LSV Locker Sack Plumbing

[BBeakley]

I'm the proud new owner of a 2001 Sunscape LSV 23. It came with the wedge but did not have the MLS option. I've seen some of the aftermarket locker sacks out there and was thinking of buying one but I was wondering how the factory plumbed the MLS? Did the factory sack have a separate fill and drain in the sack? And if so, did they run two pumps, one for each function? I'm hoping to automate mine with one of the acc switches on the dash and the sack I was looking at had separate fill and drain lines. I'm thinking I'll tie the drain into the bilge outlet with a check valve for each and there is a thru hull in the bilge area I can use for the fill. My big question though is how to get the tubing up into the ski locker area? I only see one "drain" hole that drains water out of the ski locker into the bilge area. Did the MLS have additional holes through the back wall of the ski locker or did they just use the one?

Sorry to ask such a dumb set of questions but I'm out in New Mexico and there aren't many Malibu's here and no dealers to ask.

Thanks in advance for any answers.

-Brian

[Brad B]

My MLS in the locker is 2 pumps.

The fill one is screwed into a ball valve that is screwed into one of the 2 thru hull drain holes in the boat bottom - yours may only have one drain in the ski locker (the T handle plug)

The other pump drains the sac into a thru hull on the side.

Both are operated from a rocker switch on the dash

[Pistol Pete]

I'll try to answer as best as I can.

I've seen some of the aftermarket locker sacks out there and was thinking of buying one

*Try to buy one as close to the dimensions of the ski locker area as possible. There are a lot of options.*

Did the factory sack have a separate fill and drain in the sack?

*Yes, seperate drain and fill pumps and lines.*

I'm hoping to automate mine with one of the acc switches on the dash

*Should be the easiest step.*

I'm thinking I'll tie the drain into the bilge outlet with a check valve for each

*I'd recc. drilling a hole in the side of the boat near the driver for draining the sack.*

there is a thru hull in the bilge area I can use for the fill. My big question though is how to get the tubing up into the ski locker area?

*I think you'll have to make your own through hull fitting for the fill pump. You'll want it close to the pump/sack.*

I only see one "drain" hole that drains water out of the ski locker into the bilge area.

*Make sure you leave this drain alone and functional. Don't tie anything into it.*

Did the MLS have additional holes through the back wall of the ski locker or did they just use the one?

*You will need to cut a slot in the thin fiberglas wall in front of the wall that has the plug in it. This is if you have this second wall. If not, you're going to have a hard time installing both the pumps and the two water hoses to the sack which will be on the rearward side of the compartment.*

Lastly, you will want to fab up a plastic insert to lay on top of the bag when it is full to prevent the sack from bulging up and opening the locker door when it's full. This is something everyone realizes later. You also need to put an uphill loop in the fill line that goes a lot higher than the outside water level of the lake. This is to keep the water from sloshing out of the bag while underway. There is some plumbing knowledge needed, here.

It's a big job. Good luck.

Edited August 18, 2005 by Pistol Pete

[WakeGirl]

The only thing that I'll add to Pete's excellent response, is that you'll need a similar loop in the fill line to keep it from auto-filling. The loops enable you to stay away from check valves (the fewer valves/restrictions that you have, the better fill & empty times you will have).