Malibu MLS Ballast

(atropine) · (atropine) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 08-24-2006, 8:06 AM

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?
Thanks

(eubanks01) · (eubanks01) **Join Date: Jun 2001** 08-24-2006, 8:40 AM

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

(chadbp) · (chadbp) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 08-24-2006, 9:05 AM

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.

Chad

(atropine) · (atropine) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 08-24-2006, 9:46 AM

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.

(riverrunner) · (riverrunner) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 08-24-2006, 10:44 AM

Malibu uses 2 pumps per tank, one fill, one drain

Full MLS is front, mid and a rear tank on each side

(stephan) · (stephan) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 08-24-2006, 11:07 AM

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

(eubanks01) · (eubanks01) **Join Date: Jun 2001** 08-24-2006, 11:43 AM

Sorry Sam, I meant to clarify that each tank has 2 pumps.

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.

(larrys) · (larrys) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 08-24-2006, 12:41 PM

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.

(atropine) · (atropine) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 08-24-2006, 2:21 PM

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

ilovetrains 08-25-2006, 9:23 AM

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.