Malibu Monsoon 350

Any thoughts on this motor. Lookin into a VTX and it has this motor. Not familiar with it and would like some feedback. Always heard the Hammerhead was a better motor??

I'd be happy with either of them. I've had both and never had a problem with either one. The HH has it's advantages though. Some early HH's had issues but they got them cleared up late 07'. The monsoon has always been a bulletproof motor. You'd be happy with either in a VTX.

Monsoon is the bullet proof motor, been the best motor in their line up for quite a while. Less HP than the HH, but the ft pounds of tourque aren't that much different.

Quite a bit of difference performance wise chris, that's what I used to think as well.

How does the 350 compare to the 383 on gas useage? Seems the 350 may have to use more to get that heavy hull movin. All the Bu's I've been on had the HH 383 and it seems perfect size for that hull. Just worried the 350 will have to work to hard. Gald to hear the bullet proof part. My 350 I have now has 1800hrs and has been an awesome workhorse but my boat weighs 750lbs less.

HP wise there is quite a bit of difference, but hole shot wise the the torque is only 3-5 ftlbs different, I don't know if that's worth the 5k upgrade price on a VTX.

What year VTX are you talking?

Actually looking at it, it's not the HH it's the 410 that's only 3-5 ftlbs, the HH was quite a bit stronger, but went through oil like no other. They odon't offer the HH anymore

Brian I had the monsoon in a vlx and the HH in my 23 lsv now. The HH burns less gas in a bigger boat. The HH does have CATS and I don't know how much that really effects fuel useage or not. You don't have to worry about either engine with the VTX they will both do very well.

Chris like my earlier post said some early HH's had issues. Mine doesn't use oil.

We have the 340 monsoon in our 2007 VLX. It has over 1750 hours on it. We regularly run 3500 lbs ballast plus people. It burns maybe a quart of oil between changes- every 50 hours. That engine is an awesome workhorse.
We also have the 400 hp Raptor (the AXIS designation for the same motor as the hammerhead) in our 2011 A22. It is also a strong motor.
In our 2010 AXIS, we had the AXIS equivalent of the Monsoon. Comparing the two motors, I would say that the Hammerhead can get the boat out of the water with a bit more weight than the Monsoon, but the difference was not as dramatic as I expected it to be. I am anxious to try the 2012 A22 with the 450 hp LS3. Honestly, I'm not sure you need a hammerhead in the VTX. I think the Monsoon is plenty and it is a great motor. I'm not sure they even offer the HH with that hull.

09 VTX. Spec sheets said it was an option that year so wanted to find out if it's a big deal or not. My buddy had the Monsoon in his boat and he put on 1500hrs in 8yrs. (I thought it was the HH,wrong) He did oil changes every 50-75hrs and he just told me that the guy he sold the boat to has put another 200hrs on it and all is well. Im likin al the good feedback. Hope this deal works out.

The monsoon has been the one constant in the engine line up. For a VTX it'll preform great, the only reason I may think about a HH is if I was high in altitude.

Had a monsoon in our vride and ran great with zero issues, hell id take any malibu whether it has the monsoon, HH or even the 8.1L.

I have a VTX with the 350 Monsoon and I boat at 3300 ft. Still plenty of power.

Only ever had one real issue with that on something controlling water intake for temperature regulation. Its nothing big though. I would say if you're running the boat with huge amounts of weight to maybe get a bigger one. Our can struggle to get up to speed with about 12 people, stock ballast and power wedge. That might be an issue of getting another prop though

The Monsoon is the best motor in Indmar's lineup as far as reliability & lack of warranty claims... period.
If your riding in a larger boat with a lot of weight, then maybe the additional horsepower will do you some good.
But in a 20' or 21' boat with stock ballast, the Monsoon is great.