XLV vs. LSV

[Lawdog]

I have been in the hunt for a new boat and have been doing as much homework as I possibly can. I mostly want to Wakeboard, Kneeboard, Wakesurf and Tube (for the kids). I am interested in the XLV because of the capacity and size of the boat. I dont wakesurf right now because my current boat does not allow it but I think that will be something that I will defintely love to get into though. I also do not water ski. I have been to two different dealers and neither one has an XLV for me to look at. Closest dealer that has an XLV is at least 2-3 hours away. I have been in an LSV (hopefully test driving it in the next week or so) and it seems like an awesome boat. In this market it seems alot of dealers aren't keeping the XLV on hand and I'm not sure why.

OK here are my questions....How much difference is there in the wake between the LSV and XLV especially for wakesurfing, what is the difference in handling? Anybody upgraded to an XLV from an LSV or vice versa and any suggestions? I'm just trying to get as much info as I can so that I am not wasting the dealers time. Thanks in advance.

[Trashy]

I have an XLV and my friend has an LSV. Both are great boats. If you are interested in a big boat go with the XLV, big wake and lots of seating. The XLV also can be loaded down with a lot more weight for surfing or just to put out a huge wake for boarding. I spend half my time on the water in the LSV and it also has a great surf wake and a great boarding wake, which it can also be loaded down but not as much. No complaints on either boat!

[mmandley]

I have the LSV and the main reason why i didn't choose an XLV was its shear size. I don't have enough room in my garage for it. I really liked it and its really just a bigger version of the LSV.

If you are planning on having 7 or 8 peeps all the time in the boat then id get the XLV. We generally have 5 or 6 peeps in out boat and its plenty of room and its really all we need.

Maybe in a few years when im ready to upgrade i might get a bigger boat but the LSV is perfect for 5 to 6 peeps all the time.

[moombamania]

For us, it was the playpen design in the XLV that turned us away. With a tower and speakers I didn't like having to get on me knees or squat to go up front.

[Trashy]

For us, it was the playpen design in the XLV that turned us away. With a tower and speakers I didn't like having to get on me knees or squat to go up front.

I have tower speakers and they sit up behind the driver (you can see in the pictures) so you don't have to get on your knees to go up front. The playpen is what sold us on the XLV because we have three kids, it's nice to put the center back rest up and have them ride up front out of the way.

[Razzman]

For us it a combo of all, shear size and the playpen. I don't have the room for a boat that long, we normally average 6 peeps and the wife does not like the playpen.

[jbheuerman]

I just bought an XLV this spring. This boat is amazing! We usually ride with around 6 people, but every once in a while, we have 10-12 people on board, and the XLV seats them comfortably. I almost got an LSV, but now I'm so glad I got the XLV with the extra room...just incase. Either way, you'll love it! Definately try to drive both first before you decide. Good luck!!

[RenoXLV]

We had the same issue before purchasing our XLV. When we looked at both side by side, it made the decision easier. The XLV is much more roomy and we wanted to have plenty of space for friends and all the junk they usually bring along! We can load up with 6-8 adults and there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and be comfortable. The wake is great and you won't have to upgrade to a bigger boat in the future. The Gravity III ballast system helps kick out a wake comparable with any other high end tow boat. Put in an extra 1000 - 1500 lbs and you can get a surf wake that is nearly hip high! We've been super satisfied with our XLV!

[mmandley]

I agree Reno. Putting two boats you like side by side helps.

We did that with the OBV and our LSV and thats why we got the LSV.

If we had a bigger garage im sure we would have got the XLV too because im a big believer to get what ya really want the first time. When i got my truck in 06 i got options i had no use for until i got my boat. For 3 years i hardly ever towed anything with it, but now i tow ever weekend and im really glad i spent the extra money for all the towing upgrades i got.

Hopefully the card will fall correctly and our next house will have a much bigger garage and when we trade up in boats it will be an XLV im sure.

Just to fit the LSV in the garage i had to relocate the washer and dryer lol.

I got about 3inchs on the rear, 2 inches on the front and as you can see if its not against the wall you cant get into the house. lol. Tight fit.

[Sled491]

Nothing really to add here, just want to say do your part for the economy and get the biggest boat you can MY buddy has the Supra 22SSV which is similar to the XLV. Great boat, and as you don't ski seems like the way to go.