consistency was lacking. Some of the boats (the dealer had
> > a few in stock) could have used a bit more QA before leaving
> > the factory. Again, this might be an early production
> > induced problem.
>
> My 99 has no problems with the sewing...
>
> >
> > - The throttle was sticky in the one I tested despite
> > Malibu's claim of smooth riding U-flex cables. Maybe this
> > is something that would improve with break-in?
>
> Most boats need some break in on the cables...
> If doesn't free up after a few hours, you would need a new one.
>
> >
> > - The rear seat is totally removable.
>
Tom Ruta
...
>> - The rear seat is totally removable.
>
>throw those stupid rear seats.
>I'm just a retro tournament boat owner.
>
In the Nautique line the rear seat is optional (incl. with
the SNOB). for a paltry $1000 US or so extra. Little
wonder so many of them come without full seating.
Tom
Bob McMahon
a couple of days use, its a pain in the butt. I have to turn it up when
running, turn it down when stopped. So raise your arm flip up then down.
After a while you get tired of looking for the volume under that arm
rest......
My First grip I guess you could say........
The clarion with the remote would be much nicer....
SRobertson wrote in message <368FBC3E...@texas.net>...
>Thanks for the nice review Tom. FWIW: One hesitation I had about
>buying a Malibu last year was also the "Maxwell Smart" stereo cover.
>However, I purchased a Sony receiver with the wired joystick remote,
>which I had installed on the fiberglass panel in front of the throttle.
Tom Ruta
>Speaking of the armrest cover..........At first I really liked it. But after
>a couple of days use, its a pain in the butt. I have to turn it up when
>running, turn it down when stopped. So raise your arm flip up then down.
>After a while you get tired of looking for the volume under that arm
>rest......
>My First grip I guess you could say........
>The clarion with the remote would be much nicer....
The only problem with the Clarion unit is that it comes only
in white. Not good for Malibu's new layout. Also, it uses
up a gauge hole - unless you want to drill your own (not me!
<g>)
There are several mfgs. that make stereos with a "noise
circuit" - the volume changes according to ambient noise.
Or maybe one of the electronics wizard can think up a remote
extender like http://www.x-10.com/products/x10_pm5900.htm in
a smaller form factor. Of course there's always the non-IR
remotes, but not available in marine sound AFAIK.
Tom
Michael Rothwell
>
> Thanks for the nice review Tom. FWIW: One hesitation I had about
> buying a Malibu last year was also the "Maxwell Smart" stereo cover.
> However, I purchased a Sony receiver with the wired joystick remote,
> which I had installed on the fiberglass panel in front of the throttle.
> This allows me to easily control all stereo functions while on the move
> except changing a CD. It also has a great mute feature. The hinged
> armrest helps keep the head unit protected from the elements too.
I haven't seen this unit. Where did you find it?
--
Michael A. Rothwell
Oracle DBA/Web Developer
Views expressed here are not those of my company - No - Wait
- Since I am independent, I guess they are the views of my
company.
Tom Ruta
<michael_...@non-hp-usa-om46.om.hp.com> wrote:
>SRobertson wrote:
>>
>> Thanks for the nice review Tom. FWIW: One hesitation I had about
>> buying a Malibu last year was also the "Maxwell Smart" stereo cover.
>> However, I purchased a Sony receiver with the wired joystick remote,
>> which I had installed on the fiberglass panel in front of the throttle.
>> This allows me to easily control all stereo functions while on the move
>> except changing a CD. It also has a great mute feature. The hinged
>> armrest helps keep the head unit protected from the elements too.
>
>I haven't seen this unit. Where did you find it?
Take a look at
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-s7qi8x9Ctm7/blockpub.exe?bid=22376&store=1
It is Sony's RM-X4S Wired remote control. Looks goofy but
it works.
Tom
EFW5414
Ray Pulley
>
>You have us all confused. Jim thinks you want a SNOB. I think you want a
>Malibu. The delears don't think you will ever buy a boat. If we could just
>talk to your wife maybe we could get to the bottom of this :-)
>
>Kevin R Baugh
>krb...@ezl.com
>http://www.ezl.com/~krbaugh
>http://www.ezl.com/~krbaugh/carla
>
Pretty soon the dealers are going to start charging Tom!!!!!
>
>In article <76qhi8$ro5$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>,
> tho...@texaco.com wrote:
>> In article <36bdbfd3...@news.supernews.com>,
>> ru...@cadvision.com wrote:
>> <snip>
>>
>> >
>> > - The addition of the rear trunk works very well even if the
>> > trunk is a bit shallow. You could easily get three or four
>> > slaloms and a bunch of wet suits etc. in it.
>>
>> Supposedly, a wakeboard will fit.
>>
>> >
>> > - The upholstery is still a bit slippery when wet. Although
>> > there is apparently a different supplier - the new vinyl is
>> > perforated.
>>
>> Don't walk on mine! -- It tears it up
>>
>> I was disappointed to see that sewing
>> > consistency was lacking. Some of the boats (the dealer had
>> > a few in stock) could have used a bit more QA before leaving
>> > the factory. Again, this might be an early production
>> > induced problem.
>>
>> My 99 has no problems with the sewing...
>>
>> >
>> > - The throttle was sticky in the one I tested despite
>> > Malibu's claim of smooth riding U-flex cables. Maybe this
>> > is something that would improve with break-in?
>>
>> Most boats need some break in on the cables...
>> If doesn't free up after a few hours, you would need a new one.
>>
>> >
>> > - The rear seat is totally removable.
>>
>> When I get a new boat the first thing I do is see how far I can
>> throw those stupid rear seats.
>>
>> I'm just a retro tournament boat owner.
>>
Bob McMahon
a couple of days use, its a pain in the butt. I have to turn it up when
running, turn it down when stopped. So raise your arm flip up then down.
After a while you get tired of looking for the volume under that arm
rest......
My First grip I guess you could say........
The clarion with the remote would be much nicer....
SRobertson wrote in message <368FBC3E...@texas.net>...
ctca...@ix.netcom.com
Tom Ruta
>In article <76qldn$uqt$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>, krb...@ezl.com says...
>>
>>You have us all confused. Jim thinks you want a SNOB. I think you want a
>>Malibu. The delears don't think you will ever buy a boat. If we could just
>>talk to your wife maybe we could get to the bottom of this :-)
>
>Pretty soon the dealers are going to start charging Tom!!!!!
You know Ray, if I had a dollar for every request I've
received for these reviews, I could buy a boat. (Well, at
least a new tow rope! <grin>)
Tom
tho...@texaco.com
ru...@cadvision.com wrote:
> tho...@texaco.com wrote:
> ...
> >> - The rear seat is totally removable.
> >
> >throw those stupid rear seats.
>
> >I'm just a retro tournament boat owner.
> >
>
> the SNOB). for a paltry $1000 US or so extra. Little
I'll have to ask my Nautique friends about that one, that is a huge
number!
I wouldn't put it past CC though...
>
> Tom
tho...@texaco.com
ctca...@ix.netcom.com wrote:
> What boat is a SNOB?
>
Ski Nautique Open Bow
sorry for the confusion
life_...@hotmail.com
ru...@cadvision.com wrote:
> >>You have us all confused. Jim thinks you want a SNOB. I think you want a
> >>Malibu. The delears don't think you will ever buy a boat. If we could just
> >>talk to your wife maybe we could get to the bottom of this :-)
> >
> >Pretty soon the dealers are going to start charging Tom!!!!!
> You know Ray, if I had a dollar for every request I've
> received for these reviews, I could buy a boat. (Well, at
> least a new tow rope! <grin>)
>
> Tom
So, what's the story? Did you ever order one? Enquiring minds and all that....
--
- Lifespeed