Malibu Boats Models 1998 Owner's Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

1998 Models

All information and specifications included in this manual were in effect at the time of
approval for printing. Malibu Boats West, Inc. reserves the right, however, to discontinue
or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any
obligation.

Trademarks

Malibu, the Malibu Logo, Flightcraft, and Computron ATD are registered trademarks of
Malibu Boats West, Inc.

Mercury, Mercury Marine, Merc, and Mercruiser are registered trademarks of Brunswick
Corporation.

All other product names are copyright and registered trademarks/trade names of their
respective owners.

© 1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998 Malibu Boats West, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the USA

i

ii

CONTENTS

iii

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

TABLE OF FIGURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

BOATING SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Safety Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Hazardous Conditions . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Carbon Monoxide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Operation By Minors . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Passenger Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Basic Rules of the Road . . . . . . . . . 1-7

FEATURES & CONTROLS . . . . . . 2-1

Standard Gauges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Optional Gauges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Accessory Switch Panels . . . . . . . . 2-4

MEMS Control System . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Computron®ATD System . . . . . . . 2-6

Computron®Display. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Computron®Features &

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Throttle Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Steering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Power Trim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Emergency Engine Stop Switch. . 2-11

Bow Tonneau Cover. . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Motorbox Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Driver’s Seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Integral Self Draining

Ice Chest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Sundeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

V-Drive Engine Access

Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Ski Pylon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Swim Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Navigational Lights . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Drain Plugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Speedometer Pickups . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Warning Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Trailering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Shifting/Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Docking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

High Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Trimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Towing a Skier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Towing Another Boat . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Anchoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Propellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

CARE AND MAINTENANCE. . . . . 4-1

Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Exterior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Engine/Drive Train. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Owner Service Assistance . . . . . . . 4-7

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

iv

Table of Figures

Figure 1 - Personal Flotation Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Figure 2 - Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Figure 3 - Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Figure 4 - Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Figure 5 - Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Figure 6 - Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Figure 7 - Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Figure 8 - Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Figure 9 - Accessory Switch Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Figure 10 - MEMS Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Figure 11 - Computron Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Figure 12 - Computron Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Figure 13 - Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Figure 14 - Stop Switch Lanyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Figure 15 - Motorbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Figure 16 - Driver’s Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Figure 17 - Sundeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Figure 18 - Engine Access Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Figure 19 - Pivoting-Head Ski Pylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Figure 20 - Swim Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Figure 21 - Bow Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Figure 22 - Transom Drain Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Figure 23 - Bilge Drain Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Figure 24 - Speedometer Pickups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Figure 25 - Tilt Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Figure 26 - Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Figure 27 - Bimini Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Figure 28 - Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Figure 29 - Shower Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Figure 30 - Shower Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Figure 31 - Pop-Up Cleat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Figure 32 - Bow Tie-Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Figure 33 - Transom Tie-Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Figure 34 - Throttle Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Figure 35 - Hand Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Figure 36 - Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Figure 37 - Battery Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, you have watched us grow into one of the most respected boat builders in
the world. And undoubtedly, somewhere you have run into at least one Malibu owner
who proudly speaks of the “Malibu Difference.” That difference they so proudly speak
of could be the special way we have serviced them over the years. We call it “going the
distance.” Or maybe they are referring to the way their Malibu consistently outperforms
other ski boats that they have driven. We can’t deny that we are different. Our passion
for building the perfect ski boat is only surpassed by our commitment to total customer
satisfaction.

This manual has been assembled to help you operate your new Malibu with safety and
pleasure. Details of typical equipment as well as recommended safety and maintenance
procedures about your boat are supplied. Please read carefully and familiarize yourself
with the craft before using it.

We, at Malibu Boats, thank you for choosing us as your boat manufacturer and assure you
that your satisfaction and boating enjoyment will continue to be our #1 priority.

v

1-1

Caution

Warning

Chapter 1

BOATING SAFETY

1

At Malibu, safety is not an option!

General Precautions

Your Malibu boat has been constructed to meet all U.S. Coast Guard and National Marine
Manufacturers Association (N.M.M.A.) requirements. However, it is still your
responsibility as the boat owner, to ensure the boat is always operated in a safe fashion.

U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain safety equipment be present on your boat
during operation. Besides the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, other local and/or
international law enforcement agencies may have similar requirements. You should
check with your local marine enforcement agency regarding any such requirements
before using the waterways.

It is not intended for this manual to be a replacement for a course on boating safety. It is
highly recommended that if you are unfamiliar with the use and operation of a boat, you
seek advice and training from a qualified individual or organization. Check with your
local boating agency or Malibu dealer for more information about boating safety classes
in your area.

Safety Statements

Throughout this manual, specific precautions and symbols identify safety related
information. Follow these precautions as indicated.

The Safety Alert symbol means Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is
Involved!

Indicates the presence of a hazard which WILL cause
SEVERE injury, death or substantial property damage.

Indicates the presence of a hazard which CAN cause SEVERE
injury, death or substantial property damage.

Indicates the presence of a hazard which WILL or CAN cause
MINOR or MODERATE personal injury or property damage.

Notice: Indicates installation, operation or maintenance information

which is important but not hazard related.

1-2

The precautions listed in this manual and on the boat are not all-inclusive. If a procedure
or method is not specifically recommended, you must satisfy yourself that it is safe for
you and your passengers, and that the boat will not be damaged or made unsafe as a result
of your decision. Remember — always use common sense when operating your boat!

Regulations

The U.S. Coast Guard is the governing authority of the waterways and is there to help the
boating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local authorities. You are subject
to marine traffic laws and “Rules of the Road” for both federal and state waterways; you
must stop if signaled to do so by enforcement officers and permit to be boarded, if asked.

Responsibilities

Registration

Federal Law requires that all motorboats be registered and that all motorcraft not
documented by the U.S. Coast Guard display registration numbers. In nearly all states,
this means registration with the designated state agency. In a few jurisdictions, the Coast
Guard retains registration authority. Your Malibu dealer will either supply registration
forms or tell you where they may be obtained. The agency will supply you with a
certificate which must be carried with you when the boat is in operation.

Education

If you have never owned a boat before you can get an excellent introduction to boat
handling from organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard and American Red Cross.
Even if you are a veteran boater, these courses will help sharpen your boating skills as
well as bring you up to date on current rules and regulations. See your local boating
agency or Malibu dealer for information on classes in your area.

Insurance

The boat owner is legally responsible for damages or injuries he or she causes. Common
sense dictates that you carry adequate personal liability and property damage insurance
on your boat, just as you would on your automobile. You should also protect your
investment from physical damage or theft.

Safety Equipment

OVERCHARGED

RECHARGE

KC-0083M

TYPE V HYBRID PFD

MUST BE WORN

WHEN UNDERWAY

KC-0043M

TYPE IV

THROWABLE DEVICES

KC-0071M

KC-0042M

TYPE III

FLOTATION AIDS

TYPE II

BUOYANT VESTS

KC-0051M

TYPE I

LIFE PRESERVERS

KC-0041M

U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain accessory equipment on each boat. For a
detailed description, obtain “Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats” published by
the Coast Guard.

1) Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, in
good and serviceable condition and the appropriate size for the user. It is
recommended that you wear PFDs while your boat is underway.

Figure 1 - Personal Floatation Devices

Boats more than 16 feet in length must be equipped with one type I, II, III or V
and one type IV. PFDs are intended to save lives, you and your passengers
should wear while in the boat. Learn how to use them and adjust as necessary to
make comfortable to wear. The type II PFD is recommended for near shore or
inland water use. Some PFDs are specially made for use while waterskiing and
can handle impacts if a skier has fallen.

1-3

Notice: If a type V PDF is to be counted toward the minimum carriage

requirements, it must be worn.

2) Emergency Stop Switch: Factory installed lanyard emergency stop switch. It is
highly recommended that you use this switch since it can prevent your boat from
becoming a runaway. (See page 2-11 for specific use.)

3) Fire Extinguishers: A fire extinguisher is required
if your boat has an inboard engine, or when fuel is
stored in closed stowage compartments.

Approved fire extinguishers are classified by a
letter symbol, either B-I or B-II with the B
designating that the material will extinguish
flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, etc. B-I
extinguishers are required for boats less than 26
feet in length. Check periodically to insure that
the extinguisher is in working condition and fully
charged.

1-4

4) Navigation Lights: Recreational boats are required to display navigational lights
between sunset and sunrise and other periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain,
haze, etc.). Your navigation lights are provided to keep other boats informed of
your presence and course. It is up to you to make sure they are operational and
turned on when required.

Emergencies

Giving Assistance

Many of the distress calls are not true emergencies. In most cases the boat is disabled for
one reason or another, but there is no immediate danger of death or serious injury.
However, emergencies can occur and you should know how to cope with them. If you
observe a boat in distress, assume it is a true emergency. Proceed to the scene and render
assistance. Federal law requires boat operators to offer assistance and aid to others. The
Law’s “Good Samaritan” clause absolves you from any civil liability in the event that
your assistance causes injury or property damage.

There is a way to handle nearly every emergency if you don’t panic. Learn your boating
lessons and safety procedures well, and you will have the confidence and ability to
handle an emergency should one arise.

Fires

Many boat fires involve flammable liquids such as gas or oil. Many inboard fires start in
the bilge area which at times can be filled with gas vapors. Since gas vapors cannot be
seen, boat fires tend to travel very fast. If you encounter a fire onboard, turn off the
engine immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher onboard and access to the fire, it may
be controllable. Direct the contents of the extinguisher at the base of the flames. Throw
burning materials overboard if possible. Put on PFDs if not already on, signal for help
and prepare to abandon the boat if necessary.

Reporting

Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident report with their state
boating law enforcement agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents.
A boating accident must be reported if there is a loss or probable loss of life, personal
injury requiring medical attention, damage exceeding $500, or there is a complete loss of
the boat. If any of these conditions arise seek further assistance from local law
enforcement personnel.

1-5

KC-0250M

KC-0210M

OK

!

Hazardous Conditions

Every waterway poses hazards that should be avoided. The following information
outlines some of the hazards which may be encountered.

Weather

Learn and understand weather patterns
and signs of change. Bad weather can
cause an uncomfortable and unsafe
situation. If a storm approaches seek a
safe harbor.

Dam Spillways

The area around dam spillways is very hazardous and conditions can change rapidly. Stay
clear of the spill ways and areas below dams.

Weeds

Weeds can generally be a threat to a boat’s engine and other components on the boat. If
weeds wrap around the propeller they can create vibration in the engine. They also
restrict water intake, causing the engine to overheat, and can clog speedometer pickup
tubes, affecting correct speedometer readings.

Shallow Water Operation

Shallow water brings on obvious hazards such as sand bars, stumps, rocks, etc. Know the
area you will be operating the boat in. Hitting objects at high speeds can cause severe
damage to people and the boat. If you know you will be navigating the boat in shallow
water, post a lookout and proceed slowly.

Know the minimal depth your boat can safely travel.

Damage to underwater gear caused by shallow water
maneuvering is not covered by your warranty.

Warning Markers

Learn to recognize the different buoys and day
markers; they are used as the signposts of the
waterways identifying navigable routes and water
hazards. It is a good idea to ask local authorities
about hazard areas and if they are marked. Stay
within boundaries and clear of hazards.

1-6

 Blockage of boat exhausts by

obstruction.

 Exhausts traveling along obstruction.

 Operating at slow speed or while dead

in the water.

ENSURE ADEQUATE VENTILATION FOR CORRECT AIR MOVEMENT THROUGH BOAT!

 Operating with high bow angle.

 Exhausts from other vessels in confined

areas.

 Operating with canvas tops and side

curtains in place without ventilation.

KC-0461M

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas produced by all engines and fuel
burning appliances. Even with the best boat design and construction, plus the utmost care
in inspection, operation, and maintenance, hazardous levels of CO may still be present in
accommodation spaces under certain conditions. To reduce CO accumulation, always
ventilate the boat interior and avoid boating situations which cause increased exposure.

EXTREME HAZARD – Carbon monoxide gas (CO) is colorless,
odorless and extremely dangerous. All engines and fuel
burning appliances produce CO as exhaust. Direct and
prolonged exposure to CO will cause BRAIN DAMAGE or
DEATH. Signs of exposure to CO include nausea, dizziness
and drowsiness. Sources of CO include:

1-7

Warning

Warning

Operation By Minors

If your boat will be operated by a minor, remember to have an adult present at all times.
Many states have laws regarding minimum age and licensing requirements for minors.
Contact state and local authorities for special requirements that may apply in your area.

Passenger Safety

Any time you take your boat out, make sure that there is at least one other passenger
aboard who is familiar with the operation of your boat. Passengers should be well aware
of emergency equipment and shown how to use it. Passengers should also keep hands
and feet in the boat and be safely seated while the boat is in motion.

Your boat should never be operated while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Reaction times can be reduced and judgment affected creating situations that can be very
dangerous.

Federal and state laws prohibit operating a boat under the
influence of alcohol and other drugs. These regulations are
actively enforced. Impaired operation may result in severe
personal injury or death.

Basic Rules Of The Road

The nautical rules of the road must be followed to prevent
collisions between vessels. Like traffic laws for automobiles,
the operator is legally required to follow the rules.

The following information outlines only the most basic of the nautical rules of the road.
For more information, contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Aids to Navigation

Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are the signposts of the
waterway. There are 2 primary marking systems in use in the U.S.; the Uniform State
Waterway Marking System (USWMS) used on inland waters and maintained by each
state, and the Federal Waterway Marking System (FWMS) used on coastal waters and
rivers and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). In addition, the FWMS has two
modified systems; Western River Buoyage, and Intracoastal Waterway Buoyage. Be sure
to check with local authorities on the buoyage system in use.

The type of hazard/warning buoys and markers depends on the area of jurisdiction. Check
with local boating authorities.

KC-0320

BOATS STAY OUT!

OPTIONAL
WORDING

KC-0300

OPTIONAL
WORDING

DANGER – KEEP CLEAR

ROCK

1-8

KC-0310

5



MPH

OBEY – CONTROLLED AREA!

KC-0330

BOATER’S INFORMATION

USWMS System

In the USWMS Lateral System, well defined channels are marked with red and black
buoys. Lateral means the sides of the channel are marked and the boat should pass
between them.

The USWMS Cardinal System is used when there is no well defined channel or where an
obstruction may be approached from more than one direction. With the cardinal system:

• Pass north or east of BLACK-TOPPED WHITE buoy.

• Pass south or west of RED-TOPPED WHITE buoy.

• RED and WHITE VERTICALLY STRIPED buoy indicates boat should pass
outside of the buoy (away from shore).

Uniform State Regulatory Markers

USWMS regulatory markers are white with international orange geometric shapes; you
must obey regulatory markers.

1-9

UNLIGHTED

BELL BUOY

LIGHTED BUOY

CAN BUOY

SPAR BUOY

NUN BUOY

KC-0420

STARBOARD

DAY

MARKER

KC-0440

PORT

DAY

MARKER

SPHERICAL SAFE

WATER MARKER

KC-0430

FWMS System

The FWMS Lateral System is for use on navigable waters except Western Rivers and
Intracoastal Waterways.

The markings on these buoys are oriented from the perspective of being entered from
seaward (the boater is going towards the port). This means that red buoys are passed on the
starboard (right) side of the vessel when proceeding from open water into port, and green
buoys to the port (left) side.

The right side (starboard) of the channel is marked with RED, even numbered buoys. The
left (port) side of the channel is marked with GREEN, odd numbered buoys.

The middle of the channel is marked with RED and WHITE
vertically striped buoys; pass close to these buoys.

Obstructions, channel junctions, etc. are marked with RED and
GREEN horizontally striped buoys.

A RED band at the top means the preferred channel is to the left
of the buoy; a GREEN top band means the preferred channel is
to the right of the buoy.

Day markers are colored and numbered the same as buoys.
RED, triangular day markers with even numbers mark the
starboard side of the channel. GREEN, square day markers
with odd numbers mark the port side of the channel.

Lights, bells and horns are used on buoys for night or poor
visibility conditions.

1-10

KC-0471

BURDENED

VESSEL

DANGER ZONE

PRIVILEGED

VESSEL

12 O'CLOCK

4 O'CLOCK

Right-Of-Way

Notice In general, boats with less maneuverability have right-of-way

over more agile craft. You must stay clear of the vessel with
right-of-way and pass to his stern.

Privileged Boats

Privileged boats have right-of-way and
can hold course and speed. Sailboats
and boats paddled or rowed have the
right-of-way over motor boats. Sailboats
under power are considered motorboats.
Small pleasure craft must yield to large
commercial boats in narrow channels.

Burdened Boats

The burdened boat is the boat that must
make whatever adjustments
to course and speed necessary to keep
out of the way of the
privileged boat.

Crossing Situation

In crossing situations, the boat to the
right from the 12 o’clock to the 4
o’clock position has the right-of­way. It must hold course and speed.
The burdened boat keeps clear and
passes behind the privileged boat.
Boats going up and down a river
have the privilege over boats
crossing the river.

Meeting Head-On

Neither boat has the right-of-way in this situation. Both boats should decrease speed,
should turn to the right, and pass port-to-port. However, if both boats are on the left side
of a channel, each vessel should sound two short horn blasts and pass starboard to
starboard.

1-11

KC-0601

PRIVILEGED

VESSEL BEING

OVERTAKEN

BURDENED

VESSEL

OVERTAKING

Overtaking

The boat that is overtaking one ahead of it is the burdened boat and must make any
adjustments necessary to keep out of the way
of the privileged boat.

The General Prudential Rule

The general prudential rule regarding right-of-way is that if a collision appears
unavoidable, neither boat has right-of-way. As prescribed in the Rules of the Road, both
boats must act to avoid collision.

Night Running

Boats operating between sunset and sunrise (hours vary by state) must use navigational
lights. Nighttime operation, especially during bad weather or fog can be dangerous. All
Rules of Road apply at night, but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats,
regardless of who has right-of-way. Protect your night vision by avoiding bright lights
and have a passenger, if possible, help keep watch for other boats, water hazards, and aids
to navigation.