Malibu Boats M235 2018, Owner'S Manual

Page: 105 / 200

Basic Electrical Components
All major boat circuits are protected from shorting and overload by resettable circuit breakers. If a problem develops with one of
the circuits, switch OFF the circuit and wait about one (1) minute. Then push the appropriate breaker button fully and switch on the
circuit. If the circuit continues to trip, there is a problem somewhere in the system. Take your boat to an authorized Malibu dealer to
locate and safely correct the issue.
If a circuit breaker continues to trip, do not hold the breaker in position to activate the electrical circuit. See an
authorized Malibu dealer immediately to locate and correct the issue before operating the boat.
The circuit breaker panel is located on the driver’s helm panel. Circuit breakers are preferable in most instances because they are
resettable, unlike fuses that require replacement.
Because of the electrical requirements to make the Malibu boat an enjoyable experience, most models are equipped with two (2)
batteries. The batteries are located beneath the observer seat in all models. The optional
battery ON-OFF switch is located in a panel behind a door on the port side of the walk-
through between the bow and center deck.
There are four markings on the knob:
• OFF
• 1
• 1 + 2
• 2
OFF means that all power to the battery is shut down. The battery will not be able
to re-charge while in the OFF position. This is the appropriate setting for periods of
inactivity with the boat, unless the boat is in the water. When the boat remains in the
water, it will be necessary for the bilge pumps to periodically and automatically pump
out residual water in the bilge system. Therefore, the bilge pumps will continue to have
and pull power, even when the isolator switch is in the OFF position. This is to prevent
swamping of the boat and potential sinking. Bear in mind that in order for the system
to work, it will drain the battery, and eventually cause the battery to run out of charge.
Therefore, under these circumstances, the boat should be started and the engine run
for a sufficient time to allow the voltmeter reading to return to the desired range of at least 13.6 volts. How often and how long the
engine should be run to recharge the battery will vary depending on the type, brand and age of the batteries. The boat owner should
frequently recharge the battery until determining the approximate time period in which the battery retains sufficient charge to
operate the bilge system, and also to start the engine.
If the battery has insufficient charge, use only a battery charger to recharge the battery, or remove the battery and take it to an
authorized Malibu dealer or auto parts store that has the appropriate facilities to safely recharge the battery. If the boat is out of the
water and/or in storage, OFF is the setting for the battery switch.
If the battery switch is in the OFF position, the automatic bilge system will continue to operate to prevent potential
swamping of the boat. This could result in a drain on the battery after an extended period of time. The only
manner in which the automatic bilge system is OFF is to disconnect the battery cables from the batteries or remove
the batteries. Unless the boat has been removed from the water, Malibu does not recommend disconnecting the
automatic bilge system.
Inside the battery is an electrolyte fluid that allows the chemical reaction to provide power. The fluid is comprised
of several components, one of which is sulfuric acid. As with most acids, this is caustic and corrosive. If it comes in
contact with skin, immediately flush the area with copious amounts of fresh, clean water. Follow up with medical
assistance.
Malibu Owners Manual • 2018 • Dashes and Video Screens • Page 3-36