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The Malibu Response TXi is a competition ski boat that happens to have bowrider seating, and that ordering matters. Everything about the hull is designed to produce a small, clean, hard wake at slalom speeds.
The engine sits amidships in a direct-drive configuration, with the propeller under the hull rather than behind a drive leg. That layout centres the weight, keeps the stern flat and delivers the instant, linear pull that skiers want out of the gate.
At 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m) it is compact by modern standards, but the open bow still seats a family and the observer position is genuinely usable. Storage is skier-focused: long lockers for slalom skis, wet storage for vests and a dedicated rope locker.
The trade-offs against a general-purpose bowrider are honest ones. Direct-drive inboards have a shaft, a strut and a rudder under the hull, so beaching is out and shallow ramps need care. Fuel burn under load is higher than an equivalent outboard, and the engine box sits in the middle of the cockpit.
If skiing is the reason you are buying a boat, nothing on this list comes close. If skiing is one of five things you want to do, a mainstream bowrider with a tow pylon will serve you better. Used Responses hold value strongly among ski clubs, so buy on hours and service history rather than cosmetics.
The world's best selling bowrider size, Light, simple and easy to tow.
US$38,000 - US$52,000 new
The refined mainstream benchmark: quiet, dry, and beautifully finished for the money.
US$72,000 - US$95,000 new
A premium 25-foot bowrider renowned for its deep seating, convertible lounges, refined ride and exceptional finish.
US$155,000 - US$210,000 new
Featured Boat of the Week
This week we are putting the Bayliner Bayliner DX2000 in the spotlight, and it earns the spot. At 20 ft 2 in (6.16 m) long on a 8 ft (2.44 m) beam, this is a bowrider that reads the water well and still feels roomy enough for a full day out. A 20-foot deck-boat-width bowrider with outboard power and a huge social cockpit. Power comes from 115-150 hp mercury fourstroke outboard through a outboard package, and the fibreglass hull keeps the ride settled when the afternoon breeze puts a chop on the surface.
Seating is rated for 8 people, so there is space for family, friends, towels, eskies and the tow rope without anyone climbing over gear. Owners tend to buy it for family, water ski, leisure — which is exactly where it shines. Fuel is 30 us gal (114 l), and on the second-hand and new market you should expect to land somewhere around US$42,000 - US$58,000 new depending on hours, trailer and options.
Our full deep dive covers the layout in detail: bow lounge comfort, helm ergonomics, the rear entertaining area, storage that actually swallows a weekend, plus standard features, popular options and honest notes on where the boat compromises. If the Bayliner DX2000 is on your shortlist, start there — and check back next week, because the featured boat changes every week as we complete more full model reviews.
Featured Bowrider Article
Comparisons
A cuddy cabin takes the same hull as a bowrider and decks over the bow to create a small enclosed space. Whether that is an upgrade or a downgrade depends entirely on whether you would rather sit in the sun or shelter from it. Shelter is the headline benefit. A cuddy provides a place to change, keep gear dry, escape rain or sun, and install a portable toilet — which is a genuine game-changer for families with young children or for anyone boating in unpredictable weather. It also offers lockable storage. Cameras, phones, wallets and fishing tackle can live behind a cabin door rather than in an open locker, and many cuddies include a V-berth cushion set for occasional overnight stays at anchor. Seating and sociability. A bowrider's forward lounges add four seats and turn the front of the boat into the best place to sit at anchor. Decking that area over removes it, and the cabin space you gain is small, dark and awkward compared with a proper cabin boat. Most cuddy cabins in the 5.5-7.0 m range are too cramped to sleep in comfortably for more than a night. Many owners end up using the space purely as a wet locker, which is…
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