Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Owner'S Manual

Page: 261 / 309

after
starting
the engine
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 247
Check for Odors,
Particularly from Exhaust
Emissions
As before starting, an unexpected or strong
odor can be the first sign of leakage. Both exhaust
and fuel leaks have distinctive odors and should
never be ignored. If either is present, do not start
the engine until the source of the odor has been
determined and corrected.
Because gasoline is
highly flammable
and vapors are
more dangerous
than the actual liquid fuel, never introduce flame,
spark or electrical ignition into an unknown source of a fuel emission or leak.
Always verify the source of and correct any leakages prior to use of the boat.
Be Certain the Battery Registers as
Fully Charged and there is Sufficient
Fuel for the Outing
Depending on the model, battery voltage and fuel levels are registered either
on a gauge or on the video screen. (See Dashes and Video Screen information
elsewhere in this Owner’s Manual for details.)
In verifying the battery charge, look for a reading around 13 volts, but no
lower than 10.5 volts or higher than 16 volts. Erratic readings are usually a sign
of low voltage or loose connection(s). Even if the reading appears correct, if
there were any symptoms of voltage insufficiency or error during a previous
outing, check with an authorized Malibu dealer before undertaking another
outing. You do not want to become stranded with a dead battery away from the
dock.
The current boat models are equipped with a low-voltage alarm. Even with
a fully charged battery on-board, it is possible to discharge so much that the
boat becomes disabled. If running the stereo components with the engine
OFF, periodically check the voltage reading to ascertain how much has been
discharged. To avoid difficulties in re-starting the engine, the system will shut
off the stereo and sound an alarm if the voltage level falls below 10.5 volts. The
alarm will continue for approximately two (2) minutes to allow everyone out of
the water around the transom, and the boat operator to restart the engine to
allow the engine alternator to recharge the battery.
As noted above, do not attempt to jump-start a dead battery. This is not only
dangerous but puts undue stress on the boat engine’s alternator, which may
cause it to fail. This is not covered under warranty.