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vary depending on the type, brand, and age of the batteries. The boat
owner should frequently recharge the battery until determining the
approximate time in which the battery retains sufficient charge to
operate the bilge system, and also to start the engine.
Malibu boats are equipped with one of the systems explained be-
low:
Two-Position Isolator System (ON-OFF).
Available on TXi and
Wakesetters. The most basic battery system that allows the oper-
ator to turn a single or dual battery bank ON or OFF. The advantage
to this system is that it can allow the battery to cease operation by
turning the switch off and retain residual energy within the battery
until needed.
Three-Position Isolator System with ACR (ON-OFF-Combine).
Available on Wakesetters and M-series boats. This battery system
allows the operator to turn both battery banks ON or OFF simultane-
ously or set to combine to allow the banks to connect and disconnect
automatically. This function is dependent on the charging /discharging
state of the batteries and the ACR (automatic Charging Relay) does
all the work. The advantage to this system is that it allows the bat-
tery banks to combine automatically when ample charging is avail-
able and disconnect automatically when there is a large amount of
discharging, without relying on the operator. This will help keep both
banks protected and in a charged state unlike a manual combined
switch that could potentially drain both banks if left in combine.
Four-Position Isolator System
(OFF-BAT1-BAT2-COMBINE).
This battery system allows the
operator to turn both battery banks
ON or OFF or to combine. The ad-
vantage to this system is that it
allows the operator to direct power
draw from each bank individually
or combine both banks to take ad-
vantage of a larger battery system
when needed. It’s important to be
aware of any continuous discharg-
ing to the system when set to combine and make appropriate action
to switch to an isolated battery bank if voltage starts to deteriorate.
If the switch is left in the combine state, it’s possible to drain both
battery banks entirely and possibly lead to a stranded situation.
The numbers 1, 1+2, and 2 refer to the two batteries that you pur-
chase for the boat. The batteries are in battery holders in the bow.
As part of the routine maintenance, boat owners should routinely
verify that the batteries are secure within the holders.) There are
four markings on the knob:
< OFF >
which means that all power to both batteries is shut down.
The battery will not be able to re-charge while in the OFF position.
This is the appropriate setting for periods of inactivity with the boat.
When the boat remains in the water, the bilge pumps will still be
powered by the battery in case it becomes necessary for the bilge
pumps to pump out residual water in the bilge system. See above
description of how the bilge system operates automatically.
< 1 >
is Battery 1, the starting or engine battery. It should be rated
at least 800 cold cranking amps (CCA), and an AGM battery is prefer-
able.
< 2 >
is Battery 2, the house battery and is used to run the elec-
tronics. The house battery should have a rating of at least 75 Amp
Hours, and an AGM battery is preferable.
< 1 + 2 >
When starting the engine, the battery switch should be
set to 1. This allows the engine to pull power from the engine battery.
The switch should be set on 1+2 when the boat is running to charge
the engine battery and the house battery. When listening to music
without the engine running, set it at 2 so the engine battery is not
drained. If the engine battery is sluggish or is struggling to start the
engine, turning to 1+2 can be helpful in providing sufficient power to
start the engine and begin the recharging process.
All systems:
If the battery has insufficient charge, use only a bat-
tery charger to recharge the battery, or remove the battery and take it
to an authorized Malibu dealer or auto parts store that has the appro-
priate facilities to safely recharge the battery. If the boat is out of the
water and/or in storage, OFF is the setting for the battery switch.
Malibu does not recommend the purchase and use of battery char-
gers other than the battery charger offered as an option through your
authorized Malibu dealer. The battery charger offered by your dealer
has been selected as best for meeting the requirements of batteries.
If the battery switch is in the OFF
position, the automatic bilge system
will continue to operate. This could
result in a drain on the battery after an extended period. The
only way the automatic bilge system is OFF is to disconnect
the battery cables from the batteries or remove the batteries.
Unless the boat has been removed from the water, Malibu
does not recommend disconnecting the automatic bilge
system.
Inside the battery is an electrolyte fluid
that allows the chemical reaction to
provide power. The fluid is comprised
of several components, one of which is sulfuric acid. As with
most acids, this is caustic and corrosive. If the acid comes in con-
tact with skin, immediately flush the area with copious amounts
of fresh, clean water. Follow up with medical assistance.
If it becomes necessary to re-charge a
battery from an external source, DO
NOT attempt to charge using auto-
motive battery cables or use another boat battery as the source
for charging. Some amounts of hydrogen gas are emitted during
the charging process. This can be very dangerous. It is critical to
keep all sparks, including lit cigarettes, lighters, or any type of
flame, well away from a charging battery. Use the optional bat
-
tery charger sold by authorized dealers, or a similar aftermarket
battery charger. Using the wrong type of charging procedure or
improperly charging a battery can result in an explosion and/or
fire that could lead to serious injury or death.
Use marine-rated batteries only!
Never use automotive batteries
as they do not have the additional protection necessary to function
in a boat where water and humidity are always factors.
Batteries used in tandem must always use the same chemistry!
Mixing battery types can cause damage to the electrical system,
which is not covered under warranty.
Failure to use marine-rated batteries
in your boat could result in electrical
system interruptions that could strand
your boat during an outing. Batteries are placed in molded con-
tainers in the bow to provide extra protection, but it is still pos-
sible for water and the high humidity associated with operation
on the water to affect batteries. If a battery, even marine-rated,
becomes wet, allow it to dry before trying to start the engine.
Water can cause a short at the battery terminals, which would
prevent operation. Note that batteries are never covered under
Malibu warranty. Damage to other components due to the use of
inappropriate batteries or failure to properly maintain batteries
is also not covered under warranty.
