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Corporate Headquarters

Malibu Boats

1861 Grogan Avenue

Merced, CA 95340

Phone: (209) 383-7469

Fax: (209) 383-0499

Tennessee Plant

Malibu Boats

5075 Kimberly Way

Loudon, TN  37774

Phone: (423) 458-5478

Fax: (423) 458-9052

Internet:

www.malibuboats.com

[email protected]

Australian Headquarters

Malibu Boats

Unit 3/ 838 Hope Court

Albury, Australia  2640

Phone: 026 040 1174

Fax: 026 040 4656

Printed in U.S.A.

Summary of Contents for Models 1998

Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL 1998 Models ...

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Page 3: ... and without incurring any obligation Trademarks Malibu the Malibu Logo Flightcraft and Computron ATD are registered trademarks of Malibu Boats West Inc Mercury Mercury Marine Merc and Mercruiser are registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation All other product names are copyright and registered trademarks trade names of their respective owners 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Malibu Boats West In...

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Page 5: ...ne Stop Switch 2 11 Bow Tonneau Cover 2 11 Motorbox Cover 2 12 Driver s Seat 2 12 Integral Self Draining Ice Chest 2 12 Sundeck 2 13 V Drive Engine Access Hatch 2 13 Ski Pylon 2 13 Swim Platform 2 14 Navigational Lights 2 14 Storage Areas 2 15 Drain Plugs 2 15 Speedometer Pickups 2 16 Tilt Steering Wheel 2 16 Optional Equipment 2 16 Warning Labels 2 18 OPERATION 3 1 Trailering 3 1 Fueling 3 4 Star...

Page 6: ...Motorbox 2 12 Figure 16 Driver s Seat 2 12 Figure 17 Sundeck 2 13 Figure 18 Engine Access Hatch 2 13 Figure 19 Pivoting Head Ski Pylon 2 14 Figure 20 Swim Platform 2 14 Figure 21 Bow Light 2 14 Figure 22 Transom Drain Plug 2 15 Figure 23 Bilge Drain Plug 2 15 Figure 24 Speedometer Pickups 2 16 Figure 25 Tilt Steering 2 16 Figure 26 Heater 2 16 Figure 27 Bimini Top 2 17 Figure 28 Stereo 2 17 Figure...

Page 7: ... other ski boats that they have driven We can t deny that we are different Our passion for building the perfect ski boat is only surpassed by our commitment to total customer satisfaction This manual has been assembled to help you operate your new Malibu with safety and pleasure Details of typical equipment as well as recommended safety and maintenance procedures about your boat are supplied Pleas...

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Page 9: ...afety It is highly recommended that if you are unfamiliar with the use and operation of a boat you seek advice and training from a qualified individual or organization Check with your local boating agency or Malibu dealer for more information about boating safety classes in your area Safety Statements Throughout this manual specific precautions and symbols identify safety related information Follo...

Page 10: ...ation numbers In nearly all states this means registration with the designated state agency In a few jurisdictions the Coast Guard retains registration authority Your Malibu dealer will either supply registration forms or tell you where they may be obtained The agency will supply you with a certificate which must be carried with you when the boat is in operation Education If you have never owned a...

Page 11: ...le impacts if a skier has fallen Notice If a type V PDF is to be counted toward the minimum carriage requirements it must be worn 2 Emergency Stop Switch Factory installed lanyard emergency stop switch It is highly recommended that you use this switch since it can prevent your boat from becoming a runaway See page 2 11 for specific use 3 Fire Extinguishers A fire extinguisher is required if your b...

Page 12: ...u don t panic Learn your boating lessons and safety procedures well and you will have the confidence and ability to handle an emergency should one arise Fires Many boat fires involve flammable liquids such as gas or oil Many inboard fires start in the bilge area which at times can be filled with gas vapors Since gas vapors cannot be seen boat fires tend to travel very fast If you encounter a fire ...

Page 13: ...gine to overheat and can clog speedometer pickup tubes affecting correct speedometer readings Shallow Water Operation Shallow water brings on obvious hazards such as sand bars stumps rocks etc Know the area you will be operating the boat in Hitting objects at high speeds can cause severe damage to people and the boat If you know you will be navigating the boat in shallow water post a lookout and p...

Page 14: ... HAZARD Carbon monoxide gas CO is colorless odorless and extremely dangerous All engines and fuel burning appliances produce CO as exhaust Direct and prolonged exposure to CO will cause BRAIN DAMAGE or DEATH Signs of exposure to CO include nausea dizziness and drowsiness Sources of CO include Blockage of boat exhausts by obstruction Exhausts traveling along obstruction Operating at slow speed or w...

Page 15: ...e actively enforced Impaired operation may result in severe personal injury or death Basic Rules Of The Road The nautical rules of the road must be followed to prevent collisions between vessels Like traffic laws for automobiles the operator is legally required to follow the rules The following information outlines only the most basic of the nautical rules of the road For more information contact ...

Page 16: ...rection With the cardinal system Pass north or east of BLACK TOPPED WHITE buoy Pass south or west of RED TOPPED WHITE buoy RED and WHITE VERTICALLY STRIPED buoy indicates boat should pass outside of the buoy away from shore Uniform State Regulatory Markers USWMS regulatory markers are white with international orange geometric shapes you must obey regulatory markers KC 0320 BOATS STAY OUT OPTIONAL ...

Page 17: ...he channel is marked with RED and WHITE vertically striped buoys pass close to these buoys Obstructions channel junctions etc are marked with RED and GREEN horizontally striped buoys A RED band at the top means the preferred channel is to the left of the buoy a GREEN top band means the preferred channel is to the right of the buoy Day markers are colored and numbered the same as buoys RED triangul...

Page 18: ...s to course and speed necessary to keep out of the way of the privileged boat Crossing Situation In crossing situations the boat to the right from the 12 o clock to the 4 o clock position has the right of way It must hold course and speed The burdened boat keeps clear and passes behind the privileged boat Boats going up and down a river have the privilege over boats crossing the river Meeting Head...

Page 19: ...h boats must act to avoid collision Night Running Boats operating between sunset and sunrise hours vary by state must use navigational lights Nighttime operation especially during bad weather or fog can be dangerous All Rules of Road apply at night but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats regardless of who has right of way Protect your night vision by avoiding bright lights and have...

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Page 21: ...icular model Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area Your engine or other parts could be damaged Damage caused to your engine or boat due to operation of the engine in the red area may not be covered by your engine warranty Speedometer This gauge registers the speed of the boat in miles per hour MPH A small adjustment switch is provided on the dash to provide you with the abi...

Page 22: ...re in the engine while the engine is running and is measured in pounds per square inch psi Oil pressure may vary with engine speed outside temperatures oil viscosity and other environmental factors but readings above the low pressure zone indicate the normal operating range If the oil pressure reading is below the normal range you should stop the engine immediately and check your oil as soon as po...

Page 23: ...is located on the right side of the dash and provides a display of the current time To set the clock pull the button located on the top center of the gauge The clock will continue to run directly from the DC current of the boat s battery Depth Finder Located on the left side of the dash the depth finder transmits and receives ultrasonic sound waves determining distance by measuring the time it tak...

Page 24: ...cruising speed Stereo This switch must be on for your stereo to have power Please see the stereos owner s manual for operating instructions Accessory 1 This switch is used to supply power to the 12 volt accessory receptacle Accessory 2 This switch activates all of your navigational lighting Interior Lights This switch is used to activate the interior lights The interior lights include lights in th...

Page 25: ...ll be displayed when your fuel tank is below 15 of capacity Low Battery This light indicates that there could be a possible problem with the battery High Water Temperature This light indicates that high water temperature condition exists in your engine Check for leaks or impeller damage Low Oil Pressure This light indicates that low oil pressure has been detected in the engine This is a serious co...

Page 26: ...he integration of a highly reliable and innovative system The Computron control panel is located on the center of your dash console behind the steering wheel Several function switches and controls have been added for its use with the Computron ATD Figure 11 Computron Control Panel Function Up This button is used to change the current function of the Computron ATD system This switch corresponds to ...

Page 27: ...for the digital tachometer and speedometer Speedometer Adjustment This knob allows for the adjustment of the Computron digital speedometer Computron Display This module is located at the top center of the dash board and is the main display for the Computron ATD system The display module is broken into two separate sections Speed Control Graph This portion of the Computron display module is used to...

Page 28: ... save your changes and exit the Edit mode Pressing the Alarm Off switch will discard your changes and exit Edit mode To reset the display to YOUR NAME simply press and hold both the SR and FD buttons while turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ACCESSORY position The Computron system will acknowledge that you wish to change the display to YOUR NAME by displaying LET GO Depth Mete...

Page 29: ...function provides the driver with the ability to set a desired speed for the boat This function works in conjunction with the graphic speed analyzer display discussed earlier To change the desired speed setting press the SR button The display will begin to blink Use the FU and FD buttons to change the desired speed setting When finished press the SR button to save your changes Speedometer This fun...

Page 30: ...Demo mode while the engine is running Use of the Demo mode while the engine is running will damage the Computron ATD system To exit the Demo mode simply turn off the ignition switch When you turn the system on again it will be in the normal operation mode Throttle Control The throttle lever is located to the right of the driver When the throttle is vertical it is in the NEUTRAL position Located at...

Page 31: ...way from the helm The switch consists of a helm mounted switch plunger and a switch clip lanyard clip which is connected between the stop clip and the operator Should the operator move away from the controls the clip pulls free releasing the plunger and stopping the engine If the engine must be shut down quickly a pull on the cord to release the clip from the switch will stop the engine To reset t...

Page 32: ...eat may be adjusted by moving the seat forward or backward while pulling outward on the lever located under the front left portion of the seat Once the seat is in place you may release the lever to secure it Adjustments to driver s seats equipped with a lumbar support can be done by pressing the button located on the left underside To decrease the amount of support press your back against the seat...

Page 33: ...e engine To open hatch depress the switch located under the driver s seat armrest The storage of the boat battery system is located under the rear hatch If the battery goes dead you will need to attach jumper cables to the battery post terminal located on the port side of the rear passenger seat Attach the negative lead first to the V Drive unit then to the positive terminal lead Do not attach the...

Page 34: ...move the pins located on each side of the platform and lift upward Figure 20 Swim Platform Navigational Lights As required by the U S Coast Guard all Malibu boats are equipped with the proper bow and stern navigational lights The bow light is located at the tip of the bow near the lifting ring This light is 2 colored red and green and is used to keep other vessels aware of your presence and course...

Page 35: ... observer s seats on open bow models with walk through is a panel that when lifted provides access to a large area that can be used primarily for storage of water skis This area can also be used to store beverages if desired Drain Plugs Transom Drain Plug This plug is located in the center of the transom at the bottom and is provided to allow for drainage of the bilge area when needed Bilge Drain ...

Page 36: ...n ON OFF switch located on the dash panel Located at the base of the observer seat or walkway area is a snorkel tube which can be pulled out and directed wherever you like within a 5 feet radius Please refer to the information provided in your owner s package for specific use Bimini Top For boats equipped with this option attach the bimini top support legs to the wings on the side of the windshiel...

Page 37: ...t is equipped with a hot water shower you can locate the valves under the motorbox on the port side of your boat The shower head can be found in the port gunnel sides You should find instructions for its use in the information packet you received with your boat Figure 29 Shower Head Figure 30 Shower Valve Pop Up Cleats Pop Up cleats are available for all boat models These cleats will sit flush on ...

Page 38: ... the load capacity and distribute weight evenly between bow and stern and port to starboard Warning Label Description Location Danger Swim platform should not be used Forward of throttle on Flightcraft when engine is running control outboard only Warning Maneuverability above 50 MPH Left of steering wheel is limited Sudden turns may cause above ignition switch loss of control Read owner s manual W...

Page 39: ...that the total weight of your boat gear and trailer does not exceed the GVWR Notice Consult your trailer dealer for other state regulations concerning brakes lighting and other equipment options Hitch Hitches are divided into classes that specify the gross trailer weight GTW and maximum tongue weight for each class Always use a hitch with the same class number as the trailer or greater Most boat t...

Page 40: ...he front of your boat in place is located on the winch stand It should be positioned so that the winch line pulls straight and is parallel to the trailer frame A separate tie down should then be attached to hold the boat downward and forward This may be accomplished by a line from the bow eye to an attachment point on the trailer frame or winch stand Rear Tie Downs It is very important to be sure ...

Page 41: ...water and stop Be sure to properly secure your vehicle Prepare for placing the boat in the water by removing any tie down straps disconnecting tail light connections and attaching a line to the bow eye fitting If you are using an outboard be sure that the outboard unit is trimmed up Be sure to re install the bilge drain plug if it has been removed To launch back the trailer into the water to a poi...

Page 42: ... Consult the engine owner s manual for more specific information regarding starting operation and troubleshooting for your particular engine Pay close attention to the information regarding the break in period listed in your engine owner s manual Top engine performance is dependent upon following the guidelines listed Pre Start Checklist A routine pre starting procedure should always be carried ou...

Page 43: ...engaging the transmission from neutral to either forward or reverse you must pull up on the safety collar located directly below the throttle lever knob Notice For more information regarding the safe operation and maintenance of the throttle control refer to the separate instructions located in the information packet shipped with your boat Steering It is important that you get the feel of your boa...

Page 44: ... the boat back and forth in an attempt to compensate for wandering Invariably the compensation will result in oversteer and only worsen the effect Keep the steering wheel in the center position the boat will wander back and forth somewhat but the overall course will be a straight one Warning KC 1071 BACKING TO LEFT Turn wheel to left Stern will pull to left RIGHT TURN Turn wheel to right Stern wil...

Page 45: ...the boat steering in the straight ahead position to drift to starboard when going forward and to port when going backward At high speed this effect is usually unnoticed but at slow speed especially during backing it can be powerful For this reason many veteran boaters approach the dock with the port side of the boat toward the dock if possible Stopping When stopping the boat it is important to rem...

Page 46: ...uidelines when docking Approach docks with the port side of the boat if possible Come to a stop a short distance from the dock then proceed slowly Have fenders mooring lines and crew ready Observe how the wind and current are moving your boat Approach the dock with the boat pointed into the wind if possible If the wind or current is pushing you away from the dock use a sharper angle of approach If...

Page 47: ...ut it must be emphasized that sudden turns at any speed particularly at high speed can be especially dangerous It is possible to throw passengers from their seats and even from the boat if caution is not exercised Trimming Available in the Flightcraft Outboard only the trim changes the drive unit angle in reference to the transom of the boat and can be adjusted on the switch located next to the dr...

Page 48: ... for Common Sense Rules of waterskiing safety on the part of the skier driver and observer will ensure the risk of skiing accidents is kept to a minimum at all levels of participation A moderate ability to swim is advisable for waterskiers but swimming ability is no substitute for a well fitting life jacket The wearing of a life jacket or personal floatation device PFD is essential even for expert...

Page 49: ...s can be found for review at your local Malibu dealership or by contacting the American Waterski Association at 813 324 4341 Figure 35 Hand Signals Once a skier has fallen or is ready to quit skiing the driver must be prepared for immediate removal of the skier from the water The driver of the boat should keep the skier in line of sight as much as possible until the skier is reached Once the boat ...

Page 50: ...sly Fasten the towline as far forward as possible on the upwind or up current side of the boat being towed Fastening it to the stern will restrict maneuverability Attach the line to the stern lifting eyes of the towing boat Keep lines free of propellers on both boats Keep hands and feet clear of other boat and never hold towline after it is pulled taut Move slowly to prevent sudden strain on slack...

Page 51: ...ation such as brass or stainless steel The first number is the diameter of the prop and the second is the pitch The pitch is the angle of the blades and is measured in how far the boat will travel through the water in one revolution In this case for every one revolution the boat will travel 14 inches Do not operate engine above the manufacturer s recommended RPM rating severe damage could result v...

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Page 53: ... prevent mildew which will rot the upholstery threads and backing We also recommend that you tip up all seat base cushions on edge after each use to allow any accumulated water to drain Exterior Your Malibu boat is highly resistant to weathering water pollution and minor scrapes which occur during normal use However regular care and maintenance of your boat is a general responsibility for all Mali...

Page 54: ...tore the gelcoat to like new condition Underwater Corrosion Corrosion occurs in saltwater conditions from the interaction of the saltwater and the direct current of the battery To prevent corrosion it is important to keep the bilge area as dry and clean as possible Care For Boats That Are Moored Due to gelcoat discoloration osmosis blistering and algae growth it is not recommended that you leave y...

Page 55: ...dder stuffing box has a grease nipple and should be checked and lubricated annually The rudder stuffing box is accessed through the rear center access panel directly below the fuel tank Use only a marine grade waterproof grease Shaft Packing Located in the bilge under the rear center access panel is the shaft packing The shaft packing is a seal where the prop shaft goes through the hull of the boa...

Page 56: ... or POSITION 2 rather than in the ALL position This will keep one battery charged should one of the batteries fail Circuit Breakers and Fuses Most electrical standard equipment devices are controlled with circuit breakers These breakers will activate if overloaded and cut power to the switch To restore power simply push the breaker button in and release Breakers do not require fuse replacement The...

Page 57: ...ratch however and abrasive cleaners should not be used to clean your windows Soap and water or automotive glass cleaners may be used Winterizing When the boating and ski season comes to an end it is recommended that the boat be removed from the water and stored It is extremely important that proper winterizing procedures are read and followed to ensure longer boat life Here is our list of suggesti...

Page 58: ...xtent that these parts are warranted Malibu Boats will if possible furnish the manufacturer s warranty documents to the original owner 2 Damage or effects of such damage caused by the installation of engines accessories or other equipment installed by anyone other than Malibu Boats 3 Boats that have been sold or transferred by the original owner outside of the two 2 year transferable option period...

Page 59: ...e manufacturers These products all have specific warranty periods and conditions that you should be familiar with should you need assistance Included in the information packet shipped with your boat you will find information regarding any individual manufacturer s warranty policies for the different equipment installed on your boat We strongly advise you to make yourself familiar with the differen...

Page 60: ...bu dealer The dealer has the necessary information to order parts and accessories for your boat if they do not have them in stock Important Information Boat Make Hull Identification Number ___________________________________________ Date Purchased __________________________________________________________ Dealer Phone Number ____________________________________________________ Registration Number ...

Page 61: ...board boats FIBERGLASS Fibers similar to wool or cotton but made from fibrous glass Glass fiber forms include cloth yarn mat milled fibers chopped strands roving and woven roving GELCOAT A surface either colored or clear providing a cosmetic enhancement and exposure improvements to a fiberglass laminate GUNNEL The upper edge of a boat s side HULL The bottom section of the boat KEEL The lowest most...

Page 62: ...4 1 M MEMS Control System 2 5 Miscellaneous 4 5 Motorbox Cover 2 12 N Navigational Lights 2 14 O Operation by Minors 1 7 Optional Equipment 2 16 Optional Gauges 2 3 Owner Service Assistance 4 7 P Passenger Safety 1 7 Power Trim 2 11 Propellers 3 13 R Regulations 1 2 Responsibilities 1 2 S Safety Statements 1 1 Shifting Running 3 5 Ski Pylon 2 13 Speedometer Pickups 2 16 Standard Gauges 2 1 Startin...

Page 63: ...SERVICE MAINTENANCE LOG HOUR DATE READING SERVICE REPAIRS PERFORMED ...

Page 64: ...209 383 0499 Tennessee Plant Malibu Boats 5075 Kimberly Way Loudon TN 37774 Phone 423 458 5478 Fax 423 458 9052 Internet www malibuboats com info malibuboats com Australian Headquarters Malibu Boats Unit 3 838 Hope Court Albury Australia 2640 Phone 026 040 1174 Fax 026 040 4656 Printed in U S A ...

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