Malibu Boats Response TXi User manual

malibu boats, llc
 tennessee   australia
5075 Kimberly Way 813 Hope Court
Loudon, TN 37774 Albury, N.S.W. 2640
[phone] (02) 6040-1174 2020 Owners Manual
2020 Owners Manual

Operating, service and maintaining a
recreational marine vessel can expose you to
chemicals including engine exhaust,
carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which
are known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing
exhaust, service your vessel in a well-ventilated
area and wear gloves or wash your hands
frequently when servicing this vessel. For more
information go to
www.P65warnings.ca.gov/marine.

Congratulations on your purchase of a new high-performance recreational tow boat! Your Malibu Boat (“Malibu”) boat by
Malibu Boats LLC has been constructed to meet and/or exceed all U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and National Marine Manufacturers
Association (NMMA) requirements applicable at the time of its manufacture. However, it is still your responsibility as the boat
owner to ensure the boat is operated in a safe manner and is properly maintained.
Prior to operating the boat for the rst time, you must carefully read and familiarize yourself with this Owner’s
Manual and all on-product safety labels. You must also agree to comply with Federal, State and Local Boating
Regulations.
This manual contains important information on Boating Safety, Boating Rules, Proper Operation and Maintenance of your boat.
This manual provides a guideline for proper operation and maintenance of your boat, and you should consider
it a permanent part of your vessel. In the event that this boat is sold, this manual should be included along
with the boat to ensure that it will provide the same
important information to the next owner.
2020 Owner’s Manual

about your new boat
Malibu is proud to provide you with the most exciting, cutting-edge technology available in the towing-boat
industry. The boat you have purchased represents the state of the art at the time of manufacture. As you may expect
from the industry’s leader since 1982, Malibu expands and innovates continually. As a result, updated product or
specications may be introduced during any given model year. Malibu reserves the right to introduce new product or
changes to existing model lines without notication or incurring responsibility to make the same changes to boats in
the market completed prior to the date of change.
This Owner’s Manual has been compiled to address as many potential issues and questions as may arise in
addition to explaining how to operate the boat and its systems correctly and safely as possible to ensure long-term
and enjoyable use. However, Malibu cannot anticipate every potential situation that can arise, aecting the care and
protection of your boat, nor every circumstance that could arise in the operation or care of the boat when not in use.
Malibu strongly recommends reading any and all additional information provided by component manufacturers’
and supplied with the boat at time of purchase. Also check out websites for Malibu and its component manufacturers
periodically to stay abreast of any changes, updates, service bulletins and general information. Malibu will use these
various methods of communication, from this Owner’s Manual and including, but not limited to, direct mail contact
and website updates, to make every reasonable eort to apprise you of the information you will need to continue
long-term and highly satisfactory use of your boat.
about this owner’smanual
The recommended practices and warnings in this manual represent sound advice for recreational boating and
identify common risks encountered by boaters engaging in towed watersport activities. Read and understand the
contents of this manual. Ask questions of a boating professional if anything in this manual does not make sense
to you. The manual does not cover all instances of risk or danger, so please use common sense and good judgment
when boating. If you follow the advice provided in this manual you will signicantly reduce risk to yourself, your
passengers, towed participants, and other boaters.
This manual is not intended to be a substitute for taking a course on boating safety nor is it a substitute for
boating experience. It is recommended that if you are unfamiliar with the use and operation of a boat you seek advice
and training from a qualied individual or organization. Check with your local marine law enforcement agency or
dealer for more information about boating safety classes in your area.
The precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive. If a procedure or method is not
specically recommended, YOU must be satised that it is safe for you and your passengers, and that the boat will not
be damaged or made unsafe as a result of your decision. Remember - always use caution and common sense when
operating and maintaining your boat!

2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page iv
table of contents
Safety
Embracing Safety..............................................................................................................................................4
Signal Words and Symbols Used in This Manual................................................................................... 4
Basic Safety Rules.............................................................................................................................................4
Pre-Operation Check List–Before Leaving the Dock ........................................................................... 5
Precautions While Underway....................................................................................................................... 6
Safety While Maintaining the Vessel.......................................................................................................... 8
Owner Responsibility and Boating Education....................................................................................9
Important Safety Information......................................................................................................................9
Responsibilities of Boat Owner and Operators ..................................................................................... 9
Registration ......................................................................................................................................................10
Insurance...........................................................................................................................................................10
Boating Safety Education Opportunities...............................................................................................11
Operation by Minors and Licensing ........................................................................................................12
Safety and Required Equipment ...............................................................................................................12
Navigation Lights ...........................................................................................................................................12
Emergency Safety Stop Switch .................................................................................................................12
Personal Flotation Devices..........................................................................................................................13
Fire Extinguisher.............................................................................................................................................14
Horn or Whistle ...............................................................................................................................................15
Bilge Pump(s)...................................................................................................................................................15
Visual Distress Signals...................................................................................................................................15
Recommended Safety Equipment...........................................................................................................15
General Boating Safety Topics..................................................................................................................17
Safe Speed ........................................................................................................................................................17
Passenger Safety.............................................................................................................................................17
Carbon Monoxide Safety.............................................................................................................................18
Proper Loading................................................................................................................................................21
Weighting Your Boat During Watersport Activities............................................................................21
Visibility of the Operator..............................................................................................................................22
Boating Under the Inuence......................................................................................................................23
Product Misuse................................................................................................................................................23
Reporting Accidents......................................................................................................................................23
Rendering Assistance ...................................................................................................................................24
Hazardous Conditions ..................................................................................................................................24
Environmental Concerns.............................................................................................................................25
On Product Warning Labels .......................................................................................................................27
Warning Labels and Locations...................................................................................................................27

Basic Rules of the Road ................................................................................................................................31
Boating Regulations......................................................................................................................................31
Encountering Another Vessel ....................................................................................................................31
Privileged Vessel .............................................................................................................................................31
Burdened Vessel .............................................................................................................................................32
Crossing .............................................................................................................................................................32
Meeting Head-On ..........................................................................................................................................32
Overtaking........................................................................................................................................................33
The General Prudential Rule.......................................................................................................................33
Other Rules of the Road...............................................................................................................................33
Aids to Navigation .........................................................................................................................................33
Night Running.................................................................................................................................................36
Watersports Safety.........................................................................................................................................38
Hand Signals ....................................................................................................................................................39
Towed Person Safety Responsibilities.....................................................................................................39
Additional Precautions for Towed Skier/Rider.....................................................................................40
Tow Line Guidelines ......................................................................................................................................42
Fallen Skier or Rider.......................................................................................................................................42
Develop Water Sense....................................................................................................................................42
Emergency Procedures ................................................................................................................................45
Explosion and Fire..........................................................................................................................................45
Explosion...........................................................................................................................................................45
Fire .......................................................................................................................................................................45
Swamping and Flooding .............................................................................................................................46
Capsizing...........................................................................................................................................................46
Staying Aoat ..................................................................................................................................................46
Collisions ...........................................................................................................................................................46
Grounding.........................................................................................................................................................47
Person Overboard..........................................................................................................................................47
Drowning ..........................................................................................................................................................48
Medical Emergency.......................................................................................................................................48
Operation Failure............................................................................................................................................48
Towing................................................................................................................................................................48
Quick Reference Guide
Response TXi ..................................................................................................................................................52
Wakesetter 20VTX .......................................................................................................................................54
Wakesetter 21MLX.......................................................................................................................................56
Wakesetter 21VLX .......................................................................................................................................58
Wakesetter 22LSV........................................................................................................................................60
Wakesetter 23LSV........................................................................................................................................62
Wakesetter 25LSV........................................................................................................................................64
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page v

Wakesetter 22MXZ ......................................................................................................................................66
Wakesetter 23MXZ ......................................................................................................................................68
Wakesetter 24MXZ ......................................................................................................................................70
Recommended Seating.............................................................................................................................72
Dashes & Video Screens
Dashes and Video Screens
Malibu Operating System ...........................................................................................................................76
Engine Start Code ..........................................................................................................................................76
12” Center Display..........................................................................................................................................77
Speed/Tach Swap...........................................................................................................................................77
Home Mode .....................................................................................................................................................77
Docking Mode.................................................................................................................................................77
Night Mode ......................................................................................................................................................78
Depth Screen...................................................................................................................................................78
Surf Gate Control............................................................................................................................................78
Power Wedge Control...................................................................................................................................79
Preset Screen ...................................................................................................................................................79
Media Screen ..................................................................................................................................................81
Speed Control .................................................................................................................................................82
Call Alerts ..........................................................................................................................................................83
7” Controls Display.........................................................................................................................................83
Controls Screen...............................................................................................................................................83
Stereo Screen...................................................................................................................................................84
Advanced Lighting Controls .....................................................................................................................86
Android Apps...................................................................................................................................................88
Settings Menu .................................................................................................................................................88
System Settings ..............................................................................................................................................88
Backlighting .....................................................................................................................................................89
Language ..........................................................................................................................................................89
Appearance ......................................................................................................................................................89
Conguration...................................................................................................................................................89
Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................................................90
Connection.......................................................................................................................................................90
Optional Joystick Controller (Sport Dash).............................................................................................90
TXi Standard Gauges and Screen............................................................................................................91
Gauges .............................................................................................................................................................. 91
Keypad ...............................................................................................................................................................92
Center Screen ..................................................................................................................................................92
Cruise Screen ...................................................................................................................................................92
Engine Screen..................................................................................................................................................92
Depth Screen...................................................................................................................................................92
Alerts...................................................................................................................................................................93
Warnings............................................................................................................................................................93
Lights Menu .....................................................................................................................................................93
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page vi

Settings Menu .................................................................................................................................................94
Video Screens ..................................................................................................................................................95
Engine Start Code ..........................................................................................................................................95
Gauge View and Speed Control................................................................................................................95
Night Mode ......................................................................................................................................................96
Speed Control Operation ............................................................................................................................96
Stereo Screen...................................................................................................................................................96
Media Screen ...................................................................................................................................................99
PDF Viewer and Video Player .....................................................................................................................99
Rear Camera.....................................................................................................................................................99
Controls Screen...............................................................................................................................................99
Settings Screen ...............................................................................................................................................99
Maps Screen.................................................................................................................................................. 101
3-in-1 Event Screen ..................................................................................................................................... 104
Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 104
Navigation Features ................................................................................................................................... 104
GPS Information .......................................................................................................................................... 105
Zero O GPS Speed Control .................................................................................................................... 105
Three Event Information........................................................................................................................... 105
Auto Detect ................................................................................................................................................... 109
Pull Type.......................................................................................................................................................... 110
Plus (+) Factor............................................................................................................................................... 110
Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................................................................. 110
Basic Electrical Components .................................................................................................................. 111
Circuit Breakers ............................................................................................................................................ 111
Engine Fuse Box........................................................................................................................................... 111
Electrical Harnesses and Wiring............................................................................................................. 112
Batteries.......................................................................................................................................................... 112
Connecting/Disconnecting Batteries .................................................................................................. 112
Battery Maintenance.................................................................................................................................. 113
Battery Charger............................................................................................................................................ 113
Engine Sensors............................................................................................................................................. 116
Other Electrical Components................................................................................................................. 117
12-Volt Receptacle ....................................................................................................................................... 117
Wireless Charging........................................................................................................................................ 117
Port Rear Breaker Board............................................................................................................................ 117
Surf Band........................................................................................................................................................ 118
Alarms ............................................................................................................................................................. 118
Malibu Monsoon Engines, Transmissions & V-Drives
Malibu Monsoon Engines, Transmissions & V-Drives ..................................................................... 122
Safety............................................................................................................................................................... 122
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page vii

General Information................................................................................................................................... 123
Serial Number............................................................................................................................................... 123
Engine Specications................................................................................................................................. 124
Engine Coolant............................................................................................................................................. 124
Engine Oil....................................................................................................................................................... 124
Transmission Fluid....................................................................................................................................... 125
V-Drive Oil ...................................................................................................................................................... 125
Hydraulic Steering Fluid ........................................................................................................................... 125
Fuel Filter........................................................................................................................................................ 125
Maintenance Schedule.............................................................................................................................. 125
California Emissions Information......................................................................................................... 126
General Emissions Information.............................................................................................................. 127
Star Label........................................................................................................................................................ 128
Additional Information, Including Warranty ..................................................................................... 128
Monsoon Engine Support Systems ..................................................................................................... 129
Malibu Fuel System.....................................................................................................................................129
Fuel Information.......................................................................................................................................... 131
Electrical System.......................................................................................................................................... 133
Alarms ............................................................................................................................................................. 133
Cooling System ............................................................................................................................................ 133
Exhaust System............................................................................................................................................ 136
Break-In Period—All Boats...................................................................................................................... 138
Vapor Lock ..................................................................................................................................................... 140
Transmissions & V-Drives ......................................................................................................................... 141
Transmissions................................................................................................................................................ 141
V-Drives........................................................................................................................................................... 141
How It Works
Safety First ...................................................................................................................................................... 144
Fire Extinguishing Equipment................................................................................................................ 144
Emergency Engine Stop Switch............................................................................................................. 145
Lighting........................................................................................................................................................... 146
Tie-Ups ............................................................................................................................................................ 147
Horn ................................................................................................................................................................. 149
Mirror............................................................................................................................................................... 149
Ladder ............................................................................................................................................................. 149
Fuel Fill ............................................................................................................................................................ 150
Interior Performance................................................................................................................................... 151
Steering Wheel............................................................................................................................................. 151
Shifter/Throttle............................................................................................................................................. 152
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page viii

2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page ix
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) ........................................................................................................... 153
Pylon(s) ........................................................................................................................................................... 154
Sport Dash ..................................................................................................................................................... 154
Interior Luxury .............................................................................................................................................. 155
Stereo Components ................................................................................................................................... 155
Rear and/or Dock Camera........................................................................................................................ 155
Seating ............................................................................................................................................................ 156
Heated and/or Powered Driver’s Seat.................................................................................................. 157
Armrests ......................................................................................................................................................... 158
Glove Box ....................................................................................................................................................... 158
Storage Compartments ............................................................................................................................ 159
Removable Cooler....................................................................................................................................... 160
Removable Trash Receptacle .................................................................................................................. 160
Cup Holders................................................................................................................................................... 161
Carpets and Soft Grip................................................................................................................................. 161
Cockpit Table ................................................................................................................................................ 161
Grab Handles ................................................................................................................................................ 162
Heater.............................................................................................................................................................. 162
Tower, Canvas & Accessories................................................................................................................... 163
G3.5 Tower ..................................................................................................................................................... 163
GX Tower......................................................................................................................................................... 164
Tower Accessories ....................................................................................................................................... 165
Bimini Top ...................................................................................................................................................... 166
Icon 8 Speakers or Rev 10 2 or 4 Speakers with Horn .................................................................... 167
G3.5 PTM Clamping Spinner Board Racks or Ski Rack ................................................................... 167
G3.5 Tower Mirror........................................................................................................................................ 168
On and Under the Water........................................................................................................................... 168
Blower System.............................................................................................................................................. 168
Bilge System.................................................................................................................................................. 170
Ballast System............................................................................................................................................... 172
Power Wedge................................................................................................................................................ 173
Surf Gate......................................................................................................................................................... 174
Underwater Gear (Rudder, Fins, Strut, Propeller, Paddlewheel and
Raw-Water Intake/Sea Strainer) ........................................................................................................ 175
Shower ............................................................................................................................................................ 177
Flush Kit .......................................................................................................................................................... 178
Swim Board and Ladders.......................................................................................................................... 179
Salt Water Series .......................................................................................................................................... 180
Trailers
Reporting Safety Defects.......................................................................................................................... 184
Legal Requirements for Towing ............................................................................................................. 184

2020 Malibu Boats LLC• Owner’s Manual • Page x
Basic Safety Rules........................................................................................................................................ 184
Connections to the Tow Vehicle ............................................................................................................ 185
Preparation.................................................................................................................................................... 185
Trailer Hitch.................................................................................................................................................... 186
Safety Cables................................................................................................................................................. 187
Breakaway Cable ......................................................................................................................................... 187
Weight Distribution.................................................................................................................................... 188
How to Connect to the Tow Vehicle ..................................................................................................... 188
Attaching to the Tow Vehicle .................................................................................................................. 188
To Open the Coupler.................................................................................................................................. 189
To Close the Coupler .................................................................................................................................. 189
Hitching Up ................................................................................................................................................... 190
Connecting to the Boat............................................................................................................................. 190
Trailer Winch.................................................................................................................................................. 190
Tie-Downs ...................................................................................................................................................... 191
Trailer Components and How They Function ................................................................................. 192
Trailer Jack...................................................................................................................................................... 192
Removable Guide Poles............................................................................................................................ 193
Lights ............................................................................................................................................................... 193
Axles................................................................................................................................................................. 194
Wheels and Hubs......................................................................................................................................... 195
Lug Nuts ......................................................................................................................................................... 196
Tires .................................................................................................................................................................. 196
Brakes .............................................................................................................................................................. 201
Hand-Parking Brake Option .................................................................................................................... 205
Additional Options...................................................................................................................................... 206
Storage Compartment .............................................................................................................................. 206
Depth Alarm.................................................................................................................................................. 206
Low Clearance Option............................................................................................................................... 206
Towing Advice................................................................................................................................................ 207
Prior to Towing ............................................................................................................................................. 207
Pre-Tow Check List ...................................................................................................................................... 207
Underway....................................................................................................................................................... 207
Launching and Re-Loading the Boat from the Trailer................................................................ 208
Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage .................................................................................................. 211

2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page xi
Get Ready
Get Ready......................................................................................................................................................... 214
Malibu Fuel System..................................................................................................................................... 214
Operations....................................................................................................................................................... 215
Final Checks Before Starting ................................................................................................................... 215
Starting and Operation ............................................................................................................................. 217
Starting the Engine–Wakesetters.......................................................................................................... 217
To Turn OFF–Wakesetters ......................................................................................................................... 218
Starting the Engine–Response and TXi............................................................................................... 218
To Turn OFF-Response and TXi............................................................................................................... 219
Break-In Period............................................................................................................................................. 219
Smart Operations........................................................................................................................................ 220
Stopping......................................................................................................................................................... 220
High Speed Maneuvers............................................................................................................................. 221
Special Conditions ...................................................................................................................................... 221
Towing and Interaction ............................................................................................................................. 221
Anchoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 222
Docking and Tie-Up.................................................................................................................................... 222
Care & Maintenance
On-Going Care............................................................................................................................................... 226
General Cleaning......................................................................................................................................... 226
Canvas ............................................................................................................................................................. 226
Upholstery....................................................................................................................................................... 229
Approved Cleaners for Malibu Upholstery ........................................................................................ 231
Routine Care................................................................................................................................................... 232
Carpets and Soft Grip................................................................................................................................. 232
Swim Board ................................................................................................................................................... 232
Hull and Deck Finishes .............................................................................................................................. 233
Salt Water Care and Maintenance........................................................................................................ 234
Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 234
Stainless Steel, Chrome and Aluminum Components................................................................... 234
Routine Salt Water/Brackish Water Protection ................................................................................. 235
Flush Kit .......................................................................................................................................................... 240
Corrosion in Fresh Water........................................................................................................................... 241
Routine Maintenance................................................................................................................................. 241
Before Starting the Engine...................................................................................................................... 243
Check Coolant Level................................................................................................................................... 243
Inspect the Sea Strainer............................................................................................................................ 243

Check Engine Oil Level.............................................................................................................................. 245
Check the Battery Holders and the Connections ............................................................................ 245
Check for Odors ........................................................................................................................................... 246
After Starting the Engine ......................................................................................................................... 247
Check for Odors, Particularly From Exhaust Emissions.................................................................. 247
Be Certain that the Battery Registers as Fully Charged and
That There Is Sucient Fuel for the Outing ................................................................................ 247
After the Outing ........................................................................................................................................... 248
General Inspection ..................................................................................................................................... 248
Check the Other Components................................................................................................................ 248
Fuel and Battery Usage ............................................................................................................................. 248
After 10 Hours on the Hourmeter ....................................................................................................... 249
Have the Engine Oil Changed by an Authorized Malibu Dealer................................................ 249
Check the Safety Equipment................................................................................................................... 250
After 50 Hours or Annually (whichever comes rst)................................................................... 250
Engine Mounts and Engine Alignment............................................................................................... 250
Exhaust Flap .................................................................................................................................................. 251
Steering System........................................................................................................................................... 251
Shift and Throttle System......................................................................................................................... 251
Battery (ies).................................................................................................................................................... 251
Pumps.............................................................................................................................................................. 252
Coolant System............................................................................................................................................ 252
Oil System ...................................................................................................................................................... 253
Transmission/V-Drive System.................................................................................................................. 254
Hydraulic Steering System....................................................................................................................... 255
Fuel System ................................................................................................................................................... 255
Check the Safety Equipment................................................................................................................... 255
Power Wedge and Surf Gate Manual Extension and Retraction................................................ 256
Salt Water Boats ........................................................................................................................................... 256
Storage and Winterization ...................................................................................................................... 256
Hull Gel Coat ................................................................................................................................................. 257
Extended Non-Use...................................................................................................................................... 257
Lifting the Boat ............................................................................................................................................ 257
Winterizing Boats Equipped with Optional Flush Kit..................................................................... 258
Extended Storage and Winterization................................................................................................... 260
Maintenance Schedule.............................................................................................................................. 263
Warranty
Malibu Boats LLC Limited Warranty......................................................................................................... 266
Warranty Transfer............................................................................................................................................ 278
California and U.S. EPA Emission Control Warranty Statement...................................................... 279
2020 Malibu Boats LLC• Owner’s Manual • Page xii

Troubleshooting the Boat ............................................................................................................... 281
Troubleshooting the Trailer
........................................................................................................ 284
Service Log .................................................................................................................................................. 286
Index .................................................................................................................................................................. 288
2020 Malibu Boats LLC• Owner’s Manual • Page xiii

Safety

embracing
safety
Signal Words and Symbols Used In This Manual
Throughout this manual specic precautions and symbols identify safety-
related information. You will nd DANGER, CAUTION, WARNING, NOTICE
and SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS symbols which require special attention.
Please read them carefully and follow these precautions as indicated! They
will explain how to avoid hazards that may endanger you, your passengers,
towed participants, and other boaters. PLEASE REVIEW ALL SAFETY
INFORMATION.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not
related to physical injury.
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs
indicate specic safety-related instructions
or procedures.
Basic Safety Rules
Make sure you understand all of the operating instructions prior to
attempting to operate this boat. Boating-related accidents are generally
caused by the operator’s failure to follow basic safety rules or written
precautions. Most accidents can be avoided if the operator is completely
familiar with the boat and its operation, follows recommended practices, and
is able to recognize and avoid potentially hazardous situations.
Past accident data shows that most fatalities involve actions which cause
falls or ejections overboard, mishaps with towed persons, propeller strikes,
collisions, and carbon monoxide exposure. Past accident data shows that most
injuries are associated with collisions, mishaps with towed persons, falls or
ejections overboard, being struck by the propeller, and res and explosions. These
incidents are mostly caused by operator inattention, operator inexperience,
reckless operation, alcohol/drug use, excessive speed, passenger or towed person
behavior, and violation of navigation rules.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 4

Failure to observe the safety recommendations contained in this manual may result in severe personal
injury or death to you or to others. Use caution and common sense when operating your boat. Don’t take
unnecessary chances! Basic safety rules are outlined in this section of the manual.
Pre-operation Check List–Before Leaving the Dock
Failure to follow these precautions may result in severe injury or death to
you and/or others.
The operator shall:
• Check that weather conditions are safe for boating. It is the driver’s responsibility to determine if weather or
other factors have created an unsafe boating environment. Boaters must continuously be aware of weather
conditions. Sudden storms, wind, water conditions, lightning, etc., can unexpectedly put boaters in grave
danger. Always check the local weather report before going boating.
• Check that drain plugs are securely in place.
• Check bilge pump, horn, lights, blower and other equipment to verify they are operating properly.
• Verify that the emergency cuto switch lanyard is in proper operating condition and is properly axed to the
driver.
• Check the operation of the steering system. Verify that the steering is operational before launching the boat. If
the boat is already in the water, verify proper steering wheel operation at low speed. Turn the steering wheel
full stop in both directions and verify proper rudder movement. Ensure that there is no binding or stiness in
the steering wheel rotation. Binding and stiness is an indication that the steering needs repair. Failure of the
steering cable will result in loss of control of the boat.
• Ensure that the load of persons, ballast, and equipment is within the limits stated on the USCG Maximum
Capacities Plate and is properly distributed based on instructions in this manual.
• Check that all safety equipment and life jackets, personal otation devices (PFDs), and throwable cushions are
in good condition and suitable for your boat and passenger load.
• Inform all passengers where safety equipment is located and how to use it.
• Have at least one other passenger who is capable of operating the boat safely in case of an emergency.
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE. BEFORE STARTING ENGINE,
OPERATE BLOWER FOR FOUR (4) MINUTES AND CHECK ENGINE
COMPARTMENT BILGE FOR GASOLINE VAPORS.
• It is very important to open the engine cover and check the engine compartment and bilge for liquid gasoline
and gasoline vapors prior to each use of your boat and after refueling. Failure to do so may result in re or
explosion as well as serious injury or death to you and/or others.
• If you see liquid gasoline in the engine compartments/bilge or smell gasoline vapors, DO NOT attempt to
start the engine. Liquid gasoline in the bilge is an extreme re and explosion hazard which may cause injury
or death. Find and x the source of the leakage, remove the liquid gasoline from the bilge. Then ventilate the
engine compartment/bilge and run the blower to remove all gasoline vapors before starting the engine.
• If gasoline vapors persist after running the blower, DO NOT attempt to start the engine. Likely, there is a
gasoline leak that is creating the excessive vapor.
• Always operate blower below cruising speed and after stopping the boat.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 5

Precautions While Underway
Failure to follow these precautions will result in serious injury or death.
The operator shall:
• Check that the area behind the boat is all clear before starting the engine to AVOID PROPELLER INJURY to
persons in the water behind the boat or on the swim platform.
• Turn o the engine prior to anyone occupying the swim platform or being in the water behind the boat to
AVOID PROPELLER INJURY. Being in neutral gear is insucient; the propeller may still be turning, or engine
may be inadvertently shifted into gear.
• Not back the boat toward persons in the water behind the boat to AVOID PROPELLER INJURY.
• Not allow people to be on or near the swim platform or in the water near the swim platform while the engine
is running because CARBON MONOXIDE will exist around the back of the boat when the engine is running.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is a deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
• Not operate the engine in a conned space or while tethered to another vessel as CARBON MONOXIDE will
be around the boats.
• Not go under the boat cover with the engine running or shortly after the engine has been running because
CARBON MONOXIDE may remain under the cover. Remove cover to ventilate the area.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in severe injury or death to
you and/or others.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 6