Malibu Boats M240 2021, Owner'S Manual, Page: 123 / 202

2021 OWNERS MANUAL | How It Works 109
The purpose of the blower system is to vent carbon
monoxide, a naturally occurring by-product of the engine and
drive train operation to remove dangerous carbon monoxide
and other naturally occurring toxic byproducts from the engine
and drive train operation. The emissions primarily are eliminated
through the surf pipe located beneath the swim platform and
transom area of the boat, including WakeView seating and
the sun pads. Therefore, no one should ever be on the swim
platform, transom seating, or sun pads when the engine is
operating.
Always allow the exhaust manifolds to cool before touching
them. The manifolds are on the upper side of the engine
on both sides. Engine operation will result in the manifolds
becoming very hot, and touching could result in burns to the
skin.
The boat is also equipped with a natural air intake that forces
air through a ventilation system on the deck of the boat. At
any time that the engine is in operation, the intake must not be
covered by towels, swimsuits, or anything that inhibits the intake
operation.
With proper maintenance, which is the responsibility of
the boat owner and/or operator, the ventilation system works
efficiently and protects the people onboard from dangerous
fumes. Follow the maintenance requirements as indicated in the
Care and Maintenance section of this manual.
Never operate the boat if you or anyone on board suspects
that the exhaust or fuel system is not performing as designed.
Bilge System
Another critical component in the safe operation of the
boat is a properly functioning bilge system. The bilge is a
void between the deck and hull in which unintended water
accumulates as it is drained from other areas of the boat. It does
not include the water in the ballast system, which is deliberately
added to the boat and must be dealt with separately.
As noted in the Care and Maintenance section of this manual,
the bilge should be routinely checked and drained as necessary.
The automatic function will often keep the system free of excess
water. Too much water in the system can affect the boat’s
handling under operation, and can potentially swamp a boat,
causing damage to other components in the bilge compartment.
There are two bilge pumps in all boats. One pump is in the
center of the boat, directly below the center pie-plate. The
second pump is located at the transom of the boat, aft of the
engine on the starboard side.
Bilge pumps can be turned on manually or automatically. To
turn on the pump manually, use the switch on the MTC screen.
See the Dashes and Video Screens section of this manual for
additional information on operation through the screen. The
bilge pumps are also equipped with a sensor to automatically
trigger instant on if water is sensed around the pump. This
function is always active. The automatic mode will always be
activated, even if the battery isolator switch is turned to the OFF
position. Therefore, be certain the pump is working properly and
there is no kink in the output hose before storing the boat for
long periods of time since the bilge pump will continue to run as
long as it senses water. Otherwise, this could cause a battery to
drain and could ultimately damage the pump over time.
Operators should always check that the drain plugs are
installed and secure prior to every operation.
There will likely be a small amount of water in the bilge at all
times as the pump cannot eliminate 100% of the water. A minor
amount of water is acceptable. However, operators should
monitor bilge water levels through the center access pie plate. In
all models, this hole is located in the center of the deck near the
driver’s helm. It may be under carpet or a mat. It should remain
secure during operation and opened when the boat is stationary
and the engine not running. Be certain to close the pie plate
before operating the boat again. Individuals onboard could trip
DANGER
!
Always operate the blower for several minutes (at least four) prior
to starting the engine, running at a low speed, or at idle. This must
be done with the engine compartment open. Failure to perform this
necessary function could result in an explosion of the accumulated
fumes within the compartment, resulting in serious injury or death.
DANGER
!
Never allow anyone to be on the swim platform, transom seating, or
sun pads when the engine is running. Carbon monoxide fumes are
colorless and odorless. Illness and death can result from breathing
fumes, even before a person is aware of breathing them. See the
Safety section of this manual for more information regarding this
critical matter.
All engines are equipped with catalyst exhaust manifolds that may
produce an unusual odor. This is typical of engines with a catalytic
converter exhaust system. If you are uncertain about any odor, do
not hesitate to contact an authorized Malibu dealer for assistance in
determining the cause and potential for concern.
NOTICE
! WARNING
Drain plugs must always be checked to be certain they are securely
installed prior to every outing and operation. Visual indicators are
not validation that the plugs are installed, but rather serve only as
assistance in the process. Failure to install the drain plugs will allow
water to intrude into the boat and can result in flooding, swamping,
and sinking the boat. Such action could result in damage to the boat
that is not covered under warranty, as well as serious injury or death
to persons onboard.
After manual operation of the bilge is complete, return the switch
to the automatic position. If it is left in the manual position and
there is insufficient water in the bilge to pump, the bilge pump will
eventually fail, and such action is not covered under warranty. Malibu
recommends testing the function of the bilge pump prior to each use
of the boat. This can be done by simply turning the pump(s) on and
making sure they are running.
NOTICE