Just changed boat brands...Hope we like it.

Well we just sold our 2001 X-Star which we loved and has been an awesome boat, but as more our kids are growing and inviting their friends to come out with and extra family wanting to go we needed to go with a larger boat. So we decided on this 2005 Malibu Wakesetter VLX, which is fully loaded. Hammerhead 383, 4 tank ballast, wedge,heater, shower, getting new bimini, table (which wife loves) and a ton of room. Just hope we like it.. And a HUGE THANKS to Andy @ Valley Marine in Valley Nebraska. THANKS!

NICE!! Hope you enjoy it.

Keep an eye on your oil! The hammerhead is notorious for drinking oil. My friend has put up to 3 quarts in one day. They changed the engine and still have an oil consumption problem. Indmar is trying to tell him that it is a high performance engine and that burning a couple quarts a day is normal!!

3 quarts a day! That is insane! Nice boat by the way.

you went from one classic wake to another...well, that vlx is not a "classic" yet....

it will take a bit more weight to sink the vlx, but you are going to love how roomy that thing is, congratulations.

Greg, You are correct on the oil consumption thing. The engine in this boat has only about 200hrs or just under that due to the oil level low. I have talked with the previous owner and that checking the oil every day to twice a day will become normal practice for us.

Just a quick question, what does the rest of all the people who run a Hammerhead engine use for oil? I always used 15-40w Rotella in the 01' MC, just would like to know if that will be ok for this.

I know many folks recommend running straight 40W or 50W oil in the hammerhead

I used to put in straight 40 weight, but I never had to put in 3 quarts in a day. That's crazy. I've never even done one whole quart a day. However, I can understand why it's a thirsty engine since I have to put add a quart to my Chevy's Silverado's 8.1 every 1500 miles.

Sounds like you got a killer deal hopefully and at least you arent going into it blind. Its a sick boat for sure. I just got my first ride behind a VLX the other week and it was awesome.

You'll love that boat! 3 qts a day seems excessive though. Make sure to run 91 octane in that motor, and keep up on your spark plug changes...it likes to foul those.

That motor sounds sweet though, and great boat!

On the 8.1l oil use comment, GM used marine engine tollerances on that engine, so it tends to drink a little more oil on the street than it should.

Great boat....

Holy crap on the oil.... that's just rediculous. Maybe A QT a day when the engine is breaking in. Anything after that is poor design or build quality. I would try some 20w-50 if you have consumption problems. If you're oil fouling plugs, then there is something wrong with the motor. That should never happen unless you've got a worn out motor, broken rings or bad guide seals.

A 2-stroke wouldn't burn that much oil!!! at 40:1 that would be like 30 gallons of gas to use 3 qts. of oil. Glad my VLX has the monsoon.

I will get with the previous owner again, which is easy as he wakeboards and is good friends with one of the guys that teach my children. I know that he loved the boat and the only issue he ever had was the first engine going out and other than that no issues since they owned it and they owned it since new. This engine from what I understand has no oil consumption issues, he just wanted me to make a good practice of never forgetting to check it. Service was always done by the dealer and on a strict schedule. I hope it turns out as good as our old boat has been for us. I know the extra room is the biggest factor us (The wife). Got to keep her happy or non of us are happy!

I'm sure you'll be good Jeff. Just check it before you head out in the morning. Beautiful boat.

Dave,

Any certain brand of 40w you used specific for this engine?

I will also ask dealer what they used brand/weight since new engine was put in.

Evan,

Thanks! I sure do miss our old boat though and it's only been a day!

Saddle up Jeff, you're going to love the new ride, just need some WS in the tower and some new 450's for the rear to piggy back in......

The HH 383 will use a little more oil than most but not 3 qts/day. there is a proplem if its using that much. Thats a great boat you will love it.

Valvoline 50W. Use it!

3qts of oil a day, dumped in the lake. That's kinda funny.

The 8.1 in my truck has sucked oil since new.
A GM service bulletin was shown to me that said one quart of oil per every 100 gallons of gas used was "normal" consumption.
A few years ago, I switched to straight 40 w Delo, and no more oil consumption!

I would try any good straight weight (Delo, Rotella, Etc )

I had the 8.1 in my last truck. I got that mailer from GM also explaining the acceptable oil burning. I thought it was funny that Chevy couldn't build an engine tight enough to not burn oil. How much more power could they get out of the engine?

Thanks a ton to all for the info. on the oil to use. Can't wait to get it on the water!

I use the Delo in my diesel truck, too. It's good stuff.

I also have the HH and have the revised oil dip stick which they just raised up the marks for the oil level.

I run VR1 40 and have never had an issue with oil use. My Caddi on the other hand can use 1 qt every 2000 mi

You will enjoy the boat and wake it also put out a killer surf wake