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Sunsetter LX Info/tips


CaptCactus

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Greetings everyone, new member here.  

Found my next boat, a late 90’s Sunsetter LX. Looks to be in good shape and a good fit for our growing family. Doing a sea trial with the dealer before I finalize the purchase. 

I’ve purchased many boats over the years, so familiar with the basic shakedowns and items to test/inspect. (Which is everything! 😀)

Anything special I should be on the lookout for with this boat?  How should I inspect the HDS box?  Any thoughts on the 1998 Monsoon 320hp(?) fuel injected motor? Etc etc. 

Thanks for your insight and help in advance. I look forward to contributing to the forums. 

Edited by CaptCactus
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Any Sunsetter LX owners out there with opinions, tips, info or thoughts for me?

I thought a 1st post about a legit purchase of a Malibu would draw some interest.... 

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I bought a '98 two summers ago - we've loved the boat.  I am fortunate not to have any HDS box issues (knock wood).  I can only add to check the usual stuff -  mostly age type of things around plug, wires, dist cap, rotor, filters. -  and of course, how solid the pylon is.   I did have my alternator go out this past summer w/ about 550 hours on the boat.  Replace my oil pressure sender to fix a fluctuation oil pressure gauge.

Regarding the Monsoon - check the fuel rail cross connects - if they are solid stainless - you'll probably want to replace that with the stainless/rubber replacements.  It's a common issue where what can be best described as a "fuel hammer" (yes similar to water hammer in your houses plumbing), that causes a "flat spot" in your throttle response....you keep adding more throttle, and don't getting any more speed,  then it clears and you accelerate beyond what you're trying to land at.  I didn't discover it until I added perfect pass - and I couldn't maintain a steady 32 mph - it would surge above and below that set point.  Changed out the cross connects and it pretty much fixed the problem.

These are the items

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Malibu-Boat-Or-Other-Indmar-Fuel-Hose-Cross-Over-S786129/151104872090?epid=1529624119&hash=item232e8d5e9a:g:6wcAAOxytbBSEpOy&vxp=mtr

 

There are a number of posts on how to check the HDS box if you search here.  

 

Have fun!

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9 minutes ago, DonT said:

I bought a '98 two summers ago - we've loved the boat.  I am fortunate not to have any HDS box issues (knock wood).  I can only add to check the usual stuff -  mostly age type of things around plug, wires, dist cap, rotor, filters. -  and of course, how solid the pylon is.   I did have my alternator go out this past summer w/ about 550 hours on the boat.  Replace my oil pressure sender to fix a fluctuation oil pressure gauge.

Regarding the Monsoon - check the fuel rail cross connects - if they are solid stainless - you'll probably want to replace that with the stainless/rubber replacements.  It's a common issue where what can be best described as a "fuel hammer" (yes similar to water hammer in your houses plumbing), that causes a "flat spot" in your throttle response....you keep adding more throttle, and don't getting any more speed,  then it clears and you accelerate beyond what you're trying to land at.  I didn't discover it until I added perfect pass - and I couldn't maintain a steady 32 mph - it would surge above and below that set point.  Changed out the cross connects and it pretty much fixed the problem.

These are the items

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Malibu-Boat-Or-Other-Indmar-Fuel-Hose-Cross-Over-S786129/151104872090?epid=1529624119&hash=item232e8d5e9a:g:6wcAAOxytbBSEpOy&vxp=mtr

 

There are a number of posts on how to check the HDS box if you search here.  

 

Have fun!

Thank you very much! 

Really appreciate the info. Mine is a 1998 as well. 

Edited by CaptCactus
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On 2/7/2018 at 3:49 PM, DonT said:

Nice!  Congratulations

 

Thanks!  

Here’s a little video of the seatrial. Not bad weather for February... 😎

Hope this works. 

 

 

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On 2/7/2018 at 5:11 PM, CaptCactus said:

Update-  Well, she ran like a top yesterday. Wrote the check and shes mine now. Great little boat! 

I currently own two Sunsetters. I just couldn't get rid of the first one. The only boat more reliable is my newer one. Both are the go-to boat in our posse. We got a ton of boats.

Steve B.

quick edit:  Forgot to say Welcome !  and Congratulations !

 

Edited by Steve B.
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