1997 Malibu Response Transformation

Bringing a classic ski boat back to life takes time, patience, and attention to detail. This is how we took a 1997 Malibu Response from rough and tired to a reliable, modernised slalom boat that can be enjoyed for years to come.

FEATURES

• Inland Marine one-off transformation

• PerfectPass Three Event speed control

• PTM Watersports Pro Mirror with ZXR bracket

• Faria Platinum gauges

• Isotta Admeto leather and stainless steel steering wheel

• Brand-new vinyl and carpet interior

• Roswell R1 RGB speakers with lighting

• In-house, custom-designed SeaDek

• Tailor-made ski racks

• PowerTech 13.00 x 11.50 3 blade propeller

• Fresh Air Exhaust system with custom stainless-steel mufflers

• Purpose-built timber platform

• Full trailer restoration with alloy wheels, tyres, and new tow cover

After more than a year of searching for the right ski boat for our boys, we came across a 1997 Malibu Response in late 2024. It wasn’t the Nautique we originally had in mind, but it offered exactly what we needed – a proven boat for course skiing and the chance to bring a classic ski boat back to life.

Up close, it was rough. The interior was tired, the flooring worn, and the trailer overdue for attention. But underneath it had what counts – a solid hull with no timber to rot, and a fuel-injected Mercruiser Black Scorpion with under 600 hours. Everything you want in a boat worth restoring.

Because we bought it right before Summer, we split the project into two stages. Stage one would make it safe and reliable for the 2024–2025 season. Stage two would be the full restoration once the weather cooled.

We began by pulling out everything we could – the interior, gauges, steering wheel, front and rear speakers, and the cheap EVA flooring. With the boat stripped, it went straight to our trusted mechanic at Lake Boga Marine for a thorough mechanical overhaul.

The engine was removed for inspection and service. New timing chain and gears were installed, the oil pump pickup repaired, and worn components – including a knock sensor, thermostat housing, starter motor and drive belt – replaced. The exhaust manifolds and risers were upgraded with new units to ensure optimum flow and reliability. The fuel system received a complete refresh – the tank was removed, flushed and resealed with new fittings, all fuel lines and high-pressure hoses replaced, and the injectors cleaned and flow-tested. The entire system was rewired to factory specification. The log bearing was resealed, transmission oil replaced, and the speedo pitots upgraded. Electrical and instrumentation were refreshed with all new gauges and a depth gauge, while a bilge float switch and dual horns were added for safety. Once everything was up to standard, the engine was timed, tuned and water-tested.

While the boat was away, the trailer was stripped, repaired, sandblasted, and refinished in gloss black. New Easytow carpet bunks were fitted, along with new wheel-arch guards, fresh wiring, signal lights, a Fulton F2 Winch, and load-rated alloy wheels and tyres.

When the boat came home, we sanded the floor to remove the last of the EVA residue and installed new carpet. The windscreen was removed, disassembled, powder coated, and rebuilt with fresh hardware, a new gasket, and new support brackets. The original platform was missing, so we built a new one from merbau decking timber. The rich timber finish suits the era of the boat perfectly and provides a durable, timeless alternative to teak.

All decals were removed, and the gelcoat thoroughly cleaned using Sudbury Hull Cleaner. It was then polished with 3M Perfect-It Heavy Cutting Compound to remove years of oxidation and minor scratches, before finishing with 3M Wax for a deep, revived shine.

The interior wasn’t due for a full reskin until Winter, so we gave it a thorough clean, repaired small areas, and refreshed the white accents – leaving it looking presentable and ready for one last season.

Before launching for Summer, we added several upgrades that make a big difference on the water. PerfectPass Three-Event was first – essential for consistency in the course. We fitted an Isotta steering wheel to update the dash and installed a PTM Watersports Pro Mirror with the ZXR bracket. PTM make the best mirrors in the industry – the clarity and field of view this setup provides is unbeatable. Finally, we fitted a PowerTech 13.00 x 11.50 3 blade propeller – the ideal match for this boat and its purpose.

Stage one brought the Response back to life – clean, reliable, and ready to confidently take into the course.

As the weather cooled, it was time to begin stage two. The interior came back out, the old skins removed, the foam steamed back into shape, and a brand-new interior installed in genuine Malibu vinyl, matched to the original 1997 colour scheme.

For long-term reliability, Lake Boga Marine installed a new rack-and-pinion steering system to replace the old rotary setup and inspected, repaired, or replaced electrical wiring throughout the boat.

We modernised the interior by adding Roswell R1 6.5" in-boat speakers with RGB lighting in the dash, LED lighting throughout, a new navigation light, and custom-fabricated vent covers to update the dash. The ski pole was sanded and polished. The old grab handles were replaced with genuine Malibu versions. The hand-throttle control’s neutral-lock mechanism was refurbished and chrome plated, the knob upgraded to stainless steel, and the control-box exterior refinished. New stainless seat slides were installed on a custom-fabricated base for smoother operation and no more jamming.

The boat also received new custom stainless-steel mufflers and a Fresh Air Exhaust system. FAE dramatically reduces fumes at idle and low speeds, making the boat quieter, cleaner, and far more enjoyable to use.

Although the first cut improved the gelcoat, it still fell short of the standard we aim for. We stepped it back and sanded it with 600, 800, and then 1000 grit, followed by a heavy and medium cut with 3M Perfect-It compounds. With the depth and clarity restored, a ceramic coat was applied for long-term protection and easier maintenance. Now it stays spotless with nothing more than a wipe-down using Hot Sauce. New domed Malibu decals completed the exterior.

For the final touches, we designed custom SeaDek to suit the boat’s classic style. The 'just go ski' graphic on the dash walkthrough was a late addition, but it fits perfectly and reinforces exactly what this boat was built for.

The existing bimini – already a good design – was improved with new stainless turnbuckles, then disassembled and powder coated black. Finally, Kustom Auto Trim in Kerang made a new cover to finish the package.

The 1997 Response is now exactly what we hoped it would become – a clean, reliable, modernised, and beautifully finished ski boat, still true to its original character. A huge project completed in two stages, but absolutely worth the effort. The boys now have the ideal boat to develop their slalom skills, and we’ve had the privilege of restoring a piece of ski-boat history back to its prime.

If you’d like more details on any part of the process or the products we used, we’re always happy to chat.

The Malibu's first public outing at the Elmore Field Days drew strong interest, with plenty of people stopping in for a closer look. Restorations like this remind you just how much life a well-built boat still has when the right work goes into it.