Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

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Fuel Fill
Malibu boats are equipped with fuel fill fittings and vents to provide state-of-the-
art safety protection in the process of adding fuel to the tank. While most of the fuel
system on the boat is inaccessible to owners/operators, the fuel fill was designed to
ensure the process of fueling is as safe as possible, and efficient.
Fuel fills are located on each side of the boat toward the aft on the boats. It does not
matter which side is used in the filling process. Both fills lead to a single fuel tank. Fills
were installed as a convenience on both sides because consumers may be limited in
options for reaching fuel pumps at the dock.
There should be no spit-back or overfill at land-based gas stations in North America.
However, the requirements that eliminate those issues are not applicable to some gasoline service stations in
other countries or even at some marinas in North America. Therefore, care should always be taken while fueling
the boat. Do not stand too close to the fuel fill location in case some fuel is expelled from the pressurized system.
You may also hear an audible release of air pressure when opening the cap. Pay attention to ensure that gasoline
is entering only into the boat’s fuel fill and not spilling or running outside the fuel fill.
Note that the first time the boat’s fuel tank is filled, the process may seem slow. This is because fuel is displac
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ing air that was in the tank. After the first full tank, filling should proceed at approximately the same pace as one
would expect in filling land-based vehicles.
Gasoline is extremely flammable. Under some conditions, particularly those
that allow fuel fumes to accumulate in enclosed areas, gas can be explosive
as well. Avoid smoking while filling the gas tank or allowing any sparks in
the area. Never run the boat engine while filling the gas tank. If any gas is
spilled, clean it up with clean rags and dispose of properly on land.
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 150