Which engine ?
 

So after trying to find a smaller boat so we could sell our truck and tow it it with our Expedition and to get a better wake then our 2004 Ski Supreme Sky Supreme V230 we have decided to just look for and probably buy a 2004 Malibu Wake setter LSV but I would like to know first what engine I should look for the boat to have my options are either the 340 hp monsoon, the 375 hp LS1, or the 380 hp hammerhead the boat will be used in Lake Tahoe 2 weeks a year and the rest of the time in Lake Sonoma. We will probably be using just Stock Ballast and have about 10 people in the boat when we are up in Tahoe but we will only be having about 4 to 5 people in the boat when we are at Lake Sonoma. So what engine would be best for what we do and where we will be using it.

10 people plus Tahoe altitude= all the horsepower you can get.

Pretty sure they offered the 8.1L motor in 2004 too. That's the one you want for sure.

hey look, this 8.1L LSV is nearby too: http://redding.craigslist.org/boa/4782460068.html

Drop 20% off the rated power when you are at 5000', so that 380 hp Hammerhead at Tahoe has a lot less power than a Monsoon does at Lake Sonoma. An extra prop for Tahoe would be a good idea too. 1 or two inch lower pitch at least.

I second the 8.1 option in the LSV

You could have your man card pulled for asking a question like that. You ALWAYS go with the most HP you can get.

Drive to Redding as fast as you can. Problem solved. Man Card Tight IN Wallet.

A 350 Chevy is a 350 Chevy is a 350 Chevy. They're good reliable engines but not exactly big on torque. 10 people + ballast I'd be wanting a big block. I'd wager your three small block options 340-380 HP are even closer in torque than HP. Even the lowest output small block would be fine if you prop it appropriately but the less torque the engine puts out the more MPH you sacrifice and the higher RPM you'll run. Plan for the heaviest you'll run.