08' 23LSV is crap, really need help!!!!

[epoke]

So, our brand new last year loaded 2008 23LSV (hammerhead and every option but the transom shower) has had constant problems since we bought it. The largest issue is that we have been left stranded 3 times. The last time was a fuel map sensor. The two times before were other sensors but not sure which ones. Our stereo is garbage setting aside the fact that IPODs or the USB options barely work we have to restart it with a paperclip every time we use it. Our LCD displays have gone blank in part and in full. Our dealer stinks and takes little responsability and just keeps chasing problems. We got Malibu involved and it is better but still rests with the dealer since they are local. I wanted to throw this out to everyone for a couple of reasons. Is this at all normal? Has anyone else had such significant problems? We have really lost confidence in this boat and are always nervous bringing friends or family out. The last time we were stranded we were in an oncoming thunder storm. Next, would anyone know what recourse we might have or have any solution ideas for us? We brought an attorney in which certainly got everyones attention but we are essentially waiting around for something to happen again. Not that we want it to, but because the dealer essentially told us it probobly would when we last picked up the boat. I can think of a lot of other ways to spend $75K. Any help or suggestions would be amazingly appreciated.

[johnsvt]

Not normal, I don't have an LSV, but do have 380 problem free hours and a good friend has all but 1000 hours without issue.

Persistance is key, I guess.

[MalibuTime]

... Our stereo is garbage ...

... Our LCD displays have gone blank in part and in full. .

... Is this at all normal?...

... Has anyone else had such significant problems?....

.... Next, would anyone know what recourse we might have or have any solution ideas for us?...

...we are essentially waiting around for something to happen again. Not that we want it to, but because the dealer essentially told us it probobly would ...

Any help or suggestions would be amazingly appreciated.

Well, that sucks. A good way to take away the excitement of having a new boat.

Stereo- well, sorry, you kind of own this one a bit. A little research would have gone a long ways, which is don't get any stereo upgrades. With that out of the way-

LCD- Malibu had a "make it right campaign" for 08s, did you have your boat then (done this Spring) or were those items supposedly handled by the dealer before pickup? It the latter, I would make them provide an itemized list of what they did, and make sure with Malibu that everything was done. Two of the items were SW updates and replacing the MUX panels (switches) with newer units.

Normal - No

Have others had significant problems, yes, use search for specifics

Recourse, not sure. Solutions, above-make sure of above items related to 08 make it right campaign, call Indmar directly and ask to speak with some technicians, describe the problems. Sometimes multiple failures of different components can be symptomatic of an underlying issue with something else, but first WTH with the dealer's comment? What, specifically do they mean? Or do they just lack confidence in what they are doing? Might want to find out before you call Indmar.

Good luck. It would help to build a relationship with a single point of contact at Malibu, to help make sure you are recieving all the help that is available from your dealer, from Malibu and from Indmar.

[skyskier]

Without knowing any more details than you provided, I think "our dealer stinks" sums it up nicely. My boat has had it's share of problems, but my dealer has been so proactive with diagnosis and repair it is hard to be annoyed.

The stereo is a different story. No dealer can fix that. Malibu should have dropped the JBL P.O.S. model right after it's debut. Boats that are half the price have stereos with sound and function that is twice as good.

[Smitty32]

I think most of the problems you are having fall on the Hammerhead. I have an 08 lsv 23 with the monsoon and just rolled over 180 hours of problem free hours with exception of 1 cat sensor failing. Got one from my dealer the next day runs great. Like mentioned above the stereo should have been replaced with the Mux switches and several other small items. (Make it right campain) I had all of my stuff replaced and haven't had any problems since then. But I had a friend who ordered the same boat with the hammerhead and is going through the same troubles.

[mattm]

Just curious, where are you located?

[gregtay]

Sorry to hear about your problems. My 08 23LSV has been near perfect.... few issues here and there, but nothing major (I have the Monsoon.) You are right.. the dealer make ALL the differance... i am lucky enough to have purchased from and be serviced from one of the best (Bakes)... so i am guessing they take care of things before i even see them. I hope you can get things worked out.. the 08 LSV is a great boat and you certainly should not feel like you are going to get stranded out on the lake in you new boat.

[gregtay]

One other quesiton... do you have a problem right now that needs fixed?.. or are you just venting over past issues?

[epoke]

Just curious, where are you located?

In the Northeast, NH.

[epoke]

One other quesiton... do you have a problem right now that needs fixed?.. or are you just venting over past issues?

Well, the stereo and LCD thing are still ongoing. The engine seems to be ok for now. However, we don't have a lot of confidence that it won't happen again. Certainly the dealer/indmar/ or anyone else hasn't helped much with that. Basically they say we have no idea why that would happen and changed the sensor. We are about 20 hours in from the last fix. It happened after 11 hours last time. Our biggest concern is owning this boat out of warrenty and want to nip in the bud if we can.

[epoke]

I think most of the problems you are having fall on the Hammerhead. I have an 08 lsv 23 with the monsoon and just rolled over 180 hours of problem free hours with exception of 1 cat sensor failing. Got one from my dealer the next day runs great. Like mentioned above the stereo should have been replaced with the Mux switches and several other small items. (Make it right campain) I had all of my stuff replaced and haven't had any problems since then. But I had a friend who ordered the same boat with the hammerhead and is going through the same troubles.

Really, I would be very interested to see what your friend was told and how it is being handled. Any input would be awesome! We thought a little extra HP and a cat, how great for surfing etc. What a mistake, huh?

[Smitty32]

I think most of the problems you are having fall on the Hammerhead. I have an 08 lsv 23 with the monsoon and just rolled over 180 hours of problem free hours with exception of 1 cat sensor failing. Got one from my dealer the next day runs great. Like mentioned above the stereo should have been replaced with the Mux switches and several other small items. (Make it right campain) I had all of my stuff replaced and haven't had any problems since then. But I had a friend who ordered the same boat with the hammerhead and is going through the same troubles.

Really, I would be very interested to see what your friend was told and how it is being handled. Any input would be awesome! We thought a little extra HP and a cat, how great for surfing etc. What a mistake, huh?

I will give him a call he blew his knee out last spring and has been laid up all summer. I haven't gone out or chatted with him much. But for now I would Call Malibu 209 383-7469 ask for Melvin in Warranty Dept. and would make sure that you get your "Make it right campaign" replacement parts, if you havent already gotten them. Also have them check the revision on your stereo they have an upgrade for that. I would think this would take care of your LCD problems and stereo problems. Then I would call Indmar and see if there is another dealer certified shop wether it is a Mastercraft Dealer or what ever. If there is I would see if you could get it in to them. If they sell boats with Indmar motors they will most likely perform warranty service on any boat as long as it is a motor issue. I had my Mastercraft Dealer work on My moomba I owned before my BU. Saved me from driving 200 miles one way to get a fuel pump replaced...

[04WakesetterDD]

Just curious, where are you located?

In the Northeast, NH.

These guys may be a bit of a drive for you but found them to be an excellant dealership. They are about 1-1/2 hours for me but worth the drive to have a good dealer.

http://www.eastcoastflightcraft.com/

[epoke]

Just curious, where are you located?

In the Northeast, NH.

These guys may be a bit of a drive for you but found them to be an excellant dealership. They are about 1-1/2 hours for me but worth the drive to have a good dealer.

http://www.eastcoastflightcraft.com/

Thanks so much, we are intimately familiar with eastcoast and have had a very different experiance.--Thanks so much again!

[Tory1340]

Yep, that's the dealer in these parts. Since I am out of warranty, I go to Independent Marine in Moultonborough for anything I cannot handle. Fortunately I did not have major issues that required dealer service after purchase, just smoe little things that were easy enough to resolve. Good luck--

[Bobby Light]

I think most of the problems you are having fall on the Hammerhead. I have an 08 lsv 23 with the monsoon and just rolled over 180 hours of problem free hours with exception of 1 cat sensor failing. Got one from my dealer the next day runs great. Like mentioned above the stereo should have been replaced with the Mux switches and several other small items. (Make it right campain) I had all of my stuff replaced and haven't had any problems since then. But I had a friend who ordered the same boat with the hammerhead and is going through the same troubles.

Really, I would be very interested to see what your friend was told and how it is being handled. Any input would be awesome! We thought a little extra HP and a cat, how great for surfing etc. What a mistake, huh?

You would have got a cat with any motor you choose in 08'. Don't worry you'll love that engine when you get the bugs worked out of it. Sorry for all your trouble but believe that most of your issues are with the incompetent dealer you've been dealing with.

[luvtheBU]

One other quesiton... do you have a problem right now that needs fixed?.. or are you just venting over past issues?

Well, the stereo and LCD thing are still ongoing. The engine seems to be ok for now. However, we don't have a lot of confidence that it won't happen again. Certainly the dealer/indmar/ or anyone else hasn't helped much with that. Basically they say we have no idea why that would happen and changed the sensor. We are about 20 hours in from the last fix. It happened after 11 hours last time. Our biggest concern is owning this boat out of warrenty and want to nip in the bud if we can.

Will they trade you out of it into a different Malibu, making it their problem not yours? I had a 1998 Sunsetter that I loved but every time I took it out, we'd have some issue, finally after hitting a sandbar, not Malibu's fault, we took it to our dealer who was a little bit of a drive and traded up to a 2000 Response They took it in as if there was nothing wrong with it and made us a great deal, which is really just a state of mind and we were happy. Being confident in the reliability of your BU is really important when you count up how much money we spend to enjoy them and how short of a timeframe we have to enjoy them. My vote is trade her in.

[epoke]

One other quesiton... do you have a problem right now that needs fixed?.. or are you just venting over past issues?

Well, the stereo and LCD thing are still ongoing. The engine seems to be ok for now. However, we don't have a lot of confidence that it won't happen again. Certainly the dealer/indmar/ or anyone else hasn't helped much with that. Basically they say we have no idea why that would happen and changed the sensor. We are about 20 hours in from the last fix. It happened after 11 hours last time. Our biggest concern is owning this boat out of warrenty and want to nip in the bud if we can.

Will they trade you out of it into a different Malibu, making it their problem not yours? I had a 1998 Sunsetter that I loved but every time I took it out, we'd have some issue, finally after hitting a sandbar, not Malibu's fault, we took it to our dealer who was a little bit of a drive and traded up to a 2000 Response They took it in as if there was nothing wrong with it and made us a great deal, which is really just a state of mind and we were happy. Being confident in the reliability of your BU is really important when you count up how much money we spend to enjoy them and how short of a timeframe we have to enjoy them. My vote is trade her in.

Good thought, we are going to see how things go. Honestly, we started looking at Master craft. If the big issues are behind us then we are all good. But, that will definately be an option if things stay crappy.

[SmoothWaterMan]

Depending on where you are in NH I'm not terribly far away, if that helps.

Peter

[jkendallmsce]

So, our brand new last year loaded 2008 23LSV (hammerhead and every option but the transom shower) has had constant problems since we bought it. The largest issue is that we have been left stranded 3 times. The last time was a fuel map sensor. The two times before were other sensors but not sure which ones. Our stereo is garbage setting aside the fact that IPODs or the USB options barely work we have to restart it with a paperclip every time we use it. Our LCD displays have gone blank in part and in full. Our dealer stinks and takes little responsability and just keeps chasing problems. We got Malibu involved and it is better but still rests with the dealer since they are local. I wanted to throw this out to everyone for a couple of reasons. Is this at all normal? Has anyone else had such significant problems? We have really lost confidence in this boat and are always nervous bringing friends or family out. The last time we were stranded we were in an oncoming thunder storm. Next, would anyone know what recourse we might have or have any solution ideas for us? We brought an attorney in which certainly got everyones attention but we are essentially waiting around for something to happen again. Not that we want it to, but because the dealer essentially told us it probobly would when we last picked up the boat. I can think of a lot of other ways to spend $75K. Any help or suggestions would be amazingly appreciated.

I am having similiar problems with a 2007 Response LXI SE that was purchased direct from the Merced plant. The boat had been returned to the Merced plant as the original owner was sooooo uphappy and could not fix all the problems. The boat showed 14 hours, but after talking to the original owner, it actually had over 100 hours on the boat!! As part of the never ending problems he had with the boat's performance, the original owner had the local dealer replace the ECM and the hour meter rolled back to 0. Talk about non-disclosure!!

The hh engine has had constant problems including lack of low end torque, and intermittant ZERO oil pressure readings. After Malibu had the boat for 3 months, Malibu said they had replaced the fuel pump and the lack of power/low end torque was fixed. ya right!! The first time out, the perfect pass would not arm, the transmission would not go into drive, and it did not run any better. ANd on top of that, Malibu had left the boat outside for those 3 months and was filthy dirty when it was delivered, with dead flies wedged between the windshield and dash.

With all the hammerhead problems I read about on this site, I wonder is that is part of Malibu's decision to discontinue the hh in their 2010 boat line.

In addition to the above problems, the Sony radio was replaced with one that is not compatible with the remotes!! The shower pump was unsecured and was just wedged between the gas tank and the tansom. The Rockford Fosgate amp powering the tower speakers (when we purchased the boat, the titan tower was swapped for an illusion tower) was never hooked up.

Luckily, CA has a lemon law that includes boats. So we'll see if Malibu will step up and do the right thing on their own, or have to get some blood-sucking lawyer to force Malibu to do the right thing!!!

Hopefully your state has a lemon law.

[Baddog]

So, our brand new last year loaded 2008 23LSV (hammerhead and every option but the transom shower) has had constant problems since we bought it. The largest issue is that we have been left stranded 3 times. The last time was a fuel map sensor. The two times before were other sensors but not sure which ones. Our stereo is garbage setting aside the fact that IPODs or the USB options barely work we have to restart it with a paperclip every time we use it. Our LCD displays have gone blank in part and in full. Our dealer stinks and takes little responsability and just keeps chasing problems. We got Malibu involved and it is better but still rests with the dealer since they are local. I wanted to throw this out to everyone for a couple of reasons. Is this at all normal? Has anyone else had such significant problems? We have really lost confidence in this boat and are always nervous bringing friends or family out. The last time we were stranded we were in an oncoming thunder storm. Next, would anyone know what recourse we might have or have any solution ideas for us? We brought an attorney in which certainly got everyones attention but we are essentially waiting around for something to happen again. Not that we want it to, but because the dealer essentially told us it probobly would when we last picked up the boat. I can think of a lot of other ways to spend $75K. Any help or suggestions would be amazingly appreciated.

I am having similiar problems with a 2007 Response LXI SE that was purchased direct from the Merced plant. The boat had been returned to the Merced plant as the original owner was sooooo uphappy and could not fix all the problems. The boat showed 14 hours, but after talking to the original owner, it actually had over 100 hours on the boat!! As part of the never ending problems he had with the boat's performance, the original owner had the local dealer replace the ECM and the hour meter rolled back to 0. Talk about non-disclosure!!

The hh engine has had constant problems including lack of low end torque, and intermittant ZERO oil pressure readings. After Malibu had the boat for 3 months, Malibu said they had replaced the fuel pump and the lack of power/low end torque was fixed. ya right!! The first time out, the perfect pass would not arm, the transmission would not go into drive, and it did not run any better. ANd on top of that, Malibu had left the boat outside for those 3 months and was filthy dirty when it was delivered, with dead flies wedged between the windshield and dash.

With all the hammerhead problems I read about on this site, I wonder is that is part of Malibu's decision to discontinue the hh in their 2010 boat line.

In addition to the above problems, the Sony radio was replaced with one that is not compatible with the remotes!! The shower pump was unsecured and was just wedged between the gas tank and the tansom. The Rockford Fosgate amp powering the tower speakers (when we purchased the boat, the titan tower was swapped for an illusion tower) was never hooked up.

Luckily, CA has a lemon law that includes boats. So we'll see if Malibu will step up and do the right thing on their own, or have to get some blood-sucking lawyer to force Malibu to do the right thing!!!

Hopefully your state has a lemon law.

I'm going to go way out on a limb here and say: "Yes, that's why."

[Chia]

I am having similiar problems with a 2007 Response LXI SE that was purchased direct from the Merced plant. The boat had been returned to the Merced plant as the original owner was sooooo uphappy and could not fix all the problems. The boat showed 14 hours, but after talking to the original owner, it actually had over 100 hours on the boat!! As part of the never ending problems he had with the boat's performance, the original owner had the local dealer replace the ECM and the hour meter rolled back to 0. Talk about non-disclosure!!

The hh engine has had constant problems including lack of low end torque, and intermittant ZERO oil pressure readings. After Malibu had the boat for 3 months, Malibu said they had replaced the fuel pump and the lack of power/low end torque was fixed. ya right!! The first time out, the perfect pass would not arm, the transmission would not go into drive, and it did not run any better. ANd on top of that, Malibu had left the boat outside for those 3 months and was filthy dirty when it was delivered, with dead flies wedged between the windshield and dash.

With all the hammerhead problems I read about on this site, I wonder is that is part of Malibu's decision to discontinue the hh in their 2010 boat line.

In addition to the above problems, the Sony radio was replaced with one that is not compatible with the remotes!! The shower pump was unsecured and was just wedged between the gas tank and the tansom. The Rockford Fosgate amp powering the tower speakers (when we purchased the boat, the titan tower was swapped for an illusion tower) was never hooked up.

Luckily, CA has a lemon law that includes boats. So we'll see if Malibu will step up and do the right thing on their own, or have to get some blood-sucking lawyer to force Malibu to do the right thing!!!

Hopefully your state has a lemon law.

that is a surprising story and is in direct contrast with a lot of stories on this board of how malibu steps up to the plate in situations like this. So does your last line mean you haven't actually had dialogue with malibu about these concerns?

[Bobby Light]

So, our brand new last year loaded 2008 23LSV (hammerhead and every option but the transom shower) has had constant problems since we bought it. The largest issue is that we have been left stranded 3 times. The last time was a fuel map sensor. The two times before were other sensors but not sure which ones. Our stereo is garbage setting aside the fact that IPODs or the USB options barely work we have to restart it with a paperclip every time we use it. Our LCD displays have gone blank in part and in full. Our dealer stinks and takes little responsability and just keeps chasing problems. We got Malibu involved and it is better but still rests with the dealer since they are local. I wanted to throw this out to everyone for a couple of reasons. Is this at all normal? Has anyone else had such significant problems? We have really lost confidence in this boat and are always nervous bringing friends or family out. The last time we were stranded we were in an oncoming thunder storm. Next, would anyone know what recourse we might have or have any solution ideas for us? We brought an attorney in which certainly got everyones attention but we are essentially waiting around for something to happen again. Not that we want it to, but because the dealer essentially told us it probobly would when we last picked up the boat. I can think of a lot of other ways to spend $75K. Any help or suggestions would be amazingly appreciated.

I am having similiar problems with a 2007 Response LXI SE that was purchased direct from the Merced plant. The boat had been returned to the Merced plant as the original owner was sooooo uphappy and could not fix all the problems. The boat showed 14 hours, but after talking to the original owner, it actually had over 100 hours on the boat!! As part of the never ending problems he had with the boat's performance, the original owner had the local dealer replace the ECM and the hour meter rolled back to 0. Talk about non-disclosure!!

The hh engine has had constant problems including lack of low end torque, and intermittant ZERO oil pressure readings. After Malibu had the boat for 3 months, Malibu said they had replaced the fuel pump and the lack of power/low end torque was fixed. ya right!! The first time out, the perfect pass would not arm, the transmission would not go into drive, and it did not run any better. ANd on top of that, Malibu had left the boat outside for those 3 months and was filthy dirty when it was delivered, with dead flies wedged between the windshield and dash.

With all the hammerhead problems I read about on this site, I wonder is that is part of Malibu's decision to discontinue the hh in their 2010 boat line.

In addition to the above problems, the Sony radio was replaced with one that is not compatible with the remotes!! The shower pump was unsecured and was just wedged between the gas tank and the tansom. The Rockford Fosgate amp powering the tower speakers (when we purchased the boat, the titan tower was swapped for an illusion tower) was never hooked up.

Luckily, CA has a lemon law that includes boats. So we'll see if Malibu will step up and do the right thing on their own, or have to get some blood-sucking lawyer to force Malibu to do the right thing!!!

Hopefully your state has a lemon law.

I'm going to go way out on a limb here and say: "Yes, that's why."

I will go the other way and say it probably had nothing to do with problems with the motor. Statistically speaking I'd guess the HH didn't have any more issues than the monsoon. I think it has more to do with advances in technology and offerings from GM. They came out with a lightweight powerhouse in the LS3. No longer any issues with dissimilar metals as it's all aluminum and offers more power than what's offered now. I wonder what the upcharge for the LS3 will be for 2010 anyone know?

[jkendallmsce]

So, our brand new last year loaded 2008 23LSV (hammerhead and every option but the transom shower) has had constant problems since we bought it. The largest issue is that we have been left stranded 3 times. The last time was a fuel map sensor. The two times before were other sensors but not sure which ones. Our stereo is garbage setting aside the fact that IPODs or the USB options barely work we have to restart it with a paperclip every time we use it. Our LCD displays have gone blank in part and in full. Our dealer stinks and takes little responsability and just keeps chasing problems. We got Malibu involved and it is better but still rests with the dealer since they are local. I wanted to throw this out to everyone for a couple of reasons. Is this at all normal? Has anyone else had such significant problems? We have really lost confidence in this boat and are always nervous bringing friends or family out. The last time we were stranded we were in an oncoming thunder storm. Next, would anyone know what recourse we might have or have any solution ideas for us? We brought an attorney in which certainly got everyones attention but we are essentially waiting around for something to happen again. Not that we want it to, but because the dealer essentially told us it probobly would when we last picked up the boat. I can think of a lot of other ways to spend $75K. Any help or suggestions would be amazingly appreciated.

I am having similiar problems with a 2007 Response LXI SE that was purchased direct from the Merced plant. The boat had been returned to the Merced plant as the original owner was sooooo uphappy and could not fix all the problems. The boat showed 14 hours, but after talking to the original owner, it actually had over 100 hours on the boat!! As part of the never ending problems he had with the boat's performance, the original owner had the local dealer replace the ECM and the hour meter rolled back to 0. Talk about non-disclosure!!

The hh engine has had constant problems including lack of low end torque, and intermittant ZERO oil pressure readings. After Malibu had the boat for 3 months, Malibu said they had replaced the fuel pump and the lack of power/low end torque was fixed. ya right!! The first time out, the perfect pass would not arm, the transmission would not go into drive, and it did not run any better. ANd on top of that, Malibu had left the boat outside for those 3 months and was filthy dirty when it was delivered, with dead flies wedged between the windshield and dash.

With all the hammerhead problems I read about on this site, I wonder is that is part of Malibu's decision to discontinue the hh in their 2010 boat line.

In addition to the above problems, the Sony radio was replaced with one that is not compatible with the remotes!! The shower pump was unsecured and was just wedged between the gas tank and the tansom. The Rockford Fosgate amp powering the tower speakers (when we purchased the boat, the titan tower was swapped for an illusion tower) was never hooked up.

Luckily, CA has a lemon law that includes boats. So we'll see if Malibu will step up and do the right thing on their own, or have to get some blood-sucking lawyer to force Malibu to do the right thing!!!

Hopefully your state has a lemon law.

I'm going to go way out on a limb here and say: "Yes, that's why."

I will go the other way and say it probably had nothing to do with problems with the motor. Statistically speaking I'd guess the HH didn't have any more issues than the monsoon. I think it has more to do with advances in technology and offerings from GM. They came out with a lightweight powerhouse in the LS3. No longer any issues with dissimilar metals as it's all aluminum and offers more power than what's offered now. I wonder what the upcharge for the LS3 will be for 2010 anyone know?

Indmar/Malibu is continuing the hh, but will only be in the Axis boats. Malibu is going with the LS3 engine as a replacement for the hh.

[Bobby Light]

There goes malibus price point boat.