Pontoons
Malibu M242
OnlyInBoards features Malibu M242 new and used boats to elevate your time on the water. Expect innovative features, aggressive hull designs, and premium materials that set these boats apart. Built for adventure and ready for anything the lake throws at you. This boat is perfect for anyone who loves wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and spending time on the water with friends and family.
In 2024, Malibu Boats unveiled the M242, a full redesign of the acclaimed M240. Built from the ground up on a new hull, the M242 is the largest, most advanced, and most luxurious boat Malibu has ever produced. It stands at the apex of wake and surf technology, performance, and innovation — clearly aimed at the buyer who wants zero compromises.
As a 30+ year inboard boat expert, I can confidently say the M242 sets a new benchmark not only for Malibu but for the entire wake boat industry.
Why the M242 Matters
It’s not just a facelift — the M242 is a brand-new hull and interior layout.
Malibu took customer feedback from the M240 and addressed every weakness.
It’s designed for larger crews, rougher water, and more power-hungry surf riders.
The wave is deeper, longer, and more tunable than anything else in the Malibu lineup.
Core Specs (2024–2025 Malibu M242)
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 24’5” |
| Beam | 102” |
| Dry Weight | ~7,500 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 86 gallons |
| Seating | 18 passengers |
| Ballast | Over 5,800 lbs (hard tanks + plug-n-play) |
| Engine Options | Monsoon M6Di (430 HP) or LT4 Supercharged (607 HP) |
| Hull | All-new M-Line 2.0 Hull |
| Tower | Standard G10+ Tower with optional Powered version |
Major Improvements Over the M240
✅ Hull Redesign
Deeper entry for better big-water ride
More aggressive running surface, enhancing wave shape and push
Still optimized for low planing speeds, so it surfs huge but planes fast
✅ Wave Performance
Longer pocket, more vertical face, and even more torque-friendly hull flow
Designed to run full ballast at elevation with ease — especially with LT4 engine
✅ Interior Innovations
New transom lounge seating
Integrated pop-up rear shade (optional)
Updated Command Center with faster UI and more screen customization
Overhauled cooler access, storage flow, and charging zones
New toe-kick lighting, under-seat lighting zones, and RGB sync
✅ Audio and Tower Systems
G10+ tower now standard with improved clamping board racks
Premium Wet Sounds audio w/ available 12-speaker setups and dual subs
Optional rear-facing camera, tower lighting package, and transom control panel
Surf & Wake Performance
🏄 Surfing: Malibu’s Best Yet
The M242 generates a long, tall, customizable wave with massive push at every line length.
Surf Gate Fusion, Power Wedge III, and intelligent ballast distribution mean no need for extra lead.
Malibu’s best wave for both regular and goofy riders.
🏂 Wakeboarding: Big, Clean, Tunable
At 22–24 mph with Wedge set, the M242 delivers a clean, powerful, ramp-style wake.
Ideal for intermediate to pro-level wakeboarders.
Custom rider profiles let you change the entire wake character with one button press.
Tech Features You’ll Love
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| M-Line Command Center 3.0 | Dual touchscreen, rotary control, fast menus |
| Wireless Helm Phone Charger | Built into helm pad |
| Cool Touch Vinyl | Reflects heat, stays cooler in sun |
| Fast-Fill Ballast System | Fully loaded in minutes |
| Rear Flip-Down Swim Step | Easier water entry and exit |
| Multi-View Wake Lounge | Rear bench converts to 5 positions |
Engine Options
| Engine | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| M6Di | 6.2L NA | 430 HP, great all-around performance |
| LT4 | 6.2L Supercharged | 607 HP, ideal for elevation + full ballast + speed |
The LT4 is the clear choice for riders at high elevations or those regularly surfing with max ballast and a large crew.
Comparisons: M242 vs the Competition
| Boat | Surf Wave | Ride Quality | Tech Integration | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu M242 | 🟢 Best in Class | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Top | $$$$ |
| Malibu M240 | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Excellent | 🟢 Top | $$$ |
| Nautique G25 Paragon | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Top | $$$$+ |
| Centurion Ri265 | 🟢 Best | 🟡 Soft | 🟡 Medium | $$$$ |
Who Should Buy the M242
Families or riders who demand the best surf wave with no hassle
Buyers coming from G23/G25, Paragon, or Centurion Ri boats
People who ride at high elevation and need a boat that planes quickly with full ballast
Those who want luxury, tech, and low-maintenance surf performance
Final Verdict: A New Benchmark
The Malibu M242 is not just an upgrade — it’s a clean-sheet design that shows Malibu is doubling down on its flagship leadership. The surf wave is phenomenal, the wakeboarding wake is still elite, and the overall experience is second to none.
If you want the absolute best inboard surf boat that Malibu has ever built — and arguably one of the best ever made across any brand — the M242 is the clear choice.