About Michael Bouchard Expertise Ski Boats and Wake Board Boats - Maintenance, Buying, Comparing. Questions on Barefooting, Waterskiing, and Wakeboarding.
Experience I've been skiing for 32 years, barefooting for 10, and wakeboarding for 10. I have competed in tournaments and have also run tournaments. I own a Ski Boat Dealership and have a lot of experience with many different types of ski boats.
Expert: Michael Bouchard Date: 7/27/2006 Subject: Comparison of ski/wakeboard boats
Question Can you compare CorrectCraft, MasterCraft, and Malibu v-drive ski/wakeboard boats as to quality, reliability, performance, features, value? I'm trying to decide between the brands. Definitly want a v-drive because boat is also used for family outings.
Thanks.
Answer First of all - I sell MB Sports Boats.
When looking at the different boat manufacturers you need to realize that they really don't build boats, they assemble boats. They all utilize the same parts. For instance - MasterCraft and Malibu use the same GelCoat. CC, Bu, MC, and MB all use Faria Guages. There are only three power-trains they all use - PCM, Indmar, and Mercruiser.
The difference is when you start looking at fit-n-finish, gelcoat design, fiberglass construction and thickness, along with neat features like ballast in the hull vs bags or hard tanks.
On quality it can vary from year to year (plus that is more subjective than measurable). In 1994 MC was a lot better than it is today.
From knowing different boat building techniques and seeing a lot of their factories, I would rank quality as follows:
MB Sports and Correct Craft Tied
MasterCraft
Malibu and Centurion Tied
Tige and Supra Tied
Moomba
Gekko
I don't know where Sanger, Supreme, or Calabria would end up - we don't have a lot of those boats on the east costs.
When it comes to warranties, there is a difference. Some will warranty for life of the boat while others will warranty for first owner with an hour use limit on the warranty (watch out for those). The quality list kinda speaks to the warranties of the different companies.
One last thing - when dealing with boats of this quality - they are all pretty good. It is like comparing German Luxary cars - what is better: BMW, Mercedes, or Audi? You are so far above Chevy's and others that with any choice you probably won't go wrong. The most important thing may be look and feel for you driving the boat, most comfortable for your family, and best wake for skiing or wakeboarding. You need to try any boat before you buy - this includes skiing or wakeboarding behind it.
