Malibu boats have been putting some mind-boggling crafts into creation, as you may have noticed from recent editions of Leisure Boating. This month, we have the pleasure of taking a closer look at the Sunscape 21 LSV – Malibu’s cross-over craft for wakeboarding and skiing. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder this model is making serious waves throughout the industry. The question you’ll have to ask yourself is, does size matter?
This 21 LSV is my favourite from the Malibu range as for me, it’s the most practical and manageable of them all, while still offering so much to your boating experience. Measuring in at 21 foot 6 inches, this Sunscape LSV is on the border of being a boat which one person can easily manage — be it launching, skippering or towing. Due to this, the Sunscape 21 LSV really is a craft that is built to be used — be it by yourself on a leisurely cruise, or when she’s in her element providing world-class towing capabilities.
However, that’s not the only reason that she’s sitting at the top of my list. Even Malibu themselves say that she may be the best performing, most beautiful family boat they have ever produced.
Deck layout
Spacious wrap-around lounges, removable refreshment tables, walk-through wind blocks, pop-up pylons and theatre-style LED interior lighting are just a few of the standout features of the LSV series. Performance is built in with the series-specific hull design, Gorilla fins, electronic shift and throttle control, Precision Pro speed control and the new Malibu Touch Command (MTC), with keyless ignition.
With a beam of 2.54 metres, the 21 LSV is able to take a total of 14 passengers — and she’s able to provide enough room for everyone on board too!
In true Malibu style, every aspect has been taken into account to provide for a perfect day on the water — be it enough cup holders, sufficient seating space, or plenty of storage around the craft, to name but a few.
At the stern of the 21 LSV, the fibreglass swim platform is non-slip and large enough for gearing up or chilling out.
The aft sun lounger has a walk over section down the middle with a tray below. For those that don’t know, it’s the perfect place to keep towels specifically, as the heat generated from the engine will keep them nice and warm!
For the skipper, there is of course the option of the MaliView system with Touch Command, which is a 6.5” display (with depth-finder module) and allows you to easily see all the digital instruments, use keyless start, create rider presets, and make other craft settings for speeds, ballast tanks and more.
With Malibu, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for performance. The interior tells you that, with her colour accents, amenities like cast stainless steel grab handles, hand-upholstered interior pieces and available rear entertainment centre, you will never want for luxury.
Performance
This LSV model comes up trumps when talking safety, performance and convenience in design. The V-drive setup of the craft means the propeller is beneath the boat — preventing those in the water from finding it accidentally.
Also, the thrust of the propeller in this position keeps the boat level, especially when getting onto the plane — leaving a clear forward view and ensuring you never lose sight of the horizon. This reduces the risk of not seeing a fallen skier or swimmer ahead of you.
The 21 LSV weighs in at 1 542 kg and has a fuel tank size of 181.7 litres — which means endless hours on the water — thanks to the fuel efficient 350 HP Malibu Monsoon inboard. Alternatively, you could opt for the 330 HP, or beef up with the 410 HP 6.0-litre inboard option.
This Sunscapes Diamond hull is designed to flatten and soften the wakes at faster skiing speeds, as well as improve handling and ride. The straight chine design perpetuates extreme agility and a phenomenal rough-water ride. With the addition of the Wedge or the patented Power Wedge and the new Illusion G3 gas spring assisted tower, you best believe that the 21 LSV tows wakeboarders like a pro!
The Sunscape 21 LSV is built for performance, and this is evident through the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) with Shift by Wire — which does well to ensure that the skippers inputs are responsive and smooth.
The 21 LSV turns on a tickey, owed largely to her hull design with unique tracking fins. It’s also worth noting that you can pull this craft up onto the beach, thanks to the Sport-V configuration.
The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV is built for the professional. And they require accurate towing! For this, the 21 LSV has cruise control options between Speed Control Precision Pro and a Zero Off Wakeboard Integrated System.
A few other options which make the 21 LSV a lot more pleasant for those onboard when it’s a little chilly out, is a hot water shower at the stern, as well as heater outlets around the craft, and even heated seats!
Finishing touches
Malibu doesn’t tell you what you get with a craft. Instead, they offer choices based on each owner’s needs. They call it the Malibu difference. Available options like a retractable swim step ladder, sport seating with dual captain’s chairs, a walk-over transom step and new Wet Tek floor with snap-out carpet can transform your Malibu 21 LSV into a vessel customised for your pleasure and convenience.
Conclusion
The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV is a gorgeous craft, and I doubt anyone can dispute that. She’s incredibly easy to handle if you’re by yourself, and even easier to enjoy along with up to 13 of your best friends.
The Sunscape 21 LSV starts at (((R?????????????.)))
For more information contact Boating International on (011) 452 8280.
