Malibu Boats - British Columbia, Canada

A Custom Approach

In 1976, when Baxter Wareham started Malibu boats, he was already an industry veteran with strong views about how boats should be built. A vital part of his strategy, Baxter chose quality over quantity. He remains committed to those values today. Many of his prized builders have been with Malibu more than ten years, other since the very beginning. The harmony of expert teams working to maintain highest standards is readily apparent in Malibu products, and in the relationships Malibu holds with its customers.

The Bottom Line

The integrity of a fiberglass hull and the beauty of its finish are dependent on two things: the quality of the mold; the length of time the laminate is left to cure inside the mold. In many production shops, molds are constantly in use. As the maximum number of hulls is pulled from them every year, the higher the volume, the more maintenance the molds require. Eventually, these molds cause deterioration of the hull finish. In a semi-custom environment like Malibu',molds are used much less often. They have a chance to cool down between moldings, and the surfaces are not subject to the damaging effects of constant refinishing. Malibu ensures quality cure time - between the many stages of molding, the laminate is allowed to cure - ensuring its long-term strength and perfect shape. Most builders leave their hulls in the mold for less than a day. Malibu hulls spend a minimum of four days in the mold.

The Ultimate Laminate

Malibu has an unblemished track record for building strong laminates. A thick layer of high-grade Maxguard® gelcoat is applied to the outside. Beneath that, every hull is skin coated using a vinyl ester resin to preserve the outstanding exterior finish. Only the most meticulous builders follow this step. In addition, 3Tex® multidirectional fabrics are used to mold the hull by hand using an ISO/DCPD blend resin, producing the stiffest, strongest laminate possible.

The Core of the Matter

Hull bottoms and high-stress deck areas are cored with 3/8" end-grain, sealed balsa, and completely enclosed with glass - on every single boat, not just the larger models. Stringer systems are fully encapsulated with glass and topped with knitted fabric. The same material is used to reinforce decks. High-density urethane foam is sprayed between the stringers for floatation. This creates an optimal surface on which to embed a one-piece fiberglass liner. The entire process involves 4 days for each hull, and 3 days for decks, allowing all materials sufficient time to cure during the vital period when parts are still in the mold. It's a long process. One that most boat builders try to cut short - but, that's cutting corners. Something that Malibu refuses to do.

The Key to Comfort

Malibu is equally stubborn about quality when it comes to those areas of your boat where you spend the bulk of your time. You won't find one spot that isn't well finished; not one available space that can't be utilized for storage. Our upholstery team consists of a skilled workforce with years of experience revealed in every pattern, every seam, every compartment liner. The same team builds bucket and sleeper seats, sub lounges, benches and side panels, all built with a sense of pride rarely incorporated into boat construction.

Now the Fun Begins

Knowing what you want from boating, generally you try to find a boat just right for you. Malibu's custom approach is a little different: we build the right boat for you. Models are available with a choice of cockpit layouts to suit most boating styles, but combinations of interior components can be adjusted to suit your needs. Want lots of seating? Extra storage? Fishability or skiability? Maybe you want higher performance, or a combination of all these things? Name it. In addition, we give you a variety of options to choose from, so you can create your own personal exterior colours and detailing look. Quality-construction is a given. The style? Based on the best in individual taste... yours!