Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
Australia’s vast network of rivers and lakes provides the ultimate setting for families and watersports enthusiasts to enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing and wake foiling. Iconic waterways such as the Murray, Swan, Hawkesbury, and Brisbane rivers, along with lakes like Eildon and Hume, serve as the perfect backdrop for weekend adventures, summer holidays, and time spent on the water with family and friends.
These destinations offer the ideal environment for riders of all skill levels, from beginners learning to get up on a ski or board for the first time to experienced riders pushing their limits with new tricks and techniques. The thrill of carving smooth turns, catching air off the wake, or effortlessly gliding on a surf wave behind the boat creates lifelong memories and strengthens the bond between families and friends.
Malibu Boats Australia Pty Ltd has been manufacturing high-quality water ski and wakeboarding boats—or ‘towboats’—in Albury, New South Wales, since 1995. Founded through a partnership with Malibu in the United States, the Australian operation was established to produce high-performance boats engineered for water sports enthusiasts suited to local conditions.
The state-of-the-art facility, housed in two massive factories within two kilometres of the Murray River, Malibu, plays a significant role in local employment, supporting around 50 skilled workers and contributing to the regional economy. Precision technology includes CNC machining and automated cutting machinery. Nearby Lake Hume is used for inspections and ‘lake testing, ‘allowing boats to be evaluated under real-world conditions to assess performance, handling, and system functionality.
The Malibu range includes 12 models across five series, offers varying lengths (from 6.1 to 8 metres and drawing 0.81cm), crew capacities, ballast options, colour choices and price points. The Malibu factory also produces the ‘Axis’ brand of products (axiswake.com). These boats are produced on the same production line as Malibu products and share similar DNA with their Malibu counterpart. The ‘Build My Boat’ service assists customers in customising their boats by selecting model specifications, colours, features, and performance upgrades to suit their needs.
Malibu Boats Marketing and Events Manager Thorry Heaney stated, “Customers can customise nearly every aspect of their boat reflecting individual personality and style. Every stage of the build is completed in-house, from upholstery to high-quality gel finishes. GRP hulls, decks and components are hand rolled. Maintaining the integrity of our moulds ensures the depth and lustre of the final finish. Interior and exterior hardware are installed and polished by hand, while upholstery is hand-machined and custom-fitted. Quality control gates are integrated into every stage of production.”
Paul Harris, Managing Director of PRP Corporation—one of Australia’s leading suppliers of gel coats, resins and fibreglass products—explains the science behind the finish: “UV stabilisation is a fundamental aspect of the finish, with a chemical backbone tested over years of application. Malibu has used our ArmorFlex® for over 10 years because of its consistent performance under harsh Australian conditions, offering high brightness and osmotic protection for the final surface, even after post-production finishing and repairs.”
Inlay dampening materials are used to dampen vibrations and reduce noise transmission, which in turn optimises the on-water music experience by ensuring clearer and more immersive audio even in high-speed or high-noise environmental conditions.
Thorry emphasises that materials are selected for their durability and ease of repair, which helps maintain the resale value of Malibu boats. “Our customers often upgrade to larger, more powerful boats as their families grow and their water skills develop, so resale value is a key part of the Malibu brand’s reputation.”
A new colour range is released annually in collaboration with PRP Corporation, expanding design possibilities while maintaining high-performance standards. The chemistry behind these finishes involves 13 core pigments, formulated to produce deep, long-lasting hues. One standout option is the disco-depth metallic glitter, which creates a striking, dynamic visual effect.
Keen to foster work-life balance while ensuring productivity, Malibu operates on a four-day workweek from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. which has been highly successful, according to General Manager Ben Slater. “Our teams work more efficiently and with greater focus during their compressed workdays, leading to higher overall engagement and motivation. We also have an extra day available for peak times and factory maintenance when needed.”
Malibu Boats has developed patented innovations that enhance wakeboarding and wake-surfing experiences through advanced wave-shaping technology. Surf Gate® wave shaper technology is a hydraulic system mounted on the rear transom, designed to redirect water flow, and adjust the wave formation behind the boat. When activated, Surf Gate® moves into position, shifting the point of convergence to create a surfable wave on either side of the boat.
Complementing Surf Gate®, Power Wedge™ III is a hydrofoil system engineered to customise wake and wave size and shape. Unlike traditional hydrofoils, which remain fixed in one position, Power Wedge III offers multiple settings that create up to 680 kg of simulated ballast. Adjusting its position alters the boat’s running attitude, increasing, or decreasing wave size and steepness to match the rider’s preference. The system also features Lift Mode, which improves fuel efficiency and helps the boat plane faster at higher ballast settings.
Optimising the experience for beginners and advanced riders, Surf Gate® and Power Wedge III settings can be controlled via the Malibu Command Center™ or adjusted instantly on the water using the Surf Band™ wrist remote.
Malibu Boats Australia is deeply embedded in the watersports community, sponsoring professional athletes and events promoting wakeboarding and water skiing growth in Australia and New Zealand. The Malibu Pro Team has consistently included world champions and record holders, demonstrating the brand’s strong presence in competitive watersports.
The Australian Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (AWWF), trading as Waterski and Wakeboard Australia (WAWA), is Australia’s peak body for water skiing. Structured around various disciplines—Wakeboard, Tournament, Barefoot, Disabled, Show Skiing, and Cable Wakeboard—it operates across all states. WAWA supports around 3,500 registered competitors and an estimated 1.3 million recreational participants, based on data from the Sweeney Report, state membership, and boat registration records.
