Malibu Flightcraft Boats for Sale

The Malibu Flightcraft series was produced from roughly 1985 through 1993, marking one of Malibu’s most performance-oriented eras. Developed under Malibu’s “Flightcraft by Malibu” brand, these boats were designed for tournament-level slalom skiing and competitive barefooting. What set the Flightcraft apart from many other models of its time was its availability in both direct-drive inboard and outboard versions, allowing buyers to choose between traditional inboard precision and the added speed and versatility of an outboard setup.

The Flightcraft Outboard models—sometimes marketed as the Flightcraft Barefooter or Flightcraft Euro Skier—were known for their exceptional acceleration and high top-end speeds exceeding 50 mph, powered by performance-tuned outboards from Mercury and Yamaha. These versions were especially popular among barefoot water-skiers who needed more top speed for competition.

The Flightcraft Direct-Drive models, including the Sportster and Euro F3-style variants, shared Malibu’s proven inboard performance DNA, using Indmar or MerCruiser inboard engines typically rated between 240 and 320 horsepower. These direct-drive boats offered perfectly balanced wakes for slalom skiing and superior tracking, making them favorites in professional tournaments.

Regardless of configuration, all Flightcraft models featured lightweight hulls, narrow beams, and precision-tuned running surfaces that delivered crisp handling, soft wakes, and responsive steering. Interiors were functional and minimalist, designed for performance with simple dash layouts, marine-grade materials, and room for 4–6 passengers depending on model and year.

Production of the Flightcraft line ended in the early 1990s, but its influence lived on in Malibu’s later ski boats like the Echelon and Response. Today, the Malibu Flightcraft remains one of the most collectible and respected ski and barefoot boats ever built, valued for its speed, precision, and craftsmanship.