The name may be a bit complicated, but Malibu’s new LCD control panels aim to simplify the use of all of the primary and secondary accessories and features on 2008 Malibu models. By completely replacing the physical rocker switches used in past Malibu’s with large, easy to read LCD panels, Malibu has created a control system that can adapt depending on what features you’re adjusting.
The new switches make use of physical buttons across the bottom of the each large LCD display panel to allow for finger-tip adjustment without taking your eyes off the water. The new switch plates are also integrated with the new Malibu/Rockford Fosgate stereo, which eliminates the additional Sony remote that has been installed at the dash. It’s now possible to adjust the stereo without reaching for the headunit, and without removing your attention from the water ahead.
What will probably be the most exciting feature for most people is the ability to store pre-sets that specify the level of each ballast tank, position of the Power Wedge, speed and stereo settings. At the push of the button it’s now possible to pull up the perfect setup for wakesurfing, wakeboarding or cruising across the lake. We can’t wait to play around with this the first chance we get.
(Merced, CA) – Dim the lights, crank the tunes, heat things up and customize your wake. You can do all of this in just about any 2008 Malibu boat without moving your fingers more than a couple inches. The new LCD switch panels from Malibu offer these functions as well as the ability to set rider preferences that can be recalled in the in-dash LCD and initiated with just the push of a button. Even with this level of functionality, Malibu has reduced wiring complexity, the number of connections and the length of wire used in each boat.
Malibu’s new Multiplexed Graphical Display Switches, as they are technically known, illuminate and dim independent of the interior lighting. These new switches can also customize your interior light levels by dimming and brightening on cue. This theatre-style lighting is another customizable feature Malibu is introducing for 2008.
The new available Malibu-Rockford Fosgate® Sound System can be controlled through the new switch panels. There is no extra remote, no taking your eyes off the water ahead to find the stereo receiver. It’s all right there at the dash.
The LCD switch panels can also control other optional equipment like heaters, seat heaters and more. The Patented Power Wedge can also be deployed, retracted and adjusted with the LCD switch panels. The wake can be adjusted Malibu Launch System (MLS) and monitored with the Ballast Monitoring System (BMS) the at the switch panel.
Malibu took rider functionality a step further with Rider Presets. These are profiles that can be programmed to give you the exact session you are looking for. If Chad Sharpe wants to set his wake specifically for a new move he is working on, he can design and then call up his saved “New Move” Preset. His Malibu will respond by setting the Power Wedge, MLS and Precision Pro Speed Control to his customized profile’s specifications. But if unlike Sharpe you don’t know what your optimum profile settings are, you can choose one of Malibu’s Factory Presets to try.
And if this wasn’t enough functionality for a switch panel to exude, the Malibu LCD switch panels are available in the lounge of the new Wakesetter 23 XTi, Wakesetter 23 LSV and Sunscape 23 LSV. You don’t have to be in the driver’s seat to get all of this control.
So what do you think, are these new switch plates an improvement, or just a more complex solution to a problem that didn’t exist? Let us know in the comments!
July 6th, 2007 at 8:41 am
What happens when the fancy new control unit gets wet and shorts out? How much does it cost to replace out of warranty? Malibu can’t even get ignition switches to work reliably. Sure does look cool, but having to spend a couple grand three years into your boat to be able to use the stereo, fill tanks, move the wedge will bite! Can you still order the traditional system? I never had much problem keeping my eyes on the water and adjusting the stereo. Not to mention the old ballast switches are $30 or so to replace.
July 6th, 2007 at 8:56 am
I have the same concerns about the new electronics that are being incorporated into the boats. At the same time, one could raise the same concerns about the engine ECU, and what happens when it gets wet and fails. Obviously Malibu has learned how to prevent that from happening, so let’s hope they’ve applied those same lessons to the new switch plates (and other electrical dash components).
It does not look like it will be possible to get the old switches, at least not from the factory (unless you order a Ride series boat).