Pontoons
Malibu Sportster Boats for Sale
The Malibu Sportster is a compact, high-performance direct drive ski boat built for water skiers who want tournament-level precision in a smaller, more affordable package. Known for its agile handling, smooth acceleration, and clean wakes, the Sportster combines Malibu’s advanced engineering with efficient design and timeless craftsmanship. Its balance of size, performance, and simplicity makes it one of the most respected smaller ski boats ever produced, perfect for private lake owners, slalom enthusiasts, and families who appreciate true performance on the water.
The Malibu Sportster was introduced in the late 1990s and remained in production through the mid 2000s, designed as a compact, value-driven ski boat that still delivered Malibu’s hallmark quality and handling. Built on Malibu’s Diamond hull, the Sportster offered soft, flat wakes that competitive and recreational skiers alike could enjoy. Its smaller footprint made it easy to tow, store, and operate, yet it still provided the precision performance that Malibu ski boats were known for.
At just under 20 feet in length with a 90 inch beam, the Sportster was lightweight and nimble, allowing quick hole shots and crisp tracking through the slalom course. It was a favorite among barefoot skiers as well, thanks to its responsive feel and low wake profile. Power came from reliable Indmar inboard engines such as the Monsoon 320 and optional Hammerhead 350, both offering smooth power delivery and strong acceleration.
The direct drive configuration kept the weight centered for consistent handling and precise steering. Malibu’s build quality ensured that even its most affordable model included premium fiberglass construction, stainless hardware, and the same attention to detail found in its higher-end boats.
Inside, the Sportster featured a clean, functional layout with seating for up to seven passengers, durable marine-grade upholstery, and well-placed storage compartments. Its simplicity made it easy to maintain, and its size made it a favorite for single owners or small families looking for a boat that performs without complexity.
Over the years, the Malibu Sportster earned a loyal following for its durability, easy ownership, and consistent on-water performance. Today it remains one of the best used ski boat values available, combining the feel of a competition-level towboat with the practicality and efficiency that Malibu built its reputation on.