Love-Hate Relationship
Written: Jun 18 '01
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Pros: Exceptional handling, smooth response & acceleration, soft slalom wakes, lots of room for relaxing
Cons: Poor rough water handling, multiple little problems unacceptable for this $level of boat
The Bottom Line: Buy this boat if you only cruise calm waters and mostly want to hang out or do some full-throttle, full-locked turns to impress your friends.
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| willtex's Full Review: Malibu 2000 Escape LSV |
After finally deciding to take the plunge and order this boat, needless to say, my expectations were high. Costing nearly $20,000 more than our previous Monterey Bowrider, our new Malibu Escape LSV was certainly in the Lexus class and was spec'd with every possible option.
Driving and skiing behind the boat exceeded expectations. It handles like a Porsche and pulls like a tractor while leaving soft wakes for shortline slalom skiing. Unfortunately, Malibu's promotion of the v-drive, deeper v hull as "rough water ready", was more hype than reality. This boat does not handle rough lake chop very well and in fact, delivers a pounding very similar to its inboard brethren. Also, the low bow rise has more than once allowed a wake wave over-the-bow! The ride is so rough that the CD player skips constantly while cruising at around 35mph. It sounds like the hull is hitting concrete when crossing anymore than a ripple. Although the all-fiberglass construction may be built to take this pounding, the passengers are not, necessitating a slower-than-you'd-expect speed on lake crossings!
Aside from that, I Love My Boat!
That is, except for the other "little problems". Here they are concisely...coolers don't cool, ice melts in about 2 hours in Texas heat. Gauges don't work...speedo has quit twice, tach is currently out again, both have excessive condensation on the lens. Have replaced all plastic latches including glove box, rear platform "Wedge" access, rear deck compartments....they all self-destructed!
Did I mention that, I Love My Boat?
The biggest flaw is that the seat skins are beginning to separate at the seams...not alot, but enough that people ask if I'm aware that my seats are ripping!! Okay, that's enough on a $42k boat! In fairness to Malibu, they are "evaluating what to do"(?) Even though my 1 year warranty was up, they'll still 'stand behind it'...guess I'll see. Seems to me that a one-year old boat shouldn't have these kind of "little problems"...maybe it's just me though.
Did I tell you how much, I Love My Boat??
So, if I get the gauges fixed and working consistently and Malibu replaces all of the vinyl...I guess I'll be the one out there "Loving My Boat"....I can only hope.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 42,000
Primary Location of Use: Large lakes and reservoirs
Primary Type of Use: Skiing
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Epinions.com ID:
willtex
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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