This week we interviewed Enrique Martinez about his experience at the Malibu/Axis Factory. 

Memphis Boat Center. Q.) First things first, was it worth the drive from Memphis?

Enrique Martinez. A.) What Drive? (Enrique chuckles) I honestly didn’t think anything of the drive. I left early in the morning and next thing i knew i was passing Nashville. I stopped for Fuel and next thing i know i was at the factory.  On the way back, my mind was racing the same way a kids mind races after leaving Disneyland while repeating “that was awesome!” over and over. I promise you wont even notice the drive. 

Q.) What was your first impression of the factory?

A.) One word, Impressive!  It really is interesting seeing how much dedication each worker puts into each boat. It really impressed me how the majority if the building process focusses on quality control. The boats have to be perfect, if not, the factory will not release it. 

Q.)  What was the biggest shocker during the tour. 

A.) Usually when you think of engineers, you think of people behind a computer doing research and development.  What amazed me about the Malibu engineers is that they are at each station of the factory making sure things are being build properly, testing, researching, and figuring out ways to make the boat better each day. The team of 12 engineers have developed the best boats in the industry hands down. 

Q.) Can you describe the feeling of walking through the plant?

A.)  I guess  the best way to describe the feeling is to compare it to the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The whole time i was dumbstruck and in awe by every station of the building process.  Suddenly you are hit with a strong urge to touch all the boats and call them “my precious”, when suddenly you remember that the tour guide is in the middle of explaining to you something and you wondered off in daydreams. You then compose yourself, wipe off the drool, and keep learning about the building process. 

Q.) What was it like to see the new 22MXZ for the first time?

A.) Man, i had to play it cool, specially since there was a ton of people around. I had to sign for the boat and get all the paper work, so on the outside i looked pretty normal. On the inside, well that is a completely different story. My mind was like a Michael Jackson music video hyped up on energy drinks. There was some moon walking, loud high pitched screams, ton of jumping up and down, doing the splits (i pictured Jimmy Fallon doing the splits and completely failing), and even some Thriller action. My face still hurts from smiling so much.

Q.) Would you recommend the tour to anyone looking for a new boat?

A.) Yes! If you ever have the chance to take a weekend trip to the Knoxville area, stopping at the Malibu factory for a tour is a must! You will never see boats the same way!