![]() ![]() This feels like the employees are just employees and appears to impact culture as we are seeing with corporate take over of Malibu dealerships. FYI in 2020 the median income of Malibu employees was $38,400. Curious if Cobalt has seen the same drop off in quality since Malibu purchased. Being an innovator is great but they have forgotten in my opinion what separated them from the pack. Yes and I know all boat builders have the same issues but I expect more from Malibu. I know of 3 loyal Malibu owners who said enough is enough. Posted on the quality issue thread all the challenges I have had. they don’t tell the dealerships, but expect them to fix the problems. Tennessee knowingly ships boats with factor issues. Either way it does not justify the quality control challenges. They have been selling 2023 with no price increase. Malibu boats saw a price increase from 2021-2022 of 20% citing increase in material costs when in the past you would see 4-6% increase. ![]() Thats new ordered 2023 RI 230 price well optioned, i have seen two 25 hour 2022 ri230’s for 168 loaded!, that is insanity pricing, if buying barely used 2022 you can shop anywhere While they are not "cheap" they are quoting prices that are elevated by maybe 15% from pre-pandemic prices.ĭoes anyone have visibility into if these new price levels are really hear to stay? If so I guess I don't know many people who can consider Malibu and it may just push people out of even looking. I am considering giving up the ski wake (I really mostly ski off a friend's direct drive anyway) and in that case might go with a Centurion, Fi21 or Vi22. If that represents the new pricing levels I won't be buying a new Malibu. I love my current VTX and may just stay with it, but I was considering a new boat but not at those prices. I don't know if the prices I am getting quoted represent a change from the factory or just what the dealers see they can get for boats when the inventory is low, but I was just quoted $180k for a VTX - even if I only want to order for delivery next year. Truth is, I think all boat manufacturers have their issues and this push to support demand has decreased reliability and I don't think it's a sustainable path for the long term. I've switched gears to stalking OIB and Boat Trader as I'd rather buy a 2020 that's had the kinks worked out vs paying premium and playing the guinea pig again. Malibu used to be about $25-$30k more for a similarly sized boat over Axis but those numbers have increased dramatically. ![]() My T220 was always a short term (1-2yr) plan as we are trying to build a larger outbuilding and I want to get into something bigger than 22' but I'm finding it hard to swallow the severe price increases, even on the budget lines. I appreciate their willingness but have found myself in their competitor boat builder sites and watching the used market when it wasn't even a consideration in the past. Quality control is a major issue and I've been working with Malibu and my dealer to get those items resolved and I do think Malibu is listening as I filled out a follow up survey to the one they sent weeks after purchase and my phone rang within minutes from TN wanting to address. Prices have skyrocketed across the board but when I see the financials it almost makes me sick when quality has taken such a hit and pair that with record price increases and then surcharges on top of it all. That said, I've had 5 Malibu/Axis boats and while our new boat performs pretty well, I don't feel I'm getting the return for the $$ put out. ![]() I have a great relationship with my dealer and I've seen this first hand where I walked in, saw a boat I liked and asked for price and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth after getting the figure. Start talking color schemes, options and deposits and now they get the picture that you are more serious. If you are serious about a purchase, sit down with the dealer and the deal will get much better. I have found that most dealers just quote, off the cuff, when tire kickers walk into the showroom. ![]()
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