Imagine our surprise when we tried to check out the Malibu Boats website this morning and were greeted with the error page shown above. Sure, it could just be a configuration problem with Malibu’s server, but our bet is that they’re in the process of rolling out their new website for 2009.

The ‘09 version of their web marketing tool has been delayed some what, with 2009 model year boats already being delivered to customers. We’ve heard that the new website will be a complete overhaul, not only in terms of looks, but also in the “engine” that drives the website. A fix for the buggy iSpec boat configuration tool is part of the reason for the big change that has led to a delay in the launch.

Stay tuned for Malibu’s new 2009 website, coming soon.

Thomas Olson landed a toeside 900 in the finals to WIN his first BAKES NWI title against defending 2 time Champion Bret V. Everyone who showed up to watch the NWI witnessed a passing of the torch between these long time friends from Gig Harbor. Many folks know that Bret V has been a mentor and significant influence in Thomas Olson’s wake career to this point. The 4th Annual BAKES NWI had the teacher give way to the protege’ in the closest finals decision the event has ever seen…

The official recap and links to event photo galleries are posted after the jump

Media Courtesy of [ WakeboardNorthwest.com ]

Malibu sponsored athletes put on an impressive showing at the 2008 Malibu Open in Pontiac, MI last week. In a total of five events, Malibu skiers and wakeboarders amassed four first place finishes, leaving little room for anyone else to share the glory.

Malibu team riders Philip Soven and Dallas Friday proved too much to handle on the wakeboard side of things. While Soven’s win was impressive, given the season he’s had, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. Right now there’s no one else in the world that can compete with him when it comes to the shear number of tricks he throws, and the technical nature of his riding.

Friday’s win is even more spectacular, given that she is still on the comeback from what could have been a career ending injury. The fact that she has been able to return to the caliber of riding we’ve known her for so quickly makes it clear that she’s still the best female wakeboarder in the world.

It was another successful year for the Malibu Open, and with this year’s event wrapped up, all attention is turned to next year’s contest. We’ll let you know as soon as Malibu announces the location.

Click Image to View Gallery

At the beginning of June we brought you the first unofficial pictures of 2009 Malibu Wakesetter VLX. Now Malibu has released a few shots of the completely new model on the water, and we have to say, it’s a hansom looking update.

Based on the brief preview we posted early, the 2009 Wakesetter VLX looks pretty much like we thought it would. This latest round of pictures of the boat in it’s natural setting do a much better job of showcasing the lines of the new boat.

Check out our summary of the major changes after the break.

Gallery: Official 2009 Malibu Wakesetter VLX Pictures

It’s that time of year, with the majority of the boat manufacturers making the change to the 2009 model year in the next the weeks, expect a lot of wakeboard boat related news. If boats don’t do it for you, just skip this post, otherwise read on.

With a new Wakesetter VLX on the way for 2009, Malibu chose to use the same plan that worked so well in 2005, recycling the previous generation VLX into the new vRide. The brand new 2009 21 vRide is the first ‘09 model Malibu has released shots of, and if the rest of the 2009 model news follows this lead, it should be an exciting year for Malibu enthusiasts. Based on the 2005-2008 Wakesetter VLX, the 2009 21 vRide represents an impressive upgrade from the original vRide. Measuring in at 21′ 6″ in length with a 98″ beam, the new 21 vRide gains 6″ in each dimension over it’s predecessor.

Check out the gallery below for the first official shots of the brand new 2009 Malibu 21 vRide.

Gallery: 2009 Malibu 21 vRide

At first glance you might think this is a new model Malibu is developing for 2009 or beyond, but you’d be wrong. it’s actually Tigé’s 2009 24Vé, featuring a new tower design that some might say is a dead ringer for Malibu’s Illusion X wakeboard tower. Everything, right down to the accessories, apes the tower Malibu first offered in 2004.

Sure, Malibu has introduced their new Illusion XS wakeboard tower, which will be available on all of their models for 2009, but we doubt they’re too excited about Tigé’s new tower design. The forward sweeping look has been a Malibu trademark up until now, so they definitely won’t be too excited about sharing that look on the water.

More than that, we’re just disappointed to see the lack of creativity and ingenuity on Tigé’s part. They’ve been struggling to corporate identity when it comes to tower design, introducing a new look seemingly every year. Rather than come up with something that is both functional and attractive on their own, they decided to take the easy way out.

As they say though, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which means Malibu should probably be feeling pretty good right now. Something tells me they’re experiencing another emotion right now.

Check out a side-by-side comparison of Tigé’s 2009 24Vé and Malibu’s 2005 Wakesetter VLX after the break.

We’re fast approaching the release of the 2009 model year boats from every major manufacture, which is an exciting time for anyone that gets excited for the newest wakeboarding toys. It will probably be a few weeks until manufactures start to release official pictures of their new product, but we’ve got the first shots of the 2009 Malibu Wakesetter VLX here, along with some additional information about Malibu’s new flagship wakeboarding boat.

Check out the information we’ve gathered, along with additional pictures after the break.

Update: Sorry everyone, Malibu is throwing their weight around and forcing people to remove any images that are posted ahead of the official unveiling. Hopefully we’ll have press quality images from Malibu soon.

Update #2: Pictures are back up. Official product pics will be releases shortly, and the pictures shown here do not represent the final product, so the production version of the 2009 Wakesetter VLX may be even better than what’s shown here.

Thanks to the resourcefulness of one forum member, a group of Malibu owners over at TheMalibuCrew.com have come up with a custom billet aluminum remote mount that includes a specific slot for Wet Sound’s new WS420 EQ. Designed to replace the factory remote bracket, the custom designed mount holds the factory Sony XM-RM55 remote, along with the aforementioned EQ, and optionally an additional switch like those used on the dash.

While this modification is specific to Malibus it shows what some creative thinking can accomplish. And thanks to the efforts of forum member liljohn, Malibu owners can have easy access to their Wet Sounds WS420 for on the fly adjustments of the tower speakers, sub and cockpit speakers.

Check out some more pics after the jump.

[Source: TheMalibuCrew.com]

For 2008 Malibu added a new optional stereo system that features integrated control for Apple’s popular iPod MP3 player. Manufactured by JBL marine systems, the new headunit features a nondescript black module that is remotely mounted, and is controlled entire from the integrated LCD switch plates and available wired remote controls.

Recently though, a problem has appeared with the stereo system that severly impacts its functionality. The issue is related to the iPod interface, which, to put it bluntly, does not work. There are varying reports from 2008 model year owners, some stating that their older iPods work, while some claim that it the problem is related to the capacity of the iPod in quesion. Independent of which models are effected, the problem seems to prevent connected iPods from being accessible by the headunit at all, which not only means that the iPod won’t be charged when connected, but also that you can forget about listening to any music loaded onto it.

Regardless of what the problem actually ends up being, Malibu has stated they are aware of the problem, and are working diligently with JBL to develop an update for Malibu dealers to correct their customer’s boats. The solution should be available sometime this summer, and you can contact Malibu Boats or your local dealer for additional information if you are having issues with the stereo in your 2008 Malibu.

For the past few years Malibu dealers across the country have teamed up to provide on water demos of their latest models on the same day. This year, on April 26th, dealers across the country will have 2008 model Malibu boats available to drive, ride, ski and explore. If you’re in the market for a new boat, and Malibu is on your list, this is a great opportunity to compare Malibu’s most popular models on the water to determine which one is best for you.

Many dealers throughout the nation are participating, so there’s a good chance one near you will have boats on the water and ready for you to experience first hand. Unfortunately, we doubt any dealers will have the 2008 Malibu Corvette Limited Edition available to demo, but the brand new Wakesetter 23 LSV should serve as a nice substitute.

Visit Malibu’s National Demo Site to find your nearest participating dealer.

You can read the full press release after the jump.