NEWS - MALIBU LAUNCHES NEW GENERATION WAKEBOAT
Malibu Australia recently unveiled its new Axis boats, a new range of wakeboats described by Malibu “the latest in wakeboard boat design and technology.”
The boats were developed as a joint partnership with US-based Axis Wake Research. Two new A22 models were unveiled at the Australian and Asian launch at Mulwala Water Ski Club.
The launch was attended by key representatives from Malibu Boats, including company founder and managing director Xavier West, national marketing and dealer development manager David Thorpe, and Adam McCall, managing director for Axis Wake Research, based in Knoxfield, Tennessee, United States.
A pair of A22s were displayed on the lake’s edge at the ski club where they were inspected by boat dealers, Malibu pro riders and media from around Australia. Boats and dealers were then taken out on Lake Mulwala for a practical demonstration.
The proposed recommended retail price for an A22 will be below $70,000, with standard items that include: Indmar AR 335 horsepower engines, board racks, a centre flip-up seat, rear seating, four-blade 14.5x14.25 wake-prop, cruise control, swivel driver’s seat, FatAX wakeboard tower, galvanised tandem axle trailer, and more.
A large range of options would also be available, including a choice of two sound systems, and an Indmar Raptor 400 Saltwater engine. The A22 is rated for 13 people.
Adam McCall said performance, styling and simplicity were the three components that set the A22 apart from other boats.
“Its performance creates a wake shape and size that is unmatched by any other boat,” McCall said.
“The styling is clearly aimed at our main market, 25 to 45 year old men, and they will clearly latch onto the look of this boat.
“Through its simplistic design and thoughtful engineering we can also manage the incredible price.”
Although Axis Wake Research has been developing the partnership with Malibu Boats Australia for a year, this visit is McCall’s first visit to Australia.
“We have allowed the partnership to grow organically, not to force it and we are very confident with our positioning,” McCall said.
“David of Malibu Boats and I have been working closely on the brand’s strategic launch here in Australia over the past 12 months. Both of us being riders, surfers and boardsport enthusiasts meant we could gel our ideas on marketing the brand.
“This is a true partnership and they will be building the boats right here in Albury.”
Malibu Boats has built US-designed Malibu skiboats in Australia since 1995. Axis Australia boats will be manufactured locally by Malibu Boats.
Visit www.malibuboats.com.au fore more information.