Customer Testimonials


Dear Minnesota Inboard,

Two years ago, I was a widow with little to no boating experience and a teenage son who wanted to wakeboard. As I compared boats to get in the game, quality and performance were largely assumed and expected. I needed a dealer who provided more than a great boat-I needed someone who could teach me how to boat, starting with the basics.

Minnesota Inboard not only provided us with a superior product but also the customer service, support and education that allowed my son and me to become confident and successful wakeboarding with our Malibu.

From teaching me how to tow, launch and drive the boat, to getting my son wakeboarding lessons, you and Minnesota Inboard far exceeded my expectations for service and support. I would encourage anyone new to boating to go with a Malibu through Minnesota Inboard. You are not only buying a boat---you are investing in an experience and a relationship.

Thank you for a great boat and a great experience!
Kathy Babich M.D.
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Just wanted to drop a line and thank you for all the work on our boat and the extra pair of speakers, ballasts and also the Malibu guide ons for the trailer.  I’m sorry we came to you with such a complicated problem but I’m glad it got fixed in a timely matter.  That is why we bought from MN Inboard.  We knew you guys would do everything you could to service us.  We appreciate your hands on efforts, Malibu’s efforts and all the guys in the service shop at New Germany.

I can’t even tell you how much fun we’ve had as a family in it since it’s been fixed.  The extra ballasts have been perfect for surfing.


Thanks again,

Cole Perkins

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Dear Minnesota Inboard,
 

THIS BOAT ROCKS!

I can’t thank you enough! What a great purchase our 2008 Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV has been.  The boat speaks for itself; IT ROCKS!  These are not my words.  This is the consistent response from everyone that rides in, behind or drives our boat and pretty much tells the story.  The boat gets noticed and the outstanding stereo doesn’t hurt this claim at all.
 
Being a first time boat owner, I wanted more than a new boat.  I wanted a relationship that I could count on after the money changed hands.  I looked at, researched and drove as many boats as I could; recreational boats, ski and wakeboard boats, new and used boats.  I visited all the dealers and spoke to boat owners.  Malibu was a consistent favorite but, more impressive was the reputation of MN Inboard and the Mueller family.
 
The shopping experience with Matt was so easy.  Why?  He was informative and helpful about the boat buying process, honest, and didn’t say a bad thing about other boats.  There was no pressure.  He encouraged me to think about the best boat not only for my current needs but to also consider our needs in a few years and buy the best boat to satisfy those future needs.  I visited and called Matt many times before buying and he helped me learn all I needed to know about boating, Malibu and MN Inboard. The boat was a surprise for my family and Matt helped all the way.  It’s not often that my sons are speechless but this got ‘em.  Wow!  What a great day!
 
From the delivery of the boat and the “on-the-lake orientation” through answering my many questions, and servicing and storing the boat, MN Inboard has delivered.  When the boat was delivered, Rob was almost as excited as we were.  Vince and his service team have been incredibly responsive to our needs and have kept us informed and on the water.  I know the differentiation always comes in service after the sale and MN Inboard is different – They have delivered 100% plus on service.  
 
 This was the beginning of the best summer we have had since moving to Minnesota .  We were on the boat with friends and family all summer.  We easily had two families onboard with room to spare, plenty of storage and enough engine power to wakeboard, surf or ski.  And the presets make the switchover effortless and fast.
 
We could not have made a better decision on a boat or a dealer.  We were all sad when we had to take the boat off the lake and can’t wait for summer to return.
 
Thanks Mueller Family and the MN Inboard Team!
 

The Nikas Family
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Dear Minnesota Inboard,
 
“My family loves the water, and we searched high and low across the metro area for the right boat, and the right company to stand behind that boat with excellent support and knowledgeable, helpful staff. We came to the conclusion that Minnesota Inboard Water Sports in Excelsior is, without question, the best solution for our needs. We wanted a boat that would work for water skiing, wake boarding and tubing, but large enough to use for weekend cruises with friends. I’ve been thrilled with not only the boat, but the service after the sale, your willingness to go above and beyond and help us with not only maintenance but transportation, making sure we’re getting the most out of our Malibu. In a day and age when consumers are paying more for less, Minnesota Inboard stands out. You’ve consistently under-promised and over-delivered and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase and the people we’ve met along the way. Thank you for an outstanding experience!”
 
Paul Douglas
Founder, WeatherNation LLC
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Dear MN Inboard,
After our family and friends skied, wakeboarded, wake skated and surfed a full summer behind the Malibu VTX, I can truly say that Malibu has engineered the best V Drive in the 20 foot category. We made the right decision!  Prior to purchasing this boat, we had owned a closed bow Ski Nautique 196 for 9 years and previous to that, two Mastercraft closed bow Pro Star 190's. Although they were excellent boats that gave us a great ski wake, we needed to upgrade to a larger boat that would give the family and friends more storage and seating area. Our concern at the time was that we would be giving up a great ski wake if went to a V drive  boat.  My wife made it clear to me that she would not be in favor of purchasing another boat if we are going to lose the ski wake we have enjoyed over the many years we had skied behind inboards. In the fall of 2007, we test drove the 2008 Mastercraft X-2 (V Drive) and X-14 (Industry's largest Inboard), Supra 20 SS, (V Drive) Ski Nautique 211(V Drive) and the Malibu VTX.   
The Malibu VTX with the Diamond Cut Hull out performed the other boats we had tested by a clear margin. Unlike the other boats we drove, this boat did not need a trim tab to try and make a ski wake.   Not knowing that much about Malibu boats, I was trying to stay with the Mastercraft and/or Ski Nautique line that I was familiar with since we were always impressed with the workmanship, especially the Ski Nautique.   We test drove on two separate occasions  (two dealers) the Ski Nautique 211 which is also rated a Class tournament ski boat, and the Mastercraft X-2 and X-14 to make sure I was making the right decision.  Besides having a great ski wake, the VTX ballast capacity was much greater than any of their boats we tried.  Also, you had the option to add a power wedge to increase and/or shape the wake.  Overall, this combination gave us 2100 lbs of weight for wake boarding, surfing etc.  

Malibu also had other significant features that stood out over the competition.  Since the  tower is much lighter, it takes seconds to lower down to windshield height when storing in the garage.  The VTX  with tower can clear a standard 7 foot door height. We also like the storage capacity which is much greater than any boats we looked at.  This boat also handled better, especially when making turns. Great performing boat!  

Regards,  

The Kiley Family
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Dear Minnesota Inboard,
 
Minnesota Inboard in the Brainerd area is where we got our gorgeous Malibu boat and every time I go into the store I’m always getting a pleasant greeting and asked how the riding is going and how the boat is.  They make you feel comfortable and actually care about if you are enjoying your experience with the boat.  Of course it doesn’t take much to enjoy a Malibu boat, but they want to make sure everything with the boat is running smoothly and if we ever have any questions they are right there to answer them and happy to do it.  It’s nice to buy something from someone who cares about what they are selling and take the time to get to know you instead of just trying to sell it. The people at MN inboard really do have a passion for Malibu boats and because of them I have gained a true love and passion for Malibu boats as well.
 
Pat Crotty
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Dear Minnesota Inboard,

Since taking delivery, I believe that this boat is one of the most perfect purchases I have ever made. It does everything I want it to do, and more. The quality is great, the room and layout is perfect, and the styling is exactly as I hoped.
Working with Minnesota Inboard since taking delivery has been great. They are very helpful with service and storage. I have had a couple of issues that have needed repair, and these issues were handled quickly and easily. In total, I have been very pleased with my boat and with working with Matt, and all of the members of Minnesota Inboard. I will definitely buy my next boat there as well.

Keith Neva
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Dear Minnesota Inboard,

Matt convinced us to try the Wakesetter VTX at the on-water boat show and we could not be happier. Further, the dealership, namely Matt has been wonderful to work with. We have been taken seriously despite our age and he has always been personable and responsive. I would unquestionably recommend the Malibu VTX to anyone looking for the do everything boat. From on-water experience I can tell you, this boat is truly a top performer.  We could not be happier. Further, the dealership, namely Matt has been wonderful to work with. We have been taken seriously despite our age and he has always been personable and responsive. I would unquestionably recommend the Malibu VTX to anyone looking for the do everything boat. From on-water experience I can tell you, this boat is truly a top performer.

Ben Thomas
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Dear Minnesota Inboard,

Prior to our purchase we did a significant amount of research, visited countless boat dealers, and test drove a number of boats. Making the choice to purchase a Malibu, and more importantly to choose a dealership was a decision we have never had a second thought about. The entire purchase process, from educating us about Malibu to ensuring the entire experience was a low pressure atmosphere aimed at making sure we got a boat that met our needs, was a pleasure. Simply put, we felt it was like dealing with a close family friend that had our best interest and satisfaction in mind.

Lars Flink
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Dear Minnesota Inboard,

We've used the boat now for one full season. We've rediscovered the absolute joy of water sports. It's a pleasure every time we head out on the water. It was a lot of money. But we can truly say that this was one of the best purchases we've ever made. This boat enables the lifestyle we were searching for.

Brian Groh
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
I wanted to let you know how pleased we were with the experience of purchasing our new boat from MN Inboard. It was everything we could have ever asked for. When we started our boat buying research we read reviews about how well you run your shop and that was very much evident in working with Matt. We would not hesitate to buy all of our boats from you after this experience. So thank you, and a big thank you to Matt who really knows how to treat a customer.

Todd & Heidi Gaughan
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Dear MN Inboard,

Having owned a MasterCraft, I was skeptical about changing brands. However, your guys did a great job of rigging the boat (especially the dual battery system-looks heavy duty and very professional)…the boat rides great - specifically in big water, fast out of the hole…not one rattle when you hit a wave and the seating configuration provides a lot of room. From an overall quality perspective, although Mastercraft does a great sales job in this area, in my opinion this boat is heads and shoulders above my X30. Happy Client!

Daniel P. Perinovic
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Dear MN Inboard,

We launched our new boat last Sunday . Our Sunsetter is fabulous! You were right.....It is everything you said it would be and more. We love it so much. Thanks for all you help and great salesmanship. I know we will be doing much business with you. ..and so will our Eagan friends!

Russ and Kathy and Meghan (Mike and Molly, too)
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
As far as I am concerned, you guys could not have treated Matt and I with any more respect this past summer. We greatly appreciate everything you have done for us. I know a lot of people continue to talk about the boat you sold us this past summer and I think this will bring you more business in the future. Thank you.

Josh Skogen
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Dear MN Inboard,

The stability, tracking and wake characteristics are a significant improvement over the other competition boats that I’ve skied behind. I feel that there isn’t another boat on the market that can out perform Malibu! Without exception!

Tony Torntore
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
I would like you to know (I am sure you do anyway) that your service manager, Vince is a class act. I had an intake problem on my new Malibu and Vince took it in promptly and had it serviced and back on the water the same day. Great team. Thanks again.

Jerry Grabowski
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
We are pleased to report that our experience after the sale has been “buyer’s bliss.” The more we learn about Malibu and Minnesota Inboard, the more we like.

Kevin Thayer
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Dear MN Inboard,

I picked my boat up today and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated the work that you did - the boat look like it was brand new. It was even better than I had hoped for. I have had boat bottoms repaired before, but the job that you did was better than anything that I have seen done before. Thank you so much for the time and attention that you paid to my boat, it is sincerely appreciated.

Kerry Kramp
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Dear MN Inboard,

The crew in New Germany did a great job freshening up our boat once again. We're learning that when you work with Minnesota Inboard you work with people who make the extra efforts to help us solve our problems.

Curt and Carol Eslinger
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Dear MN Inboard,

Just a short note to thank you for the service clinic which you and your staff put on last Saturday. Although I have been boating for approximately 50 years, about 40 of those with inboards, I was amazed at the amount of helpful information which you provided, much of which I didn’t know or had forgotten. You run a first class operation, and it’s a pleasure doing business with you.

MARK W. PETERSON
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
I have nothing less than 100% confidence in Minnesota Inboard’s ability to service my boat. After sales support is so important, and your unquestioning commitment, service and support to Malibu boat owners was certainly a key element in my decision to purchase the Malibu. Thank you for everything Joe!

Tony Torntore
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Dear MN Inboard,
I enjoyed the seminar even though I didn't understand parts of it. It was extremely helpful and well done! Thanks for a great seminar.

Laurie
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Dear MN Inboard,

I am really looking forward to taking delivery of the new vRide! Lisa has never skied, boarded or even been on a tube behind a boat, but she says that she wants to try wakeboarding now! You could have tipped me over with a feather when that announcement came.
Scott D. Rud
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Dear MN Inboard,

Thanks for helping us make last summer our greatest summer on the water ever. Our youngest son mentions how excited he is to get back on the water next season at least twice a week and I am right with him.
Sincerely,

Kevin Thayer
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
We went to Minnesota Inboard to take a hard look at Malibu, liked what we saw and continued to research. I pulled my old Waterski Magazine issues and read the reviews on all the V-drives on the market and compared specifications. This is when Malibu emerged as a leader in performance .

K.T.
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Dear MN Inboard,

I wanted to let you know how happy I am with my Malibu. I am very critical when it comes to quality products and Malibu has exceeded all of my expectations. The boat is nothing short of spectacular!

Tony Torntore
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Dear MN Inboard,

The end of the season had come and I felt it time to write a letter of thanks. My Malibu gave our entire family a great summer of boating. Carmen loved the roominess of the open bow and I found the performance outstanding.

Barry Nordstrand
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Dear MN Inboard,

Many thanks for providing me and my family with a great boat that will provide us with many years of family fun! Keep up the good work!

Brian Briggs
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Dear MN Inboard,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to express special thanks for the excellent service and product received from Minnesota Inboard. From teak oil to wet suits, I always find what I’m looking for, but more important than the product has been the expert advice and recommendations. Once again, thanks for making this summer one to remember.

Chad Knutson
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Dear MN Inboard,

With a month of Malibu ownership under my belt, I can’t believe all the false concerns I had about inboards! They are excellent for families boating on their favorite lake every weekend. In just one month we are all skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and barefooting better. You just can’t get the tournament approved towability from a stern drive or outboard. And, the driving characteristics…..You tailored the total package to my families specific needs and you were right on! THANK YOU!

Mike Thelen
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Dear MN Inboard,
 
Topping off the summer’s boating was your outstanding customer service. Whether my need was equipment or minor boat repair, I found myself constantly surprised by your quick turnaround and individual attention. In contrast to other ski shops interested in making a “quick buck,” your shop made sure I was completely happy with each purchase. Thanks for all your help!
Barry Norstrand



 
 
Minnesota Inboard Water Sports
340 Highway 7
Excelsior, MN 55331
Phone: (952)474-1742
Minnesota Inboard Water Sports
15779 Edgewood Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: (218)822-4401
Minnesota Inboard Service Department
260 State Street
New Germany, MN 55367
Phone: (952)353-1500