Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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144 Care & Maintenance | 2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
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 the
Dashes and Video Screens section of this manual for details.)
In verifying the battery charge, look for a reading around 13
volts, but no lower than 10.5 bolts 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 onboard, 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 restarting the engine, the system will shut
off the stereo and sound an alarm if the voltage level falls before
10.5 volts. The alarm will continue for approximately two 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.
Fuel levels should be noted prior to an outing. Malibu
recommends starting all outings with a full tank and returning to
shore to refuel whenever the fuel readings drop into the one-
quarter (¼) range as falling lower can result in engine issues.
(See Fueling information in the Engine section of this manual.)
Failure to pay attention to the fuel level can result in the boat’s
fuel pump failing to maintain its prime or running out of fuel and
leaving the boat stranded. Malibu does not pay for towing.
After the Outing
Give the Engine Compartment a General
Inspection
Look for signs of leaks or anything abnormal. It’s a simple
thing, but often the simplest, quick look can pinpoint an issue
before it becomes a problem.
Check the Other Components
This is a common sense approach. If you’ve been boating in
dirty water, cleaning out the sea strainer now instead of waiting
until the debris inside it has dried (and therefore become
more difficult to remove) makes sense. You want to check the
paddlewheel, rudder, propeller, and driveshaft to make sure
they appear intact, too, especially if you suspect that you may
have struck something submerged during the outing. These are
easy checks after the boat has been loaded on the trailer and
removed from the water.
Check anything else on the boat that did not function as
expected during the outing and seek assistance from your
authorized Malibu dealer about any concerns and issues prior to
the next outing.
Note How Much Fuel and Battery Charge
Were Used
Malibu recommends keeping a chart or binder with
information from your outing. If you note the conditions during
the outing, the length of time, and the final readings, you’ll have a
much better idea of normal operations. That gives you the clues
you need when readings are different, or you are anticipating an
outing that will be different and you need to prepare for those
conditions.
Give the Boat a Good General Cleaning as
Outlined in the Ongoing Care Information
that Precedes This Section
As noted earlier, ongoing care is important. Read that section
to determine the normal expectations regarding routine care.
Read the Saltwater Series Maintenance information that appears
earlier in this chapter. Even boating in “clean” water, you add
protection and quality care for your boat by following the
cleaning requirements. The same components that need added
protection from salt/brackish water will also retain their luster
and live longer if the same attention is applied to them.
After 10 Hours on the Hourmeter
Have the Engine Oil Changed by an
Authorized Malibu Monsoon Dealer
Do not do your first oil change before 10 hours or later
than 15 hours.
The boat must be returned to an authorized Malibu dealer
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.
DANGER
!
NOTICE
Attaching the wrong battery cable or using jumper cables can result
in damage to electrical components on the boat. Such damage is not
covered under warranty.