If you are in the market for a new Malibu Flightcraft, you'll have to look at the Pre-owned market.
Malibu does not manufacture this boat
anymore. With everyone wanting wakeboard boats, Malibu was
finding it hard to sell barefoot specific boats. In 2000, Malibu
discontinued the Flightcraft and added a plate to the open-bow
Response, which is also included in our tests.
Some things to look
for when looked at a Pre-owned Flightcraft Outboard:
What type of prop does the boat have? We prefer the 19 pitch
High five, but don't be afraid of running a 3-blade. Many
Flightcrafts perform just as well with the 3-blade, but be sure to go
for a test ride to see for yourself. Five blades will give you a
smoother wake, faster starts, but less top end. 3-blades will
give you more top end speed, but not as soft of a wake.
What type of steering? Some boats may have Power
steering, but Mercury was having too many problems with it, so most
boats were converted to Hydraulic. The Power steering is
great, but the uncertainty of it going out at anytime was not.
Our advice is look for a boat with the Hydraulic.
Recommendations to
improve your Outboard performance
Buy a Skeggard guard? You can get these in Overtons. They
protect the lower unit, and the little hydro-foil on the bottom helps
soften the small hard spot in the middle of the wake.
Judges seats - Ask the owner if
they have the judges seats. They are very convenient and allow
the rear passengers to swivel.