Search the Community

Trying to wrap my mind around the different engine options. In the process of shopping for a 2014-2018 23LSV but want to make sure I understand the engine details. From what it appears 2014 has the 350 GM engine that is quieter than the 6.2L? I have read that the 350 could be a little under powered when using surf gates, could I get a 2nd opinion on that? 2015-19? they were putting mostly the 6.2L Monsoon made by indmar, but is a Ford Raptor engine? Wanting to confirm this. After reading threads it seems there there is a group that deems these louder and causes more problems but not seeing any consistent problems. Could someone provide more input? Is the 6.2L Monsoon something to stay away from? M6di is when they switch back to a GM engine? Any insight in moving away from the raptor engine while it seems other manufactures were continuing to run the raptor engines? Would appreciate any help to clarify anything related to these engines as I want to ensure I know exactly what I am buying.

Troubleshooting intermittent surf gate issues on 2017 Vtx. I’ve had the surf gate work for a few passes then get stuck out. Usually this is combined with the error about the reed switch being open/fault. We’ve been able to work around it by either switching from surf right to surf left and back. Worst case we’ve used the bypass valve to reset surf gate. After some research and finally being able to get a new actuator with said reed switch I replaced the actuator. I went to test it using first the calibration function to make sure the “in” setting was stored. I then went to hit service mode and the gate locked out, wouldn’t retract, and reported an error on the screen. I’m stuck now, not sure if a full reset to factory settings might help? Could it be relay pack? Is there something I’m missing?

I have a 2013 vlx 21 Wakesetter and I had to replace the bottom right lcd unit. I can control everything through this unit that I am supposed to be able to like start stop blower bilge but I cannot control the surf gate and power wedge. How do I sync the gates and the wedge?

Hi everyone. I am in the market for a new(er) surf boat. I previously owned a 2006 Malibu. We are now into surfing but still cruise and tube. I'm focusing on 2013-2018 21-23 foot boats, primarily 23LSV though, and have one of interest, but it's a 2013, as well as another that is a 2015. My primary question is this --- has the surf gate and surf system improved alot every year? Would I go wrong with a 2013 vs. a 2015, or should I really go for even newer? I just want a good and reliable surf wave, with minimal fuss. If there are differences, any explanation would be great. Thanks!

I had some trouble with my surf gate on 2017 Malibu LSV 25" and wanted to share my experience. I am a long drive from nearest service center so do most of work myself. Had intermittent dysfunction of port surf gate for awhile then one day it quit working all together and I had a "bad reed switch on left side" warning on screen. First of all the nomenclature is not good. To try and explain. The surf right button kicks out the port side surf gate (left as you are looking forward). The computer names the port surf gate as "left" and starboard surf gate as "right". That took awhile to figure out. The hydraulic pump that actuates the surf gate is pretty easy to remove. Bolt on/off. The wires go through the hull with a gromet. see pics Inside the boat you can trace the wire after you pull back a little carpet from the back wall. There are two big wires and two very small ones. The big wires are the power source to the electric hydraulic pump. The small wires go to the reed switch. A reed switch is a simple position sensing device. The small wires are attached to a magnet and there is a magnet on one end of the rod that moves in and out of the hydraulic pump (and that moves the surf gate). When the magnet from the hydraulic pump rod is in close proximity to the magnet on the reed switch it activates a small electric signal through the small wires allowing the computer to know the surf gate is closed (or open) (I'm not sure which). At any rate that is how the computer knows if the surf gate is open or closed. Many of the failures are related to a wire nut that hold tight the wires as they go though the hull. If it is tightened too much it will fracture the small reed switch wires (black and red) I bought a new unit and put it in and was going again in about 24 hours. The service reps at Water Ski America (Dallas) and Texas Malibu were great to help me on phone. I used my volt meter, smart son in law (diesel mechanic), and a magnet to trouble shoot the reed switch. I was able to determine that the small wire was broken where the wire nut had kinked it. We put in new wire and now I have a back up functioning unit.