Malibu LXI Response

This 2006 Malibu Response LXi ski boat with an open bow has a wedge that turns it into a wakeboard boat.

Includes a stainless steel tower with lights, custom black cover, Perfect Pass cruise control, tournament ski pylon, new hot / cold shower (uninstalled),cockpit heaters and many upgrades from the factory.

The Response LXi stays true to Malibu’s roots as a big-idea ski-boat maker. This model makes the most of evolutionary designs to take its place alongside the absolutely best slalom boats on the planet. We aren’t just saying that. Pro skier Chris Parrish was behind a Response LXi when he first broke the world slalom record, which had stood for eight years, scoring 1 1/4 at 43 off.

Most amazing, though, is that this ski boat can offer such world-class performance and still be roomy enough for a family to climb aboard. The open bow offers seating for your kids, as does the rear bench for those times when you’re cruising rather than setting yet another personal best in the slalom course.

Skiing behind the Response LXi will spoil you. It’s no wonder this boat is the choice of pros, as well as the official boat of high-profile tournaments such as the Malibu Open. The Response lives up to its name in driving response. The nimble handling ranks among the best anywhere, and can be fine-tuned further by a quick turn of an Allen wrench on the adjustable rudder. The steering wheel is tight, which allows nearly surgical precision when piloting the course with a shortline skier in tow. Considering this boat holds a line like a champ and comes with standard cruise control, you can’t go wrong. The 340-horsepower Monsoon, gives you a roaring five-second, sub-140-foot hole shot to 36 mph.

 

COMFORT

Thankfully, Malibu realizes that thick, rich upholstery and carpet are just as appreciated on a ski-oriented boat as they are on a big family cruiser. That’s why this boat’s seating is just as plush and comfortable. And that smooth, steady ride so necessary for slalom success also translates into a sweet, secure ride for passengers. Credit for that goes to Malibu’s nearly unbeatable construction, which does everything possible to level and balance engine weight as well as suppress sound, vibration and rattles. Plus, there’s enough storage here with the rear trunk and center-floor storage locker to get big gear out of the way and keep the interior clear for legroom and walk-around space.