I need a little clarification about the Malibu Ballast systems. In reference to a 2004 23 LSV, I was told that they came standard with a 3-tank system (center, 2 rear) and could be upgraded to a 4-tank "MLS" system at the time of ordering, that adds the bow tank. Is this true? If so, does the 3-tank system use 3 pumps, and the 4-tank system 4 pumps? <BR>Thanks

Yes on all accounts. My question would be how are you ordering a boat that is almost 3 years old?

I'm pretty sure there are actually two pumps per tank, Malibu doesn't use reversible pumps. So one is used to pump in and one pumps out. <BR> <BR>Chad

Thanks for the info guys. I'm not ordering a new boat, but I was talking to a guy who owns a 2004 and I think he was confused my what ballast system he has. I just wanted to make sure I understood the Malibu system correctly.

Malibu uses 2 pumps per tank, one fill, one drain <BR> <BR>Full MLS is front, mid and a rear tank on each side

I thought bow tanks didn't come in 'til '05? Is that just the VLX and no the LSV?

Sorry Sam, I meant to clarify that each tank has 2 pumps. <BR> <BR>Heavy - The LSV got a new hull in 2004 with the bow tank. The bow tank wasn't available on the VLX until it got the new hull (same as LSV) in 2005.

Sam, some of the 04's with 4 tanks had only 3 switches from the factory. One switch for each rear tank and one switch that controlled both the mid and bow tank. This is how mine was until I added a 4th switch. Not all 04's were this way.

Larry- <BR>That probably explains it. He only has 3 switches, but clearly has a bow tank. <BR>Thanks

The bow tank was an option on the 04, but is standard on 05 and up. Even though it only has one switch for center and bow, it most likely has spearate motors and can be re-wired as Larry did.