Vibrations are a symptom of a
concerning issue involving your boat.
When a vibration is detected, the boat
needs to be analyzed, particularly the engine and drive-train
alignment. Misalignment can cause significant damage to the
drive-train, and such damage is not covered under warranty.
In checking the engine mounts, be sure to do this before starting
the engine. Components on the engine can become hot enough to
burn skin. Avoid this by checking before starting.
Any time you suspect an engine mount
is loose, it must be tightened. Allowing
the engine to shake or move during
operation, adversely affects the entire drive train and could cause
damage that would not be covered under warranty.
Engine Mounts and Engine Alignment/Propeller
Your engine is held firmly in place by special marine grade
engine mounts that are built and installed to withstand the kinds
of stresses unique to a boating environment. Drive train alignment
is critical to providing a reliable on-water experience. At any time
during operation, regardless of the amount of time on the hourmeter,
that there is excessive vibration, the boat should be presented to an
authorized Malibu dealer to check the alignment.
Note that vibrations can also be caused by a dented or bent
propeller, loose propeller or propeller nut. Debris/plant material/
ropes wrapped around the propeller shaft can also cause vibrations.
Check the propeller for damage.
Continued operation could result in damage to the drive train
that is not covered under warranty. Not every vibration is the result
of misalignment, which can occur even during normal operation,
but all vibrations should be checked by an authorized Malibu Engine
dealer to confirm or rule out the alignment as the cause.
replace anything that appears damaged or incapable of performing
its function.
144—Care and Maintenance
Check the Safety Equipment
If you have not done so previously, check the fire extinguishers
and personal flotation devices. Check the condition of (and replace
as necessary) drain plugs, bilge pumps, and exhaust flaps. Repair or
After 50 Hours or Annually (whichever comes first)
There are certain maintenance routines that must be performed.
Due to the complexity of this maintenance, Malibu recommends it be
completed by your authorized Malibu dealer.
Your dealer will verify many functions of the boat for you, some
of which should never be tested or checked by the consumer, such
as the pressurized fuel systems that require unique tools.
Even when an authorized Malibu dealer performs the annual
maintenance work, consumers are well advised to pay attention to
several components on the boat. These include:
Steering System
Malibu offers two types of steering systems, a standard, manual
system, and an optional hydraulic system. The latter is pressurized,
and the consumer cannot access or alter the system, nor should
they try.
Shift and Throttle System
As with the steering, never ignore suspicious issues with the
shifter/throttle. Anytime the lever does not move smoothly, or the
boat does not shift/accelerate/decelerate with ease and smoothness,
it is a matter to be resolved by an authorized Malibu dealer. Do not
wait for the annual maintenance period to verify safe operations.
Battery
Verify that battery cables are tight and securely attached to the
battery terminals.
Your authorized Malibu dealer can check to see that the battery(ies)
appear to be holding charge properly. Unless a battery has fully
expended its life cycle, it’s impossible to guarantee that the battery
will continue to serve, but experience helps the dealer to anticipate
whether there is still service to be expected from the battery.
When it is necessary to replace a battery, be certain to select a
marine grade battery with at least eight hundred (800) cold cranking
amps (cca) at zero degrees Fahrenheit. Spiral cell batteries are superior
in holding charges and extending the period of available usage.
Considerably more information about batteries is available in
the
Dashes and Video Screen section of this manual. Refer to your
battery supplier for advice regarding long term storage and/or
winterization. If your battery manufacturer recommends removing
the battery(ies) from the boat, verify whether the manufacturer
requires that the battery(ies) is/are fully charged.
Follow common sense safety
instructions regarding the removal
or installation of batteries. Due to
potentially explosive fumes and corrosive battery acid, failure
to wear protective items and follow instructions correctly could
resulting serious injury or even death.
• Because of corrosive and explosive qualities in battery acid and
fumes, put on safety glasses and mechanic-type safety gloves.
• Determine the size socket required to disconnect the battery
cables and bracket nuts. Extensions may be required.
• ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE (-) CABLE FIRST.
• Ensure that the negative cable will not come in contact with the
positive (+) cable during the rest of the procedure.
• Disconnect the positive (+) cable, TAKING CARE TO AVOID ANY
CONTACT BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND ANY
METAL. There may be residual charge still in the electrical
system, which could result in a serious electrical shock or burns.
