106—How It Works
ON AND UNDER THE WATER
Blower System
One of the most critical elements of the boat is the blower sys-
tem. There are important things to remember when operating the
boat:
Always operate the blower for at least four (4) minutes prior to
starting the engine, ensuring the engine compartment is fume free.
This should also be done when idling or running at low speed. This
allows the disbursing of fumes that otherwise allowed to accumu-
late could result in an explosion.
The blower is controlled from an on-off switch on the video
screen. See the
Dashes and Video Screens section of this manual for
more detail on how to operate the system. The Blower should come
on automatically when the system is first powered up from the ON-
OFF power button. However, operators should always verify that the
blower is on and operating rather than relying on the automatic ON.
Always operate the blower for several
minutes (at least four [4] minutes) 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.
The purpose of the blower system is to vent carbon monoxide, a
naturally occurring by-product of the engine and drive train opera-
tion 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 transom 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.
Never allow anyone to be on the swim plat
-
form, 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 Owner’s Manual for more information regarding this
critical matter.
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.
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 Axis dealer for assistance
in determining the cause and potential for concern.
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 oth-
er 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 controls on the 7” Display. See the
Dashes and Video Screens section of this manual for additional in-
formation on operation through the screen. The bilge pumps are also
equipped with a sensor to automatically turn 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 prop-
erly 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 if
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.
Drain plugs must always be checked to be
certain they are securely installed prior to
every outing and operation. Visual indica
-
tors 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 com
-
plete, 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.
There will likely always be a small
amount of water in the bilge, 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 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
