Hammerhead 383 engine

[501Brandon]

Is there something wrong with this engine in general that would have someone look at a different boat because they fear the reliability in the engine? Are there rumors out there I haven't heard? I have 397 hours on mine and have had no issues. In fact the only thing I don't like is it seems like it runs rich and with the wind just right it stinks in the boat from exhaust... I have been around other boats that seem the same way so don't think its an issue. I'm curious more than anything, but that was a reason I got from a potential buyer.

[MISkier]

Probably the only thing would be higher oil consumption (requiring more attentive monitoring) than the Monsoon. That could be the affecting the exhaust smell as well. Indmar said that the oil consumption was expected and is a result of the design for high performance. I know that there was some sort of issue with inaccurate dipsticks, as well. I haven't heard of any real reliability issue.

[501Brandon]

Thanks @MISkier... I do recall a dipstick issue. I believe they put in a different one right when I got the boat.

[Ed_Obermeier]

There was a pretty detailed discussion of the Hammerhead on the Malibu Owners Forum (www.themalibucrew.com/forums/) a couple years back, can probably search it on that site.

[Intheday]

Could be the disclaimer that you have to sign when you buy a new one. Think it was something about high performance rough idle etc