Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Boat Dealer During a Demo

Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Boat Dealer During a Demo

Shopping for a new boat is exciting — but a demo day is where the real magic happens. It’s your chance to get behind the wheel, experience the performance firsthand, and see how each model fits your lifestyle on the water.

Whether you’re buying your first wake boat or upgrading to your dream setup, here are the top three questions you should always ask your boat dealer during a demo.

1. What makes this model different from others in the lineup?

Every boat brand has its own lineup for a reason — each model is designed for a slightly different style of rider, crew size, and lake lifestyle.

Ask your dealer to walk you through:

• The differences in hull design and how that impacts surf wake or ride comfort.

• What upgrades or features come standard vs. optional.

• Which model best fits your typical day on the lake — whether it’s surfing, wakeboarding, cruising, or family time.

Pro tip: Bring your whole crew to test how the boat feels with people and gear onboard.

2. How do the surf systems and ballast setups work?

If you’re into wakeboarding or surfing, this is where you’ll want to spend time. Ask your dealer to show you exactly how the ballast system, Surf Gate, and Power Wedge work together to shape the wave.

Questions to ask:

• How easy is it to switch sides for different riders?

• Can I customize wave size and shape through presets?

• What’s the difference between surf and wakeboard settings?

This is also the time to try it for yourself — feel how quickly the system engages and how consistent the wave is from side to side.

3. What does ownership and service look like after the sale?

The experience doesn’t end when you buy the boat — it’s just the beginning. A great dealer will be your long-term partner for maintenance, accessories, and upgrades.

Ask:

• What’s included in the warranty and service plan?

• How often do I need to bring it in for routine maintenance?

• Do you offer winterization, storage, and detailing packages?

Having these answers upfront ensures peace of mind long after your first session on the water.

Ready to Put These Questions to the Test?

There’s no better time than this weekend to experience Malibu and Axis boats firsthand!

Malibus & Margaritas — Friday, October 24 | 4–7 PM
Kick off the weekend with a sunset demo event at Hurst Harbor Marina on Lake Travis. Enjoy margaritas, meet our team, and take a spin behind the wheel of your dream boat.

In-Water Boat Show — Saturday, October 25 | 10 AM–4 PM
Come back Saturday for a full day of browsing, comparing, and test driving the entire Malibu and Axis lineup dockside at Hurst Harbor. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and a relaxed day on the lake while you find your perfect fit.

Bring your crew, ask the right questions, and see what makes Malibu the best on the water.

RSVP today for demos — walk-ups welcome on Saturday!