Malibu Boats 21 VLX, Руководство пользователя

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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 Owner’s 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 other components in the bilge compartment.
There are two (2) bilge pumps in all boats. One pump is located 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 port side.
Bilge pumps can be turned ON manually or automatically. To turn ON the pump manually, use the switch on
the MTC screen. See the
Dashes and Video Screens section of this Owner’s Manual for additional information on
operation through the screen. The bilge pumps are also equipped with a sensor to automatically trigger in -
stant-on if water is sensed around the pump. This function is active at all times. 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 properly 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 as long as 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 indicators 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 on-board.
After manual operation of the bilge is complete, return the switch to the au-
tomatic position. If it is left in the manual position and there is insufficient
water in the bilge to pump, the bilge pump will cause it to eventually fail,
and such action is not covered under warranty. Malibu recommends test-
ing 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 be a small amount of water in the bilge at all times as the
pump cannot eliminate 100% of water. A minor amount of water is acceptable.
However, operators should monitor bilge water levels through the center access
drain plug. In all models, this hole is located 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 drain plug before operating the boat again.
Since the threads on the plug can sometimes be misdirected when securing,
double-check. Individuals on-board could trip and injure themselves if the drain
plug is not secured properly.
All boats are equipped with two (2) drain plugs, a ½” drain plug on the tran -
2020 Malibu Boats LLC • Owner’s Manual • Page 170