malibu 2009 350vs 400 hp?

Looking to purchase a 2009 Malibu VLX and am concerned with the engine options. Is there a noticeable difference between the 350, 350 HP and the 383, 400HP? Is the 383 significantly more fuel thirsty? Figuring the majority of the time the ballast will be ¾ full. This is my first boat purchase and I don’t want to get trapped in the common first timer mistake of under powering, but don’t want to pay a premium for an option that is not necessary.

If you are only going to have the ballast 3/4 full you don't need more then the 350hp. The 400hp will just cost more and get you nothing more when you sell the boat. If you really start loading your boat just put on a high altitude prop. A lot cheaper.

Peter I've ridden/driven both. The 383 is noticeably louder. The Monsoon 350 had lots of grunt and handled all the surf weight we threw in the boat with the stock prop no problem. I personally don't think the 383 is worth the upcharge but to each his own. Best thing to do is drive one of each to really make up your mind. That 383 is a $6k option though, unless you could talk your dealer down some.

Nubu, is it a 6k option over the 320 or is it 6k more than the 340/350? If it is 6k more then the 350 I would say no way in hell would I get it. Unless of coarse I rode with it slammed like Chad Sharpe or Sean Kilgus.

It is $5,556.00 retail more expensive than the 350hp engine.

Wow, that is really expensive. I don't think that is worth even close to that. At least not in that boat.

The 383 is also known to consume oil. Up to a quart every 5 hours.

I would stay with the 350.

6G for 50hp thats crazy thats diesel up charge territory (trucks). I'm with Brett 350 and a new prop if you decide you need one. Take the 6G and pimp the stereo and think about the savings in gas.

I thought the 8.1L was the one that burned a lot of oil?

The Hammerhead burns oil... trust me. I would get the Monsoon and prop it with the Acme 1235.

Problem solved!!!

BTW: I have a VLX with a Hammerhead and owned one with a Monsoon prior.

Yes that upgrade is pretty steep and will not provide much of a return come sale time.

If you are just using stock ballast 3/4 full, you'll be just fine with 350 and stock prop.

ing the stereo that definitely sounds like a better option. One sense down and four to go! For future thoughts, does the wipple automotive super charger for gm 5.7L motors work in marine use?

^^^^^^ don't even think about it. You will throw the computer (ECM) off and would probably toss your warranty right out the window.

What elevation are you at?If your not at elevation the Monsoon is enough, you can prop it if you need more umph.
No bang for the buck, I have a VTX with a 320 and can run it at 1000ft elev full ballast and wedge (2K) with 1000 additional 6-8 in the boat (small people though)and it does fine.

The stock motor in the VLX has always been the 320 so you need 2 motor upgrades to the Hammerhead dealer on this is about $4200.so a retail of 6k is about right. The hammerhead is a cool tweeked small block but in this marketplace don't let your D%$k get in the way of your head.

^^^^ Mike Mello? Interesting.

Mike Mellow,

You may find this thread interesting since you're called out quite a few times in it. If what's said in this thread is true you may want to re-invent yourself before you start out on your next endeavour.

http://www.themalibucrew.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17889

Everything on the internet is true, right?? Maybe you and I or even the people on Malibu crew should have a BBQ and a beer, I'm buying, and you might find I'm not so bad.

Happy Holidays

Mike I have no issue and didn't contribute to that thread in anyway, especially to bash you. I just pointed that out so you could chime in and defend yourself if you felt it was warranted. I will say however that I do trust the opinions of these people that had first hand experience. I however have no experience with you or the dealership you represent/represented and have no opinion on the matter.

If you're having the BBQ in the NW I'm there.

(Message edited by 05mobiuslsv on November 26, 2008)

Odd turn on this post!

I'm not looking to defend myself, I've been in this industry for 37 years, I try my best, sometimes it's good enough sometimes I have to try harder. When I was younger I was full of Pi$$ and Vineger,as I get older, family etc... I find you can only do so much. I would hope that I would be given a chance to reearn there trust, beer and a BBQ might be the first step.

Peace!